Gravy without Grief

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve goofed up the gravy over the years.  Lumpy, bland, too thin, flavorless and everything in between – usually, of course, in front of a kitchen full of guests on Thanksgiving.  Typically I roll pretty easily with mess ups in the kitchen, but this one bugged me. My mother made it look so easy and effortless – I just had to figure it out.  After all, it’s just gravy for heavens sake – it can’t be THAT hard!

A little research and a few roasted birds later I had my “Aha” moment.  It’s really all about the roux, the ratios and a few friendly gravy-making essentials.  Who knew a little math could be so important? (Exactly what Miss Mac, my high school algebra teacher, kept telling me!)

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As you’ll see, the ratio of fat and flour to liquid along with a little patience is the secret to this easy, delicious Great Gravy. This basic recipe produces a thick, smooth flavorful gravy every time and is a breeze to customize.  If the spirit moves you – replace some of the liquid with wine or fruit juice, add your favorite herbs and spices to make it your own.  Just remember the ratios and you’ll be fine.

I wish you, your family and your friends a Happy Thanksgiving full of good food, Great Gravy, love and laughter.

Great Gravy

Gravy can be anxiety provoking - particularly on a big day like Thanksgiving. This fantastic recipe creates a smooth, flavorful gravy every time. Use it with turkey, beef, pork or chicken - as you'll see it's all about the roux and the ratios.
Servings 8 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup butter or fat from the pan
  • 1/4 cup gluten free flour blend or regular flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth or combo of pan drippings/broth
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Remove the meat from the roasting pan and pick any icky pieces of skin or gristle from the bottom of the pan. (I often add a few cups of chicken stock to my turkey or chicken while it's cooking if I notice it's not producing much liquid)
  • Pour the pan juices into a measuring cup and let sit for a few minutes - until the fat begins to separate from the juices
  • Spoon the fat off the top of the juices (as best you can, don't worry if you don't get it all) and save - add enough chicken (or turkey) stock to the juices to equal four cups
  • Place the roasting pan over medium heat (across 2 burners, if it's a large pan) and add a 1/4 cup of fat (any combination of fat from the pan and butter) to the pan and cook until melted and hot
  • Add the 1/4 cup of flour (I like the Bob's Red Mill One-to-One blend, but any good gluten free flour mix will work) Of course, regular flour works beautifully here too if you don't need it to be gluten free.
  • Turn down the heat a bit and stir the mixture constantly until the fat and flour is mixed, thick and begins to brown - 2-3 minutes (otherwise known as making a roux)
  • Add one cup of the liquid and stir like crazy
  • Continue to stir constantly until it begins to thicken - it should only be about 30 seconds
  • Add the remaining liquid one cup at a time, stir, stir, stir (are you sensing a theme here?) until the gravy is thick. Add the 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
  • If the gravy is too thick - add more chicken stock and continue to stir. If it's too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of flour blend with 1 tablespoon of water and add to the gravy. Stir until it thickens - repeat this, as needed, until the gravy is nice and thick.
  • Turn the heat down and let the gravy simmer until the flavors have melded well - 5-10 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasonings.
  • Serve the gravy with your turkey, chicken, pork or beef and enjoy. I like to use creamers rather than gravy boats when I serve gravy - that way I can place a few on the table and everyone gets hot, delicious gravy. (OK and I love creamers, so I have a boatload of them!)

 

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