Tips for Making Homemade Gravy
With the holiday season upon us, we bet you can already smell the roasted turkey in the oven or taste the creamy mashed potatoes with salty bacon bits! Nothing says the holidays quite like nostalgia and comfort of delicious organic food.
When you buy your Organic Prairie® Turkey, you can be sure that homemade gravy is a must! Making the best gravy involves a few key steps and tips, but there’s nothing like homemade gravy. So, we’re diving into tips for making homemade gravy this holiday season!
Ingredients:
- Organic Prairie® Turkey
- Pan drippings or fat from roasted turkey
- Flour (or cornstarch if you're gluten free)
- Stock or broth (chicken, beef, vegetable, or turkey)
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: herbs (like thyme or sage), garlic, onion, or wine for extra flavor
Steps and Tips:
- Use Pan Drippings:
- After roasting your turkey, use the drippings (the fat and juices left in the pan) as the base for your gravy. This adds rich, savory flavor!
- If there’s too much fat, skim some off. You want about 1/4 cup of fat for every 2 cups of gravy.
- Make a Roux:
- Combine equal parts fat (from the drippings) and flour. Cook this mixture in a small saucepan over medium heat until it turns a light golden color. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
- Cooking the flour removes the raw taste and helps to thicken the gravy naturally.
- If you are gluten free, you can substitute the flour for cornstarch, but you’ll need to use much less. Use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water for every 1 cup of drippings.
- Add Liquid Gradually:
- Over medium heat, add about 2 cups of stock for every 1/4 cup of roux (fat and flour mixture).
- Slowly whisk in your chosen stock or broth. Start with a small amount and whisk constantly to avoid lumps. Gradually add the rest of the liquid while continuing to whisk.
- Simmer and Thicken:
- Reduce the heat to a simmer, stirring frequently. The gravy will start to thicken as it heats.
- If the gravy is too thick, just add more stock or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce or add in a mixture of 1 tablespoon of flour (or cornstarch) and 1 tablespoon of water.
- Season to Taste:
- Season with salt and pepper. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of wine, a bit of garlic or onion powder, or fresh herbs like thyme or sage.
- Strain for a Smooth Texture:
- If you want a very smooth gravy, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving. This removes any lumps or bits of meat and herbs.
- Keep Warm:
- Gravy thickens as it cools, so keep it warm until you’re ready to serve. If it gets too thick, you can thin it with a bit of warm stock or water.
Additional Tips:
- Avoid Lumps: Always add the liquid slowly and whisk constantly to prevent lumps. If you do get lumps, use an immersion blender to smooth them out.
- Flavor Variations: Customize your gravy with different flavors. Add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for umami, or a bit of cream for a richer texture.
- Keep it Warm: Keep gravy warm before serving so it doesn’t cool and harden too much.
With these tips, you’ll be able to make a delicious, smooth, and flavorful gravy every time! Nothing beats a homemade gravy paired with Organic Prairie® Turkey, Bacon Mashed Potatoes, and a salad for a simple, flavorful holiday dinner.
