Horseradish Sauce
To prepare a delicious sauce, we start by melting 100 grams of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. The butter will begin to melt, and its aroma will fill the room, setting the stage for a savory sauce. Once the butter has completely melted and starts to sizzle slightly, we add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch or, alternatively, 2 tablespoons of flour. This is the moment when we will create a roux, mixing vigorously with a spatula or whisk to avoid lumps.
After about 2-3 minutes of constant stirring, when the mixture takes on a golden hue, we begin to deglaze with 250 milliliters of cooking cream, stirring continuously. It is important to add the cream gradually to achieve a smooth and homogeneous texture. Then, we also add 100 milliliters of water, which will help thin the sauce and achieve an ideal consistency.
We let the mixture simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken, which will take about 5-7 minutes. At this point, we add 2-3 tablespoons of grated horseradish, which will give the sauce a spicy note and an unmistakable flavor. It is essential to taste the sauce and adjust the salt level to preference.
If you want to add a note of acidity, you can add a tablespoon of vinegar, which will perfectly balance the flavors. Also, a pinch of sugar can help counterbalance the taste of the horseradish, providing a subtle sweetness. Personally, I chose not to add either vinegar or sugar, allowing the sauce to embrace the purity of its flavors.
After achieving the desired consistency and letting the sauce simmer for a few more minutes, I turned off the stove and let the sauce cool slightly. This creamy horseradish sauce is perfect to be served over slices of baked ham, bringing a delicious contrast between the smoky flavors of the meat and the spiciness of the sauce. Make sure to serve it warm to highlight all its flavors. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of butter, food starch (flour) as needed to form a slightly thicker sauce, 2 tablespoons of sour cream, 2-3 tablespoons of extra hot horseradish (the amount varies according to individual taste), salt, sugar (optional), vinegar (optional)