How to Make Delicious Gravy from Turkey Drippings

If you’re looking for a way to make your Thanksgiving turkey even tastier, look no further than the drippings. These are the flavorful juices that accumulate at the bottom of your roasting pan as the turkey cooks. With a little bit of effort, you can turn those drippings into a delicious gravy to serve alongside your bird.

Making gravy from turkey drippings isn’t difficult, but it does require a bit of patience and attention to detail. The goal is to create a thick, flavorful sauce that complements the meat without overpowering it. Here’s everything you need to know to make perfect turkey gravy from scratch.

How to Make Gravy from Turkey Drippings: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re looking for a way to elevate your Thanksgiving feast, nothing beats homemade turkey gravy made from the drippings of your roasted bird. Not only is it a fantastic way to use up every little bit of flavor from your turkey, but it’s also a tasty addition that will have your guests raving about your culinary prowess. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps for making gravy from turkey drippings that will leave your dinner table roaring with approval.

1. Gather Your Ingredients: Before you start making your gravy, gather all of the ingredients you’ll need. You’ll need the drippings from your roasted turkey, flour, fat, broth or stock, and salt and pepper to taste.

2. Skim the Fat: Once you’ve removed your turkey from the roasting pan, allow it to rest for a few minutes to let the juices settle. Then, use a spoon to skim off any fat that has risen to the top of the drippings.

3. Make a Roux: In a separate saucepan, heat up a few tablespoons of fat from the drippings over medium heat. Once the fat is melted and hot, add about 1/4 cup of flour and whisk it together to form a roux. Cook the roux for a few minutes until it turns a light golden brown.

4. Add the Drippings: Slowly pour the drippings into the saucepan with the roux while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Keep whisking until the liquid comes to a simmer.

5. Add Broth or Stock: Pour in about 2 cups of broth or stock, continuing to whisk constantly. The mixture will thicken as the broth heats up.

6. Simmer and Reduce: Allow the gravy to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, whisking occasionally to prevent lumps. As it simmers, it will reduce and become thicker.

7. Taste and Season: Once the gravy has thickened to your liking, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste.

8. Strain the Gravy: To get rid of any lumps or bits of turkey and herbs, strain your gravy through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean saucepan.

9. Keep Warm: With your gravy strained and seasoned, keep it warm over low heat until you’re ready to serve.

10. Enjoy!: Once your turkey has finished cooking and is ready to be served, it’s time to add the finishing touch. Ladle your homemade gravy over the turkey and sides, sit back, and revel in all the compliments for your delicious meal.

In conclusion, making gravy from turkey drippings may seem like a daunting task, but with these ten easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be enjoying delicious, homemade gravy in no time. So, next time you roast a turkey, don’t waste those precious drippings – put them to use and wow your guests with this simple yet impressive addition to your Thanksgiving feast.

How to Make Gravy from Turkey Drippings

Thanksgiving dinners are often incomplete without the savory gravy that pairs perfectly with turkey. Making gravy from turkey drippings is not only easy but also enhances the flavorful experience of the bird. In this section, we will guide you on the various steps and secret tips to make delicious gravy from turkey drippings.

Step 1: Collecting the Drippings

Firstly, after removing the turkey from the pan, drain the excess fat and juices. Transfer the juices to a bowl or measuring cup, and let it settle for 5-10 minutes. The drippings should be flavorful and aromatic with no visible fat.

Step 2: Making the Roux

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add an equal amount of flour and whisk until smooth. Continue to whisk for 2-3 minutes or until the roux becomes light brown in color. This step is crucial as it creates a thickening base for the gravy.

Step 3: Cooking the Roux

Add the turkey drippings to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes until the desired thickness is obtained. This step allows the flavors to blend together and thicken the gravy.

Step 4: Adding Seasoning

Seasoning is essential to making a flavorful gravy. Add salt, pepper, and any other preferred seasoning such as thyme, garlic, or bay leaves. Remember to add these sparingly since the drippings will already have the essence of the turkey.

Step 5: Straining the Gravy

Once the desired consistency is achieved, remove the gravy from the heat. Strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another saucepan to remove any lumps. This will give your gravy a smooth and silky texture.

Step 6: Adjusting the Flavor

Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning, salt, and pepper according to your preference. Add a splash of white wine or cream to enhance the flavor if needed.

Step 7: Serving Suggestions

Gravy can be served in a gravy boat alongside the turkey, or poured over dishes, including mashed potatoes, stuffing, and vegetables. You can also store the gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Secret Tips and Tricks

– To add extra flavor to the gravy, roast diced onions, carrots, and celery in the turkey pan and add them to the drippings.

– Deglaze the turkey pan with chicken or vegetable stock to extract all the flavors.

– Use homemade stock instead of water to make the roux, which enhances the flavor and thickness of the gravy.

– Use a fat separator or skim the fat off the top of the drippings to make a healthier and less greasy gravy.

– For a richer and deeper flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the gravy.

– If the gravy is too thick, thin it out by adding more turkey stock or chicken broth to the mixture.

– If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering gravy, stirring constantly until it reaches your desired consistency.

– Add a touch of sweetness by incorporating a tablespoon of red currant jelly or apple cider to the gravy.

– To save time, make the gravy in advance and reheat it on the stove just before serving.

– Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings or flavor combinations to create a unique and delicious gravy.

Making Turkey Gravy:

Gravy is one of the most versatile and delicious accompaniments to a holiday meal, especially when made from savory turkey drippings. A good gravy should be smooth, flavorful, and not too thick or thin. Here are some tips to ensure your gravy comes out perfect every time.

Gather Your Tools:

Before you start making your gravy, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary tools on hand. You’ll need a large sauté pan or saucepan, a whisk, measuring cups and spoons, a fine-mesh strainer, and a heatproof glass measuring cup or bowl.

Skim the Fat:

Once your turkey is done cooking, transfer it to a platter or cutting board to rest. While it’s resting, skim the fat from the surface of the drippings in the roasting pan. You can do this using a spoon or a fat separator. Save the fat for another use, such as cooking vegetables or making roux.

Make a Roux:

To thicken your gravy, you’ll need to make a roux. Melt ½ cup of butter in a large sauté pan or saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in ½ cup of all-purpose flour and continue to whisk for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. This mixture is called a blonde roux.

Add the Drippings:

Once your roux is ready, slowly whisk in the turkey drippings, making sure to break up any lumps. If you don’t have enough drippings, you can supplement with chicken or turkey stock. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.

Strain and Serve:

Once your gravy is thick and bubbly, strain it through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof glass measuring cup or bowl. This will remove any lumps or bits of turkey that may have gotten into the gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot with your turkey and all the fixings!

In conclusion, making gravy from turkey drippings is an easy and delicious way to elevate your holiday meal. By following these simple steps and tips, you’ll have a smooth and flavorful gravy that is sure to impress your guests. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings or herbs to customize your gravy to your liking. Happy cooking!

Time to Dig In!

And there you have it – a delicious gravy made from the drippings of your turkey. Now it’s time to pour it generously over your plate and relish every bite. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding your own style, so don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to your preference. We hope this article helped you make your Thanksgiving feast even more special. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to check back for more yummy recipes. Happy holidays!