Turkey Gravy
There’s nothing quite like a warm, rich sauce to elevate your meal, and that’s precisely what this Turkey Gravy offers. Growing up, my family would gather around the dinner table on Thanksgiving, and the highlight wasn’t just the turkey, but the velvety gravy slathered on everything! I remember my grandmother standing over the stove, her secret techniques and a sprinkle of love transforming simple ingredients into something magical. This Turkey Gravy is made without drippings, which means anyone can whip it up any time of year, not just during the holidays. If you’ve ever found yourself with leftover turkey stock or just craved a creamy sauce to accompany your mashed potatoes, then this recipe is going to be your new best friend.
Making Turkey Gravy is not just straightforward; it’s also incredibly satisfying. The aroma of melting butter and flour wafting through the kitchen is bound to bring everyone running. You’ll be surprised by how easily this dish comes together, bringing a rich, savory flavor that enhances whatever it touches. Each bite feels like a warm hug, wrapping you in nostalgia and comfort. So, let’s not wait for Thanksgiving to enjoy this classic. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!
Recipe Snapshot
20 mins
10 mins
10 mins
Easy
150 kcal
2 g
Paleo, Whole30, Vegan
12 g
Saucepan, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon, Chef’s Knife, Whisk, Mixing Bowl
Why Try This Turkey Gravy
It’s Easy to Make
I absolutely love that this Turkey Gravy can be made with ingredients you likely already have on hand. It requires just a handful of everyday items, making it an accessible option for anyone looking to add a little flair to their meals. No need to wait for special occasions; this gravy is perfect for weeknight dinners too!
Perfect for Leftovers
After the holidays, I often find myself with containers of turkey stock hanging around. This recipe is a fantastic way to utilize that stock, reducing waste while also creating something delicious. You can take those leftover holiday flavors and bring them back to life in a new and exciting way!
A Versatile Sauce
What I adore about Turkey Gravy is its versatility. It’s not just for turkey; you can use it across a variety of dishes! Pour it over mashed potatoes, drizzle it on roasted vegetables, or even use it as a sauce for chicken. The possibilities are endless, and it’s a great way to get creative in the kitchen.
Great Texture
Perfecting the consistency of gravy can be tricky, but this recipe ensures a smooth and creamy result. By whisking the flour slowly into the melted butter, you avoid lumps and achieve that perfect texture. It’s rich and velvety, making every bite feel indulgent.
Year-Round Enjoyment
This Turkey Gravy isn’t just a holiday treat; it brings warmth and comfort any time of the year. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply craving something comforting, it’s an easy way to elevate your meals any day of the week.
Ingredients for Turkey Gravy
The magic of Turkey Gravy lies in its simple yet effective ingredients. Each element plays a vital role in building flavor and consistency. The combination of butter and flour creates a roux, the base that gives the gravy its signature thickness, while the turkey stock provides that deep, robust flavor we all crave.
- 1/4 cup butter – This is your base for the roux. It adds richness and flavor to the gravy.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – This helps thicken the gravy to a silky smooth consistency.
- 2 1/2 cups turkey stock – The star ingredient that imparts the signature turkey flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped – This adds a touch of freshness and color to your gravy.
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper – A little spice to enhance the flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
Recipe Directions for Turkey Gravy
Creating your Turkey Gravy is quite enjoyable and straightforward. Follow these steps to bring your sauce to life!
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Watch it carefully as it melts; you want it to be bubbly but not burnt. This is the foundation of your gravy, so take your time and enjoy the moment!
- Add the flour gradually to the melted butter, whisking constantly. This is where you’re making the roux, and it should start to come together. Keep stirring for about two minutes. The mixture will turn a lovely golden color, and you’ll notice a nutty aroma filling your kitchen.
- Slowly pour in the turkey stock while whisking vigorously. This is critical to avoid lumps. As you whisk, you’ll notice the mixture begin to thicken. Continue to stir until it reaches a simmer.
- Add the fresh parsley, ground pepper, and salt to the pot. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients fully. The aroma will be heavenly, and you can almost taste the deliciousness!
- Let the gravy simmer gently for about five minutes. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. You want it to thicken nicely but remain smooth.
- Once the gravy has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. You can strain it if you prefer a super smooth texture, but that’s totally optional. Just taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the Turkey Gravy warm over your favorite dishes. Whether it’s mashed potatoes, turkey, or roasted veggies, this sauce will elevate your meal!
Things Worth Knowing
- Whisking is Key: Always whisk the flour into the melted butter slowly to avoid lumps. This technique is crucial for a smooth gravy.
- Consistency Check: If your gravy is too thick, add a little more turkey stock or water to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer!
- Storing Gravy: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The gravy will thicken as it cools.
- Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of turkey stock to bring it back to life, as it may thicken further in the fridge.
- Flavor Boost: Feel free to experiment by adding a splash of your favorite herbs like thyme or sage for an extra flavor boost!
Variations to Try
If you’re looking to switch things up, there are plenty of fun variations you can try with this Turkey Gravy. It’s a versatile recipe, and I love getting creative!
- Storage: To store leftovers, make sure to place the gravy in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days.
- Freezing: You can freeze Turkey Gravy for up to three months. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Pairing: This gravy goes wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, or even drizzled over vegetables for a comforting side dish.
- Herbal Twist: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile. Just a teaspoon can make a big difference!
- Make it Creamy: For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end of cooking.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for those who like a little heat.
What to Serve With Turkey Gravy
When it comes to serving Turkey Gravy, the options are nearly limitless. Here are some of my favorite pairings that truly shine!
- Mashed Potatoes: Nothing beats the classic duo of fluffy mashed potatoes and rich gravy. The creamy potatoes soak up the gravy, creating a comforting dish.
- Roasted Chicken: This gravy is perfect for drizzling over roasted chicken, enhancing its flavors and adding moisture.
- Stuffing or Dressing: Pour this gravy over your stuffing for a Thanksgiving-inspired flavor explosion any time of year.
- Vegetables: Try it over steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for an added depth of flavor.
- Biscuits: Use the Turkey Gravy as a topping on warm biscuits for a satisfying breakfast or brunch.
- Thanksgiving Dishes: Of course, this gravy shines during Thanksgiving, making it a perfect match for turkey and cranberry sauce.
FAQ
Conclusion
This Turkey Gravy is truly something special, bringing warmth and comfort to any meal. With its rich flavor and smooth texture, it’s an easy way to elevate your dishes, whether it’s for a holiday feast or a regular weeknight dinner. I encourage you to give it a try – you won’t regret it, and your taste buds will thank you!
Turkey Gravy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk the flour into the melted butter. Allow this mixture to cook for two minutes, making sure you are stirring to prevent it from burning.
- Slowly whisk in the turkey stock, parsley, pepper, and salt. Allow the mixture to come up to a simmer while stirring. Serve warm.
Notes
- Tip 1: To avoid lumps, make sure that you add the turkey stock slowly while whisking constantly. A little at a time makes a big difference in creating a smooth gravy.
- Tip 2: Store turkey gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. This gravy, like most, will thicken up when refrigerated.
- Tip 3: This gravy is great year round; feel free to replace the turkey stock with chicken or beef stock.
