Making Delicious Gravy from Grease: A Step-by-Step Guide

Gravy is a delicious and versatile sauce that can elevate any meal. It is typically made by cooking meat juices, broth, and flour together. However, did you know that you can also make gravy from grease? Yes, that’s right! All those drippings left in the pan after cooking meat can be transformed into a mouthwatering gravy that will add rich flavor to your dishes.

Making gravy from grease is not only easy but also a great way to reduce waste and make the most out of your ingredients. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of making gravy from grease in a relaxed and simple language. Whether you are a beginner cook or an experienced one, you’ll be able to follow along and create a delicious and hearty sauce that will impress your family and friends. So, let’s get started!

1. What is grease?

Grease is the residue that is left over after cooking fatty meats or foods in oil or butter. It is essentially the rendered fat that has liquefied and is left behind in the pan.

2. Why make gravy from grease?

Making gravy from grease is not only a great way to use up leftover fats, but it can also add extra flavor and richness to your dishes. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly option as you won’t have to waste any leftover grease.

3. Collecting the grease

To make gravy from grease, you need to collect the grease first. After cooking the fatty meat, let the pan cool down a bit before pouring the contents into a glass jar or bowl. Use a spoon to skim off any solid bits and let the grease cool and solidify.

4. Separating the grease

Once the grease has solidified, you’ll need to separate it from any meat drippings or other solids. You can do this by gently pouring the grease into a strainer or cheesecloth-lined colander.

5. Preparing the gravy base

To prepare the gravy base, you’ll need to melt some butter or oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once heated, add flour to the butter or oil and whisk constantly until the mixture turns brown.

6. Adding the grease

Once the flour mixture is browned, add the solidified grease to the pan and stir continuously until it’s fully incorporated.

7. Adding liquid

Next, slowly add some liquid, such as beef or chicken broth, while continuing to stir the gravy. Add enough liquid to reach your desired consistency and taste.

8. Seasoning the gravy

To enhance the flavor of the gravy, add seasonings such as salt, pepper, thyme, or rosemary. Adjust the seasoning to your personal preference and taste.

9. Serving the gravy

Once the gravy is ready, you can pour it over your favorite meats, potatoes, or vegetables. Store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the fridge and use within 3-4 days.

10. Final Thoughts

Making gravy from grease is a simple process that can elevate your meals to new heights. Not only is it a great way to use up leftover fats, but it can also add flavor and richness to your dishes, making them all the more delicious. So next time you’re cooking a fatty meat, don’t toss out the leftover grease – make some gravy!

10 Simple Steps for Making the Perfect Gravy from Grease

If you’re like most people, you probably find yourself with a lot of grease left over after cooking up bacon or sausage. While many people simply toss this grease down the drain or wait for it to solidify in the trash, there’s actually a much better use for it: making gravy!

Not only is gravy delicious and versatile, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Plus, using grease instead of butter or oil can give your gravy a rich, savory flavor that you simply can’t get with other types of fat.

So, are you ready to learn how to make the perfect gravy from grease? Here are 10 simple steps to follow:

Step 1: Save Your Grease

The first step to making gravy from grease is, of course, to save your grease! Whenever you cook up bacon, sausage, or any other type of fatty meat, simply pour the grease into a heatproof container and let it cool.

Step 2: Gather Your Ingredients

Once you’ve got a good amount of grease saved up (at least one cup), it’s time to gather your other ingredients. For a basic gravy, you’ll need flour, milk or broth, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Heat the Grease

When you’re ready to make gravy, start by heating up your grease in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Step 4: Add the Flour

Once the grease is hot, sprinkle in a few tablespoons of flour and whisk quickly to combine. This will create a roux, which is the base of your gravy.

Step 5: Cook the Roux

Continue whisking the roux over medium heat until it turns a light brown color, which will take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Slowly Add the Liquid

Next, slowly pour in your milk or broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and thick.

Step 7: Season with Salt and Pepper

Add salt and pepper to taste, and continue cooking the gravy over medium heat until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, simply add a bit more milk or broth.

Step 8: Adjust the Flavors

If you want to take your gravy to the next level, you can add other ingredients to give it more flavor. For example, you could add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, some minced garlic, or even a bit of grated cheese.

Step 9: Strain the Gravy

Once your gravy is done cooking, you’ll want to strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or bits of flour.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Finally, it’s time to serve your gravy and enjoy it with your favorite foods. Whether you’re drizzling it over mashed potatoes, smothering it on meatloaf, or using it as a dip for chicken tenders, there’s nothing quite like homemade gravy made from grease to take your meal to the next level.

Preparing the Grease for Gravy

Now that you have collected the grease, it’s time to turn it into a delicious gravy. Follow these steps to prepare the grease for gravy:

1. Strain the Grease

The first step is to strain the grease to remove any impurities or food particles that may be in it. You can use a cheesecloth or a mesh strainer to do this. Place the strainer over a bowl and pour the grease through it. Make sure to press on the solid bits to extract as much grease as possible.

2. Store the Grease

Store the strained grease in a clean, airtight container until you are ready to make the gravy. You can store the grease in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to six months. Just make sure to label the container so you know what it is.

3. Measure the Grease

When you are ready to make the gravy, measure the amount of grease you have. You will need about 1/4 cup of grease for every 1/4 cup of flour that you use to make the roux. If you don’t have enough grease, you can make up the difference with butter or other fats.

4. Make the Roux

To make the roux, melt the grease in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the grease is hot, add an equal amount of flour and whisk until smooth. Cook the roux, stirring constantly, until it turns a golden brown color. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

5. Add Liquid

Once the roux is ready, gradually add liquid while whisking constantly. You can use broth, water, or milk depending on your preference. Keep whisking until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. If the gravy is too thick, add more liquid. If it’s too thin, simmer the gravy until it thickens.

That’s it! Now you have a delicious gravy made from grease that would have otherwise gone to waste. Use it to top your favorite dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or meat dishes. Enjoy!

That’s It!

You’re now ready to turn your grease into delicious gravy! Remember, the key is patience and letting the flavors meld together. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to find the perfect balance. Thanks for reading and we hope you’ll come back for more tips and tricks in the future. Happy cooking!