roux
masculine
The English word roux is translated into Italian as roux.
In Italian, roux refers to a mixture of fat, typically butter and flour used to thicken stews and sauces. While the French-derived term is used, you can also use the phrase base di burro e farina in informal contexts to describe this butter and flour base.
Meaning: mixture of fat (usually butter) and flour used to thicken sauces and stews (noun)
Did you know?
- The concept of a roux is central to the preparation of besciamella, one of the most iconic white sauces in Italian cuisine.
- In some Italian culinary texts, a roux is referred to as a legante, which literally translates to 'binder'.
- Unlike the English 'roux', which is almost always pronounced with a French-style 'roo' sound, an Italian speaker might pronounce the borrowed word following Italian phonetic rules if they are unfamiliar with the French origin.
Examples in context
- La salsa bianca richiede una base di roux per essere realizzata correttamente.The white sauce requires a roux base to be made correctly.
- Prepara la tua base di burro e farina per ottenere un sugo delizioso.Prepare your roux to obtain a delicious sauce.
- Il roux è fondamentale per la salsa.The roux is fundamental for the sauce.
- Devi cuocere bene il roux.You must cook the roux well.
- Ho preparato un roux leggero.I prepared a light roux.
Example conversation
In a professional kitchen, a chef is instructing an assistant.
- SofiaLorenzo, prepara subito un roux.Lorenzo, prepare a roux immediately.
- LorenzoSì, Sofia, lo preparo subito.Yes, Sofia, I will prepare it right away.
- SofiaAttenzione a non bruciare il roux.Be careful not to burn the roux.
- LorenzoNon preoccuparti, lo farò con cura.Don't worry, I will do it carefully.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “roux” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
