Dairy-free béchamel sauce recipe

This flavoursome classic French white sauce is the base for many savoury dishes including lasagne and moussaka. Using soya milk instead of milk makes no difference to the finished creamy result.

Put the onion slices in a pan. Pour in the soya milk and the water. Add the stock powder, cloves, bay leaves and nutmeg. Bring the mixture to the boil, then remove from the heat and set aside for 20 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the onion, cloves and bay leaves and discard.

In a separate saucepan, mix together the cornflour and oil until you have a smooth paste. Gradually pour in the flavoured soya milk, whisking constantly.

Place the pan on the heat. Bring to the boil, whisking the whole time, until the mixture thickens to a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and use as required.