How to Make Delicious Turkey Gravy from Scratch

Turkey gravy is a delicious addition to any holiday meal, and it’s easy to prepare even if you’re not an experienced cook. Making gravy from scratch can be intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple and only requires a few basic ingredients. With a little bit of patience and practice, you’ll be able to make a rich, flavorful turkey gravy from scratch that will wow your guests.

First things first, make sure you have the right ingredients on hand before you get started. You’ll need the drippings from your turkey, some flour, chicken or turkey broth, and any seasonings you’d like to add. The key to a great gravy is starting with a good base, which means using high-quality broth and allowing the drippings to cool and separate before you add them to the pot. Once you have everything you need, just follow these simple steps to make a delicious gravy that will elevate your holiday meal to the next level!

Introduction:

Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners wouldn’t be complete without a rich, succulent turkey gravy to pour over the bird and all the trimmings. But making a delicious turkey gravy from scratch can be a challenge, especially for those who are new to cooking. Fortunately, once you know how to make homemade turkey gravy, it will become second nature to you. In this article, we’ll show you step-by-step how to make a tasty turkey gravy that’s sure to impress your guests!

Subheading 1: Gather Your Ingredients –

The first step in making turkey gravy is to gather all the necessary ingredients. You’ll need pan drippings (fat and browned bits from the roasted turkey), all-purpose flour, chicken or turkey broth, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and herbs. If you don’t have pan drippings, you can use butter or another type of fat.

Subheading 2: Skim the Fat –

If you’re using pan drippings, you’ll need to separate the fat from the browned bits. The easiest way to do this is to let the drippings cool slightly so that the fat rises to the top. Then, use a gravy separator or a spoon to skim off the fat.

Subheading 3: Make a Roux –

Once you’ve separated the fat, it’s time to make a roux. A roux is a mixture of fat and flour that thickens the gravy. In a saucepan, melt the fat over medium heat and whisk in an equal amount of flour. Cook the roux for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a golden brown color.

Subheading 4: Add Broth –

Next, slowly whisk in the broth, making sure there are no lumps. You can use chicken or turkey broth, or even water if you don’t have any broth on hand. Keep whisking until the mixture comes to a boil.

Subheading 5: Season the Gravy –

Once the gravy has boiled, lower the heat and add your seasonings. Start with a pinch of salt and pepper, and then add herbs such as thyme, sage, or rosemary to taste. Be careful not to over-season the gravy, as you can always add more later.

Subheading 6: Simmer the Gravy –

Simmer the gravy over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, you can add more broth to thin it out.

Subheading 7: Strain the Gravy –

Once the gravy has thickened, strain it through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any lumps or bits of herbs. This will give your gravy a smooth, velvety texture.

Subheading 8: Adjust the Seasoning –

Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. If the gravy is too salty, you can balance it out with a bit of sugar or honey.

Subheading 9: Serve and Enjoy! –

Finally, it’s time to serve your homemade turkey gravy! Pour it over your roasted turkey and your favorite sides. Your guests are sure to be impressed by your culinary skills!

Subheading 10: Tips and Tricks –

Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure that your turkey gravy turns out perfectly every time:

– Use a whisk to stir the gravy, as this will help prevent lumps.
– If the gravy is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of water or broth.
– If the gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it for a bit longer or by adding a bit more roux.
– Be sure to taste the gravy as you go, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
– If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought broth and skip the step of separating the fat from the drippings.
– Leftover gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Choosing the Right Pan for Your Gravy

In order to make the perfect turkey gravy, you need to choose the right pan for the job. A pan that is too small will lead to overcrowding and uneven cooking, while a pan that is too large will result in sparse drippings and burned bits. Here are some tips for choosing the right pan:

Size Matters

Your roasting pan should be large enough to hold your turkey and all of its drippings, but not so large that the drippings are spread too thinly. A good rule of thumb is to choose a pan that is at least two inches deep, and that is large enough to hold your turkey comfortably without being too crowded.

The Shape of the Pan

The shape of the pan is also important for making perfect gravy. A shallow, wide pan will allow the drippings to evaporate too quickly, resulting in a thin gravy. A deep, narrow pan will retain too much moisture and result in a watery gravy. The ideal pan for making turkey gravy is one that is deep enough to hold the drippings, but not so deep that the gravy takes too long to reduce.

The Material of the Pan

The material of your roasting pan is also important. A heavy, sturdy pan that conducts heat well is best for roasting turkey. Stainless steel is a popular choice because it is durable, conducts heat well, and is non-reactive. Other options include cast iron, which retains heat well, and aluminum, which conducts heat evenly.

Avoid Non-Stick Coatings

When choosing a pan for making turkey gravy, avoid pans with non-stick coatings. These coatings can break down at high temperatures and release toxic fumes. They can also interfere with the formation of a good gravy by preventing the drippings from sticking to the pan.

Elevate Your Turkey

Finally, it’s a good idea to elevate your turkey by using a roasting rack or a bed of vegetables. Elevating your turkey will allow the heat to circulate more evenly around the bird, which will result in more even cooking and better drippings for your gravy. If you don’t have a roasting rack, you can use a layer of celery, carrots, and onions to elevate your bird and add flavor to the drippings.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pan for making turkey gravy is essential for achieving the perfect flavor and consistency. By following these tips, you can select a pan that is just right for your turkey, and make delicious, flavorful gravy that will elevate your Thanksgiving feast to new heights.

The Steps to Make Turkey Gravy from Scratch

Making turkey gravy requires that you understand the right ingredients and the steps to follow. Below are five subheadings that cover everything you need to know:

Ingredients

The ingredients used to make turkey gravy are simple and can easily be found in your kitchen. To make enough gravy for six people, you will need:

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to make delicious turkey gravy:

1. Pour turkey drippings into a saucepan, then heat over medium-high heat.

2. Whisk in flour and cook for about two minutes, stirring constantly.

3. Add chicken or turkey broth slowly while whisking to avoid lumps.

4. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer.

5. Stirring continuously, simmer the gravy for about five minutes.

6. Add heavy cream, salt, and black pepper, then mix well and let it cook for another two minutes.

7. Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning to your taste.

Variations

You can also vary the flavor of your gravy by adding other herbs and seasonings, such as:

– Garlic
– Rosemary
– Sage
– Thyme

You can also use soy sauce for a more savory flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Turkey gravy is a perfect accompaniment to turkey, potatoes, and other Thanksgiving dishes. Pour the gravy over sliced turkey and mashed potatoes to add tons of flavor.

Storing Leftover Gravy

You can store leftover turkey gravy in an airtight container in your fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze the gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To reheat the leftover gravy, add a little water or broth to thin it out and then reheat it in the microwave or the stove.

Time to Get Your Gravy On!

Now that you know how to make a delicious and flavorful turkey gravy, it’s time to get cooking! Remember to use the drippings from your roasted turkey and don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your perfect gravy. Thanks for reading this article and we hope you found it helpful. Make sure to visit our website again for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Happy Thanksgiving!