Mom’s Turkey Gravy – For a Perfect Holiday Meal in Under 30 Minutes
Short introduction
Mom’s Turkey Gravy is a rich and flavorful sauce made from the drippings left after roasting turkey. It’s the perfect addition to your holiday table, elevating mashed potatoes, stuffing, and more. With its savory taste and silky texture, this homemade gravy is sure to bring comfort and warmth to your meal.
Why you’ll love it
You’ll love Mom’s Turkey Gravy for many reasons. Firstly, it adds a homemade touch to your feast, enhancing the overall flavor of your dishes. Moreover, using turkey drippings means you’re making the most of your turkey by reducing waste. This gravy is also incredibly easy to make even for beginners, requiring just a few staple ingredients. Lastly, it’s a great way to bring family and friends together as you share delicious stories around the table while enjoying your meal.
Ingredients
- Turkey drippings
- All-purpose flour
- Chicken or turkey broth
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: herbs (like thyme or sage)
Substitutions & key variations
You can substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch for a gluten-free version. If you don’t have turkey drippings, you can use chicken drippings or broth instead. Feel free to experiment with herbs based on what you enjoy. Thyme and sage work wonderfully to add extra flavor, but you can also use rosemary or parsley if you prefer those tastes.
Step-by-step
Step 1
Pour the turkey drippings into a saucepan and skim off any excess fat. This will help you achieve a smoother gravy without the greasiness.
Step 2
In a separate bowl, mix the flour with a little bit of broth to make a smooth paste. This step helps to avoid lumps in your gravy, guaranteeing a silky, even texture.
Step 3
Add the paste to the drippings over medium heat, whisking continuously. This action ensures that the flour mixes in well without clumping.
Step 4
Gradually add the remaining broth, continued whisking until you notice the gravy thickening. This step can take a few minutes, so keep whisking to prevent sticking.
Step 5
Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and any optional herbs to taste. Adjust the spices based on your preference, and make sure to serve it warm.
Success tips
For the best results, use fresh turkey drippings straight from the roasting pan. Keep your heat at medium to prevent the gravy from burning. If you find the gravy too thick, you can always thin it out with a little extra broth. Conversely, if it’s too thin, continue cooking it a bit longer while whisking constantly until it thickens to your liking. Always taste your gravy before serving; adjusting seasoning can make a significant difference in flavor!
How to serve
Mom’s Turkey Gravy elevates any meal, but it shines brightest at Thanksgiving or family gatherings. Serve it over mashed potatoes, stuffing, or alongside roasted vegetables. It can also be drizzled over turkey slices for that ultimate holiday plate. To complete the meal, consider pairing it with cranberry sauce and your favorite side dishes.
Storage & reheating
Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. If the gravy thickens during refrigeration, you can add a splash of broth to get it back to the desired consistency. It’s also freezer-friendly; it can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to use, defrost it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make turkey gravy without drippings?
Yes, you can make turkey gravy using just chicken or turkey broth and a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch.
2. How do I prevent lumps in my gravy?
To avoid lumps, mix the flour with a small amount of cold broth to create a smooth paste before adding it to the hot drippings. Whisk continuously while adding the flour mixture.
3. How do I enhance the flavor of my turkey gravy?
You can enhance the flavor by adding herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary, or by incorporating a splash of white wine for a depth of flavor.
4. Can this gravy be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can make gravy ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before serving.
5. What if my gravy is too salty?
If the gravy ends up too salty, you can add more broth or add a small spoonful of sugar to balance the flavor.
Nutrition notes / equivalents (optional)
While gravy adds wonderful flavor to your meal, it’s good to enjoy it in moderation. Depending on your ingredients, a typical serving of turkey gravy (about 1/4 cup) can range from 50 to 100 calories.
Conclusion + CTA
Mom’s Turkey Gravy is not just a recipe; it’s a comforting tradition that can enhance your holiday meals. With its easy preparation and rich taste, it’s sure to be a favorite in your home. Don’t forget to try adding your special touch with herbs for a unique twist! Ready to make your holiday dinner unforgettable? Grab your ingredients and start whipping up this delicious gravy today!
Links to related recipes
- Classic Mashed Potatoes
- Savory Stuffing
- Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter
Mom's Turkey Gravy
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Turkey drippings Fresh from the roasting pan
- ¼ cup All-purpose flour Can be substituted with cornstarch for gluten-free
- 2 cups Chicken or turkey broth Adds depth of flavor
- to taste Salt Adjust according to preference
- to taste Pepper Adjust according to preference
- optional Herbs (like thyme or sage) Add extra flavor according to preference
Instructions
Preparation
- Pour the turkey drippings into a saucepan and skim off any excess fat.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour with a little bit of broth to make a smooth paste.
Cooking
- Add the paste to the drippings over medium heat, whisking continuously.
- Gradually add the remaining broth, whisking until the gravy thickens.
- Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and optional herbs to taste before serving warm.