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
Scale
- 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.