Description
Homemade turkey gravy elevates holiday meals with rich, velvety goodness. Silky smooth and packed with savory flavor, this classic sauce brings comfort and tradition to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) turkey drippings or turkey broth
- 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
Seasoning Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Flavor Enhancers:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon fresh or dried thyme
Instructions
- After roasting the turkey, carefully transfer the pan drippings into a measuring container, allowing the liquid to settle for a few moments.
- Gently remove the excess fat layer that rises to the surface of the drippings using a spoon or ladle.
- If the drippings volume is insufficient, supplement with prepared turkey stock to achieve the required liquid quantity.
- Select a medium saucepan and place it over moderate heat, melting the butter until it becomes smooth and slightly bubbling.
- Gradually incorporate the flour into the melted butter, whisking continuously to create a uniform, golden-colored roux.
- Cook the roux mixture, stirring persistently to prevent scorching, until it develops a rich, nutty aroma and transforms to a light caramel hue.
- Slowly stream the reserved drippings or turkey stock into the roux, maintaining a constant whisking motion to ensure a silky, lump-free texture.
- Introduce the seasonings – salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme – stirring to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Reduce the heat and allow the gravy to simmer, periodically stirring to prevent sticking and promote even thickening.
- Once the gravy reaches a desirable consistency, perform a taste test and adjust the seasoning profile as needed.
- If the gravy appears too dense, gradually thin it by incorporating additional turkey stock until the desired viscosity is achieved.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the warm, aromatic gravy to a serving vessel, ready to complement roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, or traditional stuffing.
Notes
- Collect every last drop of flavor from turkey drippings by letting them cool slightly, allowing fat to separate easily for a cleaner, more intense gravy base.
- Create a foolproof roux by cooking flour and butter until it reaches a golden-tan color, which develops a rich, nutty undertone without burning.
- Whisk continuously and gradually when adding liquid to prevent lumpy gravy, ensuring a smooth, silky texture that coats your favorite dishes perfectly.
- Customize your gravy by experimenting with herbs like rosemary or sage, or add a splash of white wine for depth and complexity that elevates the traditional recipe.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg