How to Make Delicious Brown Gravy from Scratch

Hey y’all, have you ever wanted to make a gravy from scratch but felt intimidated by the process? Fear not, because making brown gravy is simpler than you think! Not only is it delicious and easy to whip up, but it’s also a versatile sauce that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply craving a flavorful and comforting sauce, making brown gravy from scratch is a great skill to have.

First things first, let’s talk about the ingredients. To make brown gravy, you will need butter, flour, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or thyme depending on your preference. The key to a rich and flavorful gravy is using good quality beef broth, so try to choose a brand that you like. Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s dive into the steps on how to make brown gravy from scratch!

How to Make Brown Gravy from Scratch: Tips and Tricks

Choose Your Butter and Flour Wisely

In order to create a delicious brown gravy, you need to select the right type of butter and flour. When it comes to butter, the unsalted variety tends to work best. This is because it will allow you to control the amount of salt you add to the final product. As for flour, you can use either all-purpose or whole wheat. Whole wheat flour will give your gravy a nuttier taste, while all-purpose flour will produce a smoother texture.

Make a Roux

A roux is a mixture of fat and flour that is used as a thickening agent. To create a roux, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, gradually add the flour, whisking constantly. Keep whisking until the mixture turns brown and has a nutty aroma.

Gradually Add the Broth

After making the roux, it’s time to add the broth. Gradually pour the broth into the pan, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Be sure to add the broth gradually to avoid creating a runny gravy.

Add Seasonings

Once the broth has been added, it’s time to add the seasonings. You can use a variety of spices, herbs, and condiments depending on your taste. Some popular additions include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce.

Simmer the Gravy

To develop the flavors and thicken the gravy, allow it to simmer for at least 10 minutes. Make sure to keep stirring the gravy occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Adjust the Consistency

If the gravy is too thick, you can add more broth or water to thin it out. On the other hand, if the gravy is too thin, you can add a slurry made of equal parts flour and water. Simply whisk the slurry into the gravy and let it simmer for a few more minutes.

Serve Hot

Brown gravy is usually served hot over meat dishes such as steak, pork chops, or mashed potatoes. To keep the gravy warm, you can transfer it to a gravy boat or a small saucepan and keep it on low heat until ready to serve.

Store Properly

If you have leftover gravy, make sure to store it properly to prevent spoilage. Allow the gravy to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store the gravy in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your gravy is too salty, you can add a little bit of sugar or honey to balance out the flavors. If it’s too bland, you can add more seasonings or herbs. If the gravy has lumps, you can strain it through a fine mesh strainer to remove them.

Experiment with Different Flavors

Once you have mastered the basics of making brown gravy, you can start experimenting with different flavors. For example, you can add red wine or balsamic vinegar for a tangy taste. You can also add mushrooms, caramelized onions, or bacon bits for a richer flavor. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients Needed to Make Brown Gravy from Scratch

Now that you know the basic steps of making brown gravy from scratch, you should equip yourself with the necessary ingredients to make it happen. In this section, we’ll go over the specific ingredients you need for making a tasty brown gravy.

1. Fat – Start by gathering about 3 tablespoons of fat, depending on the type of meat drippings you are using. This could be butter, bacon grease, vegetable oil, or any other animal fat.

2. Flour – The next essential ingredient is flour, which is used as a thickening agent. You will need about 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.

3. Meat Drippings – If you are looking for a hearty flavor, meat drippings are essential for making brown gravy. Choose from beef, pork, chicken, or turkey depending on the type of meat you are serving.

4. Broth or Stock – Brown gravy requires a substantial amount of liquid to obtain a rich and velvety texture. Beef or chicken broth or stock is the best option for making brown gravy.

5. Salt and Pepper – Salt and pepper are two essential seasoning ingredients that add flavor to the gravy. Make sure to have them available in your kitchen.

6. Garlic Powder – Garlic is a powerful seasoning ingredient that adds an additional flavor layer to your brown gravy. Add ¼ teaspoon to enhance the taste.

7. Worcestershire Sauce – This sauce is made from a unique blend of ingredients that add flavor, aroma, and spice to your brown gravy. It’s an optional ingredient, but we highly recommend adding it.

8. Soy Sauce – Adding a dash of soy sauce to your brown gravy adds salty, umami flavor that compliments the dish well.

9. Cornstarch – If you prefer a thicker consistency, cornstarch is the perfect option. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, and add it to the hot gravy before it starts boiling.

10. Water – In case the gravy becomes too thick, adding water helps adjust the consistency to your desired level.

In conclusion, get all your ingredients together before starting to make brown gravy from scratch. Remember, the quality of your ingredients determines the overall taste and texture of your gravy. Choose the freshest and high-quality ingredients for a stand-out homemade brown gravy.

Ingredients needed to make brown gravy from scratch

Making brown gravy from scratch is not a difficult task, but it does require some essential ingredients that you must have on hand. Here is what you need:

Step-by-step Guide to making brown gravy

Now that you have gathered the essential ingredients, here are the steps that you need to follow to make brown gravy from scratch:

Step 1: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat till it foams. Cook the butter until it turns light brown. Be careful not to burn the butter.

Step 2: Add flour to the saucepan and whisk until it turns brown.

Add the all-purpose flour to the saucepan and whisk it continuously until it turns brown. Make sure you whisk it constantly to avoid any lumps in the gravy.

Step 3: Add beef broth, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan and stir well.

After the flour turns brown, add beef broth, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir the mixture well, making sure that there are no lumps in the mixture.

Step 4: Add onion and garlic to the pan and cook for five minutes.

Add finely chopped onion and garlic to the mixture and cook for about five minutes. You can use a garlic press for finely chopped garlic, alternatively.

Step 5: Simmer the gravy and remove from heat.

Once the gravy starts boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Keep stirring the gravy to ensure it has a smooth texture. Once done, remove the gravy from heat and let it cool before serving.

Variation in the brown gravy recipe

Here are some of the variation in Brown gravy recipe that you can experiment with:

Bacon Brown Gravy: If you want to add more depth of flavor to your brown gravy, you can add bacon to the recipe. When cooking bacon, save some of the grease to use in your recipe instead of butter.

Mushroom Brown Gravy: Mushroom brown gravy is made by adding finely chopped mushrooms to the pan while cooking onions and garlic.

Tips for making brown gravy from scratch

Here are some tips that can help you in making the perfect brown gravy from scratch:

Use low heat: The brown gravy is cooked on low heat, as high heat can make the sauce burn.

Be consistent with whisking: Make sure to whisk the flour constantly while in the pan.

Don’t burn the butter or flour: The color of the butter and flour is essential in making the brown gravy. If it turns too dark or burnt, it can give bitterness to the gravy’s taste.

Keep stirring the gravy: Avoid the lumps in gravy by continuously stirring the mixture.

Use homemade beef broth: For the best results, it’s always better to use homemade beef broth instead of store-bought ones.

Now, go ahead and make your flavorful brown gravy.

Enjoy Your Homemade Brown Gravy!

Congratulations, you have just learned how to make delicious brown gravy from scratch! It may seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be a master gravy-maker in no time. Remember to adjust the seasoning and thickness to your liking, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. Thanks for reading, and we hope you have fun trying out this recipe. Be sure to come back soon for more tasty and easy-to-follow cooking tips!