Beurre manié (French "kneaded butter") is a paste, consisting of equal parts by volume of soft butter and flour, used to thicken soups and sauces. By kneading the flour and butter together, the flour particles are coated in butter. When the beurre manié is whisked into a hot or warm liquid, the butter melts, releasing the flour particles without creating lumps. Beurre manié is similar to, but should not be confused with a roux, which is also a thickener made of equal parts of sometimes clarified butter or many other oils and flour, but is cooked before use. Beurre manié is also used as a finishing step for sauces, imparting a smooth, shiny texture prior to service. See also Roux Starch Thickening agent Corn starch Arrowroot Waxy maize Bread crumbs Starch gelatinization References Edible thickening agents