Gravy is an essential part of any food enthusiast’s kitchen repertoire. Whether accompanying a roast dinner, served with mashed potatoes or used as a sauce for sandwiches, gravy is a versatile and flavourful condiment that can elevate a dish to the next level. However, many people are intimidated by the process of making gravy from scratch, assuming it requires complicated techniques and expensive ingredients. In reality, a delicious and velvety gravy can be created with just two basic pantry staples – flour and water.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand the science behind making gravy. When flour is mixed with water and heated, the starch in the flour absorbs the liquid and thickens to create a smooth, silky sauce. The key to achieving a rich and tasty gravy is all in the preparation. In this article, we’ll go through the step-by-step process of making a basic gravy from flour and water, and provide tips for tweaking the recipe to personal taste preferences. So, let’s get started!

Ingredients

Making gravy from flour and water requires only a few simple ingredients that most home cooks have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Flour
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Butter or pan drippings (optional)

Step 1: Making a Roux

The first step in making gravy from flour and water is to create a roux. A roux is a mixture of flour and fat that’s used as a thickening agent in sauces and gravies. In this case, we’ll be using butter or pan drippings as our fat.

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To make a roux, begin by melting one tablespoon of butter (or using one tablespoon of pan drippings) in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add two tablespoons of flour and whisk it into the butter until it forms a paste. Continue to whisk the mixture for about one to two minutes, or until it turns a light brown color.

Step 2: Adding Water

Once your roux is ready, it’s time to add the water. Slowly pour one cup of water into the saucepan, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to whisk the mixture until it comes to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 3: Seasoning

Gravy wouldn’t be complete without some seasoning. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Keep in mind that if you’re using pan drippings, they may already be seasoned, so adjust your seasoning accordingly.

Step 4: Thicken and Stir

The last step is to thicken and stir the gravy until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can whisk in a little more flour. If you prefer a thinner gravy, add more water.

As the gravy thickens, make sure to stir it constantly to prevent lumps from forming. To test the consistency of your gravy, dip a spoon into it and run your finger along the back of the spoon. If the gravy runs off the spoon easily, it’s too thin. If it clings to the spoon, it’s ready!

Optional Additions

While flour and water gravy is delicious on its own, you can also add some additional ingredients to give it some flavor. Here are a few options to consider:

  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Mushrooms (sautéed and added to the gravy)
  • Bacon (chopped up and added to the gravy)
  • Herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)

Serving Suggestions

Once your gravy is ready, it can be served with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Fried chicken
  • Biscuits
  • Roast beef
  • Fried pork chops

Cleaning Tips

Making gravy can be messy, but there are a few things you can do to make cleanup easier. Here are a few tips:

  • Use a whisk to mix your ingredients to prevent lumps from forming.
  • Use a non-stick pan to prevent your gravy from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  • Use a spouted measuring cup to pour your water into the pan to prevent spills.
  • As soon as you’re done using your saucepan, rinse it with hot water to prevent any flour or gravy from sticking to it.

Conclusion

Making gravy from flour and water is easy and requires just a few simple ingredients that most home cooks have on hand. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, fried chicken, or biscuits, this gravy is sure to be a hit at your next meal. So next time you’re looking for a delicious way to add flavor to your dishes, give this recipe a try!

Section Two: The Ingredients and Preparation Needed

1. Gather your Ingredients

Before you begin making your gravy, you will need to gather all the necessary ingredients. The two main ingredients you’ll need are flour and water. You can also use broth instead of water for a more flavorful gravy. Additionally, you’ll need salt and pepper for seasoning.

2. Measure your Flour and Water

To make your gravy, you’ll need to measure out your flour and water properly. For a classic gravy recipe, use one cup of flour for every two cups of water. You can adjust the quantities based on how much gravy you need to make.

3. Mix your Flour

To ensure your flour doesn’t get lumpy, mix it well before adding water or broth. Use a whisk or fork to mix the flour and try to break up any large clumps.

4. Add Water or Broth

Slowly add the water or broth to your flour mixture, stirring constantly. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pan as you stir to prevent any sticking.

5. Seasoning

Now that your gravy is starting to take shape, it’s time to add some seasoning to bring out the flavors. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember, it’s better to add too little seasoning at first and adjust later.

6. Heat your Gravy

Turn the heat to medium on your stovetop and continue to stir the gravy. This will help to thicken it up and ensure it doesn’t burn.

7. Simmer

Once your gravy has come to a boil, turn the heat down to low and let it simmer. This will help to thicken up the gravy, and also gives the flavors time to blend together.

8. Consistency

If your gravy is too thick, add more water or broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken up. Keep in mind that it will continue to thicken as it cools but may also become more solid when it’s reheated.

9. Strain your Gravy

To ensure there are no lumps in your gravy, strain it through a fine-mesh strainer. This step is optional but will create a smooth, velvety gravy.

10. Serve and Enjoy

Your gravy is now ready to be served. Spoon it over your favorite dish and enjoy! You can refrigerate any leftover gravy for up to three days, or freeze it for up to six months. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warm.

Steps to Make Gravy from Flour and Water

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps to make gravy from flour and water.

Step 1: Add Butter to a Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan

Melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Avoid using a lightweight saucepan as it may burn the gravy and affect the taste.

Step 2: Add Flour and Stir

Once the butter has melted, add two tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and continuously stir the mixture with a wooden spoon to prevent clumps from forming. Keep stirring until the mixture turns golden brown, which should take around 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 3: Slowly Add Water and Whisk

Slowly pour two cups of water into the pan and whisk the mixture consistently while adding water. Make sure there are no lumps or flour clusters—all the flour should be blended evenly.

Tip:
For a more intense taste, add chicken or beef broth instead of water to the mix.

Step 4: Increase Heat and Let it Simmer

Once you’ve added all the water, increase the heat to medium and let the gravy simmer for 4 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until it thickens and has a smooth consistency.

Step 5: Add Seasoning and Taste

Now it’s time to add some seasoning to bring out some flavour. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper and stir it well. Taste the gravy, and if required, add more seasoning until you’re happy with the taste.

Congratulations! You have successfully made gravy from flour and water.

Additional Tips:
If you want a thicker gravy, add more flour to the butter. For a thinner gravy, add more water to the mixture.
You can use this gravy to add flavour to meats, vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use margarine or oil.
Avoid pouring the water or broth all at once to prevent lumps and clumps forming in the gravy.

Enjoy Your Delicious Homemade Gravy!

Now, you are ready to make the perfect gravy every time. Whether you need gravy for roasted chicken, a turkey or mashed potatoes, you’ll be able to make one that will have everyone raving about your cooking skills. Thanks for taking the time to read this article and I hope you found the tips helpful. Happy cooking and be sure to come back for more cooking inspiration and tips!