Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. One of the highlights of the Thanksgiving feast is undoubtedly the turkey, but what can take your bird from good to extraordinary? A perfect homemade turkey gravy that adds richness and depth to every bite. In this post, we'll walk you through a foolproof recipe for making the best homemade turkey gravy that will elevate your Thanksgiving dinner.
Why Make Homemade Gravy?
Store-bought gravy can be convenient, but nothing beats the flavor and texture of a homemade gravy. Here are a few reasons to make your own:
- Customization: You can adjust flavors to your liking.
- Quality Ingredients: Control over the ingredients ensures a healthier, more flavorful product.
- Authenticity: There’s a special touch when you make something from scratch.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather your ingredients:
- 2 cups of turkey stock (or chicken stock as a substitute)
- Pan drippings from your roasted turkey
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- Salt, pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Turkey Stock | 2 cups |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Flour | 4 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Herbs | Optional |
Steps to Make Homemade Turkey Gravy
Here are the steps to create a rich and delicious homemade gravy:
1. Prepare the Stock
If you haven’t already, make or heat up your turkey or chicken stock. This will form the base of your gravy.
2. Collect the Drippings
After roasting your turkey, pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a bowl or cup, skimming off the fat to save for cooking or discard. You’ll use this flavorful liquid to enrich your gravy.
🔔 Note: If your turkey didn’t produce much dripping, you can enhance your gravy with a splash of white wine or additional stock.
3. Make a Roux
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously to prevent lumps. Cook this mixture, or roux, until it turns golden brown, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for a smooth, thick gravy.
4. Add Stock and Drippings
Gradually whisk in the turkey stock and the skimmed drippings, ensuring no lumps form. Stir until the roux and liquids are well combined.
5. Cook and Season
Let the gravy simmer gently for about 5-10 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Season with salt and pepper, tasting as you go. If using herbs, stir them in now for an aromatic flavor boost.
6. Final Adjustments
If your gravy is too thick, you can thin it with more stock or water. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a little longer or add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water).
Your homemade turkey gravy should now be ready to serve. It's the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and more.
🔔 Note: If the gravy seems to separate or form a skin, simply whisk it back together before serving.
Wrap Up
Preparing homemade turkey gravy is simpler than you might think, yet it brings a level of sophistication to your holiday meal that is sure to impress your guests. From customizing flavors to ensuring quality, every spoonful of this gravy enhances the flavors of your turkey and sides, making your Thanksgiving feast memorable. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and revel in the compliments that follow!
Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
+
Absolutely! You can make the gravy ahead of time and either reheat it when needed or freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure to skim off any fat that solidifies on top when reheating.
What if I don’t have turkey drippings?
+
If you’re missing turkey drippings, you can use chicken stock and enhance it with a bit of turkey or chicken bouillon or a mix of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce for depth.
How can I fix overly thick or thin gravy?
+
For thick gravy, add more stock or water. For thin gravy, cook longer or add a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
