Making brown gravy with flour can seem daunting, but it’s actually quite a simple task. All you need is some flour, butter or oil, and some liquid to help create the perfect gravy. Brown gravy is a classic condiment that enhances the flavor of any dish. It can be used to top roasted meats, mashed potatoes, and everything in between. So, follow along with this step-by-step guide to learn how to make brown gravy with flour!

To start, you’ll want to gather all your ingredients. If you don’t already have flour, butter or oil, and your choice of liquid (water, chicken or beef broth, etc.), head to your local grocery store to pick them up. Once you have everything, grab a whisk, a saucepan, and a mixing bowl. Begin by heating up your butter or oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add your flour and whisk until it forms a paste. This is your roux. Allow the roux to cook for a few minutes until it turns light brown in color. Then, slowly add your liquid, whisking as you go to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to whisk and cook for about 5-10 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Voila! You now have delicious, homemade brown gravy.

Ingredients Required for Making Brown Gravy with Flour

If you’re a fan of brown gravy, then this recipe is just perfect for you as it’s easier to make than you would have thought. The best part is that you’ll only need a few pantry staples to make a thick, flavorful, and rich gravy with flour. Here are the ingredients that you will require:

  • 2-3 tablespoons of flour
  • 2-3 tablespoons of butter or oil
  • 2 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 finely chopped onion (optional)
  • 1 clove minced garlic (optional)

Preparing the Roux

The most crucial step in making brown gravy is preparing the roux. It’s basically a mixture of fat and flour that’s cooked together to create a thickening agent. For this recipe, we’ll be using butter or oil as our fat ingredient. Here’s how to prepare the roux:

  1. Melt the butter or oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. When the butter is melted, add the flour to the pan and stir constantly.
  3. Cook the mixture until it turns golden brown. This process takes about 15 minutes.

Add the Onions and Garlic (Optional)

Adding onions and garlic to the mixture can enhance the flavor of the gravy. Here’s how to add them:

  1. Add the chopped onions to the pan after the flour has turned golden brown, and cook for one minute.
  2. Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute.

Introducing the Broth

The next step is to add the broth to the roux mixture. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Gradually pour 2 cups of beef or chicken broth into the roux mixture, whisking it constantly.
  2. Continue stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and even, with no lumps present.
  3. Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Seasoning the Gravy

To enhance the flavor, you can add salt, black pepper, or any other seasoning of your choice. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to the gravy.
  2. Stir the mixture well and taste to adjust the seasoning level.

Serving the Gravy

Finally, your brown gravy with flour is ready to be served. You can use it as a dipping sauce for your fries, spread it on mashed potatoes, or pour it over your meatloaf. Here’s how to serve it:

  1. Pour the hot brown gravy into a serving dish.
  2. Garnish with minced herbs and serve with your favorite dish.

Tips and Variations

Here are some essential tips and variations to consider when making brown gravy with flour:

  • To make the gravy thicker, add more flour until it reaches the desired consistency.
  • Instead of water, you can use beef or chicken broth to prepare the roux mixture.
  • Add some red or white wine to your gravy to enhance its flavor.
  • If you’re short on time, you can use ready-made gravy mixes available in supermarkets.

Final Thoughts

Preparing brown gravy with flour is a straightforward process that takes only a few ingredients and steps. With a few tips and tricks, you can make a delicious and flavorful gravy that’ll complement any dish. So, why not give this recipe a try and enjoy a mouthwatering gravy with your next meal!

Ingredients Needed to Make Brown Gravy with Flour

Before we start with the process of making brown gravy with flour, it’s important that you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

1. Flour: You’ll need about 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to thicken your gravy.

2. Fat: You’ll also need about 2 tablespoons of either butter, bacon grease, or oil to make your roux.

3. Broth or Stock: You’ll need about 2 cups of either beef or chicken broth to give your gravy some flavor.

4. Salt and Pepper: These seasonings are a must-have for any gravy recipe.

5. Other Seasonings: You can add other seasonings like garlic, onion powder, or even Worcestershire sauce to give your gravy some extra flavor.

6. Whisk: You’ll need a whisk to mix your roux and broth together.

7. Saucepan or Skillet: You’ll need a medium-sized saucepan or skillet to cook your gravy.

8. Spoon or Ladle: You’ll need a spoon or ladle to help you mix and serve your gravy.

9. Measuring Cups and Spoons: You’ll need some measuring cups and spoons to make sure you’re using the right amounts of each ingredient.

10. Stovetop: Finally, you’ll need a stovetop to cook your gravy on.

Now that you have everything you need, let’s move on to the next section where we’ll go over the steps to make brown gravy with flour!

Choosing the right flour for brown gravy

When it comes to making brown gravy with flour, choosing the right flour is essential. Here are some of the best flour options for making brown gravy:

All-purpose flour

All-purpose flour is the most common flour that is used for making brown gravy. It has a balanced protein content and can hold up well during the cooking process. You can easily find all-purpose flour in any grocery store.

White whole wheat flour

If you want to make your brown gravy a bit healthier, you can go for white whole wheat flour. This flour is made from whole grain but is not as heavy as normal whole wheat flour. It is perfect for those looking for a healthier alternative.

Rye flour

Rye flour is an excellent option for those who want a darker and richer brown gravy. It has a distinct taste and color that gives the gravy a unique flavor. However, it is not recommended if you’re making a lighter gravy.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is not technically a flour, but it is often used as a thickening agent for brown gravy. It is perfect for those who are gluten intolerant and can’t consume regular wheat flour.

Gluten-free flour

If you are gluten intolerant, there are several gluten-free flours that you can use to make brown gravy. These include rice flour, chickpea flour, and almond flour. They all work well as thickening agents and can make your brown gravy taste just as delicious as regular flour.

When choosing the right flour for your brown gravy, it’s essential to keep in mind that different flours have different properties and can alter the taste and texture of your gravy. Therefore, it’s crucial to experiment and find the perfect flour that suits your taste.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making brown gravy with flour is an easy task if you follow the steps outlined in this article. From choosing the right flour to adding the perfect amount of seasoning, there are several things to keep in mind while making brown gravy. With the right technique and a bit of practice, you can make delicious brown gravy that is perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment and adjust the recipe to suit your taste buds. Happy cooking!

Flour Type Pros Cons
All-purpose flour Easy to find in grocery stores Can alter the flavor of the gravy
White whole wheat flour Healthy and flavorful option Can be heavy for some gravy types
Rye flour Rich and distinct flavor and color Not suitable for lighter gravy types
Cornstarch Gluten-free and good for thickening Can give a slimy texture to the gravy
Gluten-free flour Perfect for those who are gluten intolerant Can alter the taste of the gravy

Serve Up Delicious Gravy Every Time

I hope this guide has made the process of making gravy with flour seem less intimidating and more like a fun, delicious adventure. Give it a go next time you have roast dinner or mashed potatoes on the menu. Remember that practice makes perfect and that you can always adjust ingredients to suit your tastes. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you back for more kitchen adventures in the near future.