Thanksgiving is such a special time of year that brings families and friends together to enjoy delicious food and create memories. Among the most essential dishes served during this festive season is gravy, which enhances the taste of the turkey, making it a crowd favorite. If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner and you’re wondering how to make delicious gravy, worry no more because we’ve got you covered in this article.

Making gravy can seem like a daunting task, but it is quite simple when you understand the steps involved. Gravy is essentially a mixture of fat, flour, and liquid, and it is crucial to achieve the correct consistency and flavor. With this guide on how to make Thanksgiving gravy, you can rest easy knowing you’ll have a delicious complement to your turkey and mashed potatoes. So, let’s get started!

Making Thanksgiving Gravy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Thanksgiving is a time when family and friends come together to enjoy each other’s company and share a delicious meal. One of the most iconic dishes that people look forward to on this day is the Thanksgiving gravy. A good gravy can elevate your meal to the next level and make it all the more enjoyable. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making delicious Thanksgiving gravy that will have your guests asking for seconds.

Ingredients Required

Before we start with the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients we will need to make the gravy:

– Turkey drippings (or chicken broth)
– All-purpose flour
– Unsalted butter
– Salt
– Pepper
– Fresh or dried herbs (thyme, sage, rosemary)
– Onion (optional)
– Garlic (optional)
– Apple cider vinegar (optional)
– Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Collect the Turkey Drippings

After the turkey is cooked, carefully pour off the excess grease and collect the drippings in a separate bowl. If you do not have enough drippings, you can use chicken broth as a substitute.

2. Make a Roux

In a separate saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns light brown.

3. Add the Turkey Drippings

Slowly pour the turkey drippings (or chicken broth) into the roux while whisking continuously. This will prevent any lumps from forming.

4. Stir in the Seasonings

Add your desired seasonings to the gravy, such as salt, pepper, herbs, onion, and garlic. You can also add apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce for some extra flavor.

5. Simmer the Gravy

Reduce the heat and let the gravy simmer for 10-15 minutes until it thickens. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the gravy from sticking to the pan.

6. Strain the Gravy

Once the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps or impurities.

7. Adjust the Consistency

If your gravy is too thick, you can thin it out by adding more turkey drippings or chicken broth. Similarly, if the gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by adding more roux.

8. Adjust the Seasoning

Taste your gravy and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

9. Serve it Hot

Transfer the gravy to a gravy boat and serve it hot alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and other side dishes.

10. Store the Leftovers

Any leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat the gravy on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

In conclusion, making Thanksgiving gravy is a fairly simple process with a few key techniques that are important to follow. By following the above steps, you can make a delicious gravy that will enhance the flavors of your Thanksgiving turkey and side dishes. Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal with your family and friends, and don’t forget to give thanks for the blessings in your life. Happy Thanksgiving!

Ingredients needed for making Thanksgiving gravy

Thanksgiving is a time of the year when family and friends gather to enjoy time together over delicious meals. One of the most celebrated dishes during Thanksgiving dinner is the gravy. A well-made gravy is the perfect compliment to any Thanksgiving meal. In this section, we will take a look at the ingredients you will need to make delicious Thanksgiving gravy.

1. Turkey drippings

Turkey drippings are the foundation of a good gravy. The drippings are the juice left behind after roasting the turkey. It should be well strained and skimmed of any fat. You should have about 2 cups of turkey drippings for every 8-10 servings of gravy.

2. Stock

Chicken or vegetable stock can be added to the turkey drippings to dilute the gravy and provide more flavor. It’s great to make homemade stock if possible, but store-bought stock works just fine too. For every 2 cups of turkey drippings, you should add 2 cups of stock.

3. Flour or cornstarch

Flour or cornstarch is used to thicken the gravy. You can use either, but flour is more commonly used. For every 2 cups of turkey drippings and 2 cups of stock, use 1/4 cup of flour or 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.

4. Butter

Butter adds richness and flavor to the gravy. It is used to make the roux, which is the base of the gravy. For every 1/4 cup of flour used, add 4 tablespoons of butter.

5. Aromatics

Aromatics are vegetables and herbs used to flavor the gravy. The most common aromatics used are onions, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. You can also add celery and carrots. Chop the vegetables finely and add it to the saucepan with butter after it has melted, and before you add the flour.

6. Wine

Wine is another ingredient that can be used to add flavor to the gravy. You can use either red or white wine. You can add wine to the aromatics and cook for a few minutes before adding the flour.

7. Salt and pepper

Salt and pepper is used to season the gravy. You can use it in moderation or to taste. Keep in mind that the turkey drippings and the stock are already seasoned, so be cautious when adding more salt.

8. Chicken bouillon cube

If you don’t have chicken stock, chicken bouillon or chicken stock cube can be used. Add the chicken bouillon to boiling water and wait for it to dissolve before adding it to the mixture.

9. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can give the gravy tangy and slightly sweet flavors. You can use it to brighten the flavor of the gravy. However, use it sparingly because too much of it can overpower the flavor of the gravy.

10. Worcestershire sauce

Worcestershire sauce is used to add a savory umami flavor to the gravy. It can be added to the pan after the turkey drippings have been deglazed with the stock.

Tools and Ingredients Required for Thanksgiving Gravy

To make a perfect Thanksgiving gravy, there are certain tools and ingredients that you need to have in your kitchen. Here is a list of some essential items that will make your gravy making process a lot easier.

Tools

Tools Usage
Whisk For mixing ingredients evenly
Measuring Cups and Spoons For measuring liquid and dry ingredients
Saucepan To cook gravy over medium heat
Fine Mesh Strainer To remove lumps from the gravy

Ingredients

Ingredients Usage
Turkey Dripping For flavoring the gravy
All-purpose Flour For thickening the gravy
Chicken Stock To give a buttery and savory flavor to the gravy
Salt and Pepper To enhance the taste of the gravy

Step-by-Step Guide for Making Thanksgiving Gravy

Now that you have all the tools and ingredients required, it’s time to learn how to make Thanksgiving gravy. Here is the step-by-step guide to make delicious gravy for your Thanksgiving meal.

Step 1: Collect the Turkey Dripping

Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the roasting pan and set it aside. Now, collect the drippings in a bowl using a spoon or turkey baster.

Step 2: Skim the Fat

Remove any excess fat from the turkey drippings, using a spoon or ladle.

Step 3: Add Flour

Add the flour to the turkey drippings, and whisk it until it becomes a thick paste. Cook it for a few minutes, stirring constantly until the flour starts to turn brown.

Step 4: Add Chicken Stock

Slowly pour the chicken stock into the saucepan, whisking continuously so that there are no lumps.

Step 5: Season with Salt and Pepper

Add salt and pepper to taste, and continue to whisk the gravy until it reaches your desired thickness.

In conclusion, making Thanksgiving gravy is an easy task if you have the right tools and ingredients. Follow the above steps to make a delicious gravy that will complement your Thanksgiving meal perfectly. With some practice and experimentation, you can create your own unique gravy recipe. Happy cooking and happy Thanksgiving!

Enjoy Your Delicious Gravy

Now that you know how to make the perfect gravy for your Thanksgiving feast, it’s time to sit back, relax, and give thanks for all the wonderful things in your life! Whether you’re spending the holiday alone or with loved ones, you can always count on a warm and rich gravy to bring a smile to your face. Thanks for reading and I hope you’ll visit again soon for more delicious recipes! Happy Thanksgiving!