Ina Garten’s Brown Butter Sage Sauce is a simple yet elegant sauce that elevates any dish with its rich, nutty flavor and aromatic sage. Perfect for drizzling over pasta, gnocchi, or roasted vegetables, this sauce is quick to prepare but delivers a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
What is Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce?
Ina Garten’s Brown Butter Sage Sauce is a classic Italian-inspired sauce made by browning butter until it develops a deep, nutty flavor, then infusing it with fresh sage leaves. The result is a fragrant, savory sauce that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, adding richness and complexity with just a few simple ingredients.
Other Ina Garten Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This sauce can be made in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Versatile: It pairs well with a wide range of dishes, from pasta to roasted meats and vegetables.
- Rich and Nutty Flavor: The process of browning the butter brings out a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the taste of any dish.
- Elegant Presentation: The fragrant sage and golden-brown butter create a visually appealing sauce that adds a gourmet touch to your plate.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just butter, sage, and a hint of seasoning, this sauce is both simple and flavorful.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 8-10 fresh sage leaves
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
Equipment
- Small Saucepan: For browning the butter and infusing the sage.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the sauce.
- Knife: To finely chop the sage if desired.
- Zester or Grater: For zesting the lemon (if using).
Instructions to Make Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce
- Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Allow it to cook until it starts to foam, and then watch closely as it begins to brown. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Infuse with Sage: Once the butter has reached a golden-brown color and a nutty aroma, add the fresh sage leaves. Let the sage sizzle in the butter for about 1-2 minutes until crisp.
- Season the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat and season the sauce with salt to taste. You can also add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper if desired.
- Add Lemon Zest (Optional): For a touch of brightness, stir in the zest of one lemon just before serving.
- Serve: Drizzle the brown butter sage sauce over your favorite pasta, gnocchi, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately.
What Goes Well With Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce
- Gnocchi: The soft, pillowy texture of gnocchi pairs perfectly with the rich, nutty flavor of the sauce.
- Ravioli: Especially butternut squash or mushroom ravioli, which complements the earthy flavor of the sage.
- Pasta: Simple pasta like fettuccine or pappardelle works well with this sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle over roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts for a delicious side dish.
- Chicken or Pork: Use the sauce as a finishing touch for pan-seared chicken breasts or pork chops.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce
- Watch the Butter Closely: Brown butter can go from perfect to burnt very quickly, so keep a close eye on it as it cooks.
- Use Fresh Sage: Fresh sage leaves provide the best flavor and texture. Dried sage doesn’t have the same impact.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference, but be mindful that the butter itself adds a natural richness.
- Serve Immediately: Brown butter sauce is best when served fresh, as it may solidify slightly as it cools.
Variations of Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce
- Garlic Brown Butter Sage: Add a clove of minced garlic to the butter just before it begins to brown for an added layer of flavor.
- Nutty Brown Butter Sage: Toss in a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy texture and extra nuttiness.
- Citrus Brown Butter Sage: Increase the lemon zest or add a splash of lemon juice for a brighter, more citrus-forward sauce.
- Cheesy Brown Butter Sage: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Storing Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce: Best Practices
- Refrigerate Properly: If you have any leftover sauce, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before using.
- Avoid Freezing: Brown butter sauce is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well, as the texture can change when thawed.
Reheating Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce: Best Practices
- Stovetop Method: Reheat the sauce gently over low heat, stirring constantly to maintain its smooth consistency.
- Microwave Method: Reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid separation.
How Can I Make Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce Healthier?
- Use Less Butter: Reduce the amount of butter used to lighten the sauce without losing too much flavor.
- Try Olive Oil: Substitute part of the butter with olive oil for a healthier fat alternative.
- Add Vegetables: Serve the sauce over roasted vegetables or whole wheat pasta to increase the nutritional value of the dish.
- Limit the Salt: Use unsalted butter and add just a pinch of salt to control the sodium content.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
FAQs
How do I prevent Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce from burning?
To prevent the sauce from burning, keep the heat at medium and stir the butter continuously as it browns. Once the butter reaches a golden-brown color and a nutty aroma, remove it from the heat immediately.
Can I make Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce ahead of time?
While this sauce is best enjoyed fresh, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
What dishes pair best with Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce?
This sauce pairs beautifully with dishes like gnocchi, ravioli, simple pasta, roasted vegetables, and pan-seared chicken or pork. Its rich, nutty flavor enhances the taste of these foods without overpowering them.
Can I add other herbs to Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce?
Yes, you can experiment with adding other herbs like thyme or rosemary. However, sage is the star of this sauce, so keep any additions subtle to maintain its signature flavor.
Final Words
Ina Garten’s Brown Butter Sage Sauce is a simple yet sophisticated sauce that transforms ordinary dishes into something extraordinary. With its rich, nutty flavor and fragrant sage, this sauce is a must-try for anyone looking to add a gourmet touch to their meals. Whether drizzled over pasta, gnocchi, or roasted vegetables, this sauce is sure to impress. Enjoy the simplicity and elegance of this classic sauce, and don’t hesitate to share it with friends and family!
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Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Ina Garten’s Brown Butter Sage Sauce is a classic Italian-inspired sauce made by browning butter until it develops a deep, nutty flavor, then infusing it with fresh sage leaves. The result is a fragrant, savory sauce that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, adding richness and complexity with just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 8–10 fresh sage leaves
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Allow it to cook until it starts to foam, and then watch closely as it begins to brown. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Infuse with Sage: Once the butter has reached a golden-brown color and a nutty aroma, add the fresh sage leaves. Let the sage sizzle in the butter for about 1-2 minutes until crisp.
- Season the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and season the sauce with salt to taste. You can also add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper if desired.
- Add Lemon Zest (Optional): For a touch of brightness, stir in the zest of one lemon just before serving.
- Serve: Drizzle the brown butter sage sauce over your favorite pasta, gnocchi, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately.
