Description
Brown Butter Sage Sauce is a classic Italian sauce made by gently browning butter until it turns nutty and aromatic, then adding fresh sage leaves and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. The sauce is rich and earthy, with the crispy sage adding both texture and flavor. It’s commonly paired with pasta, especially gnocchi, but it also works well with roasted vegetables or drizzled over fish or chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 12 fresh sage leaves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Butter
- Melt the butter: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Cook until browned: Continue to cook the butter, stirring occasionally. After 3-5 minutes, the butter will begin to foam, and the milk solids will turn golden brown, giving off a nutty aroma. Watch carefully to avoid burning the butter.
Step 2: Add the Sage
- Fry the sage leaves: Once the butter has browned, add the fresh sage leaves to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute, allowing the leaves to crisp up and infuse the butter with their earthy flavor.
Step 3: Finish the Sauce
- Add lemon juice: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice. This adds a bit of brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
Step 4: Serve the Sauce
- Use immediately: Drizzle the brown butter sage sauce over pasta, gnocchi, or roasted vegetables. If desired, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.