Velvety, Buttery, Tangy: Hollandaise and Béarnaise Uncovered
In this Saucy September episode of Fabulously Delicious, The French Food Podcast, we dive into the silky, buttery, tangy world of two of France’s most iconic sauces: Hollandaise and Béarnaise. These classic emulsions have been staples of French cuisine for centuries, gracing everything from delicate vegetables and poached fish to rich, juicy steaks. But beyond their velvety textures and irresistible flavors lies a fascinating story of culinary tradition, innovation, and technique.
We begin with Hollandaise, one of the five French “mother sauces” codified by Auguste Escoffier. Though its name means “Dutch sauce,” Hollandaise was popularized in France and quickly became a cornerstone of haute cuisine. This luxurious sauce is crafted from egg yolks, clarified butter, and lemon juice, whisked together into a smooth, glossy emulsion. Loved for its delicate balance of richness and acidity, Hollandaise is a must-have for dishes like eggs Benedict, asparagus, and salmon, and it remains a hallmark of French culinary training.
Next, we explore Béarnaise, Hollandaise’s bold and herbaceous cousin. Said to be created in 1836 by chef Jean-Louis-François Collinet at Le Pavillon Henri IV in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Béarnaise swaps lemon juice for a fragrant reduction of white wine, shallots, tarragon, and chervil. The result is a sauce with aromatic depth and a tangy edge, perfectly suited for steak, grilled meats, and vegetables. Its association with French steakhouse culture has made Béarnaise a true gastronomic classic that continues to shine on menus across France.
Along the way, we uncover how these sauces became symbols of French gastronomy, their influence on fine dining, and even their playful appearance in pop culture — like Mel Brooks’ History of the World, Part I with the famous line, “Don’t be saucy with me, Béarnaise!” Whether you’re a curious foodie, a home cook eager to master the classics, or simply someone who loves a good drizzle of sauce, this episode is packed with history, flavor, and that signature French flair.
My book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City is your ultimate companion. You’ll find hand-picked recommendations for the best boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, cafés, and restaurants that truly capture the flavor of Paris. You can order it online at andrewpriorfabulously.com
For those who want to take things further, why not come cook with me here in Montmorillon, in the heart of France’s Vienne region? Combine hands-on French cooking classes with exploring charming markets, tasting regional specialties, and soaking up the slow, beautiful pace of French countryside life. Find all the details at andrewpriorfabulously.com
You can help keep the show thriving by becoming a monthly supporter. Your support helps me create more episodes celebrating French food, history & culture. Here's the listener support link. Every contribution makes a huge difference. Merci beaucoup!
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.