Final answer:
Roux should be cooked before usage to enhance its flavor and thicken the sauce or soup.
Step-by-step explanation:
Roux should be cooked before usage for several reasons:
- To enhance its flavor: Cooking the roux helps to develop a rich, nutty flavor that adds depth to the sauce or soup.
- To thicken the sauce or soup: Cooking the roux allows the flour in it to absorb liquid and form a thickening agent, helping to achieve the desired consistency.
Overall, cooking roux is an important step in many recipes as it helps to enhance flavor and thicken sauces or soups.