The Complete Guide to Making Gravy: From Basic Recipe to Advanced Variations

Do you love gravy but struggle to get it just right? Whether it’s lumpy, thin, or just doesn’t taste quite right, making gravy from scratch can be a challenge. But fear not: with the right ingredients, techniques, and a little know-how, anyone can master the art of gravy-making. In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to make perfect gravy every time.

A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Let’s start with a basic recipe for making gravy. This recipe is simple, easy, and uses classic ingredients that everyone should have on hand.

Ingredients

• 2 cups broth (vegetable, chicken, beef, or turkey)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt the butter over medium heat in a saucepan.
2. Add the flour and whisk constantly until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
3. Gradually add the broth, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Continue cooking the gravy over medium heat until it reaches the desired thickness, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. This should take around 5-10 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

That’s it! You now have a basic gravy recipe that you can use as-is or customize to suit your preferences.

Tips for Customizing Your Gravy

• If you like a thicker gravy, add more flour or use less broth. If you prefer a thinner gravy, use more broth or less flour.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings. Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
• If you want to make a gravy with a richer flavor, try using stock instead of broth.

Variations on a Classic Recipe

Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s take a look at some ways to customize it. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Using Different Broths

Instead of using the classic chicken, beef, or vegetable broth, try using a different type of broth to add a unique twist to your gravy. Here are a few options:

• Mushroom broth, for a rich, earthy flavor.
• Clam juice, for a seafood-inspired gravy.
• Beer or wine, for a boozy twist.

Adding Herbs and Spices

Experimenting with herbs and spices can take your gravy to the next level. Here are a few suggestions:

• Rosemary or thyme, for a classic holiday flavor.
• Sage, for a savory, fall-inspired gravy.
• Cumin, for a spicy twist.

Trying Alternative Thickeners

While flour is the classic thickener for gravy, there are other options to explore. Here are a few alternate thickeners you can try:

• Cornstarch, for a gluten-free option.
• Arrowroot powder, for a lighter consistency.
• Mashed potatoes, if you want to use up leftovers.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Even with a great recipe, it’s easy to make mistakes when making gravy. Here are a few tips to ensure success:

Avoiding Lumps

The number one complaint about gravy is lumps. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Whisk constantly while adding the flour to the butter. This will ensure that the flour is evenly distributed and prevent lumps from forming.
• If you do end up with lumpy gravy, don’t panic! Simply strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the lumps.

Perfecting the Consistency

The consistency of your gravy is just as important as the flavor. Here are a few tips for getting it just right:

• If your gravy is too thick, add more broth or water until it reaches the desired consistency.
• If your gravy is too thin, let it simmer over low heat for a few more minutes to evaporate some of the liquid.

Using Leftovers

Don’t let leftover gravy go to waste! Here are a few ways to use it up:

• Use it as a sauce for meatloaf, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
• Freeze it and use it as a base for soups or stews.
• Use it as a dip for fries or roasted chicken wings.

Making Gravy from Scratch

While there are plenty of store-bought gravy mixes available, making gravy from scratch is not only tastier, it’s also easier than you might think. Here’s how:

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups broth or stock
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk constantly until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
3. Add the broth gradually, whisking constantly until the mixture is well combined.
4. Cook the gravy over medium heat until it is thickened to your liking.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

That’s it! With just a few ingredients and a little bit of stirring, you can make a delicious gravy from scratch.

Customizing Your Scratch-Made Gravy

The best part of making gravy from scratch is the ability to customize it based on what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

• Use different broths or stocks for unique flavors.
• Add your favorite herbs and spices for a tasty twist.
• Use roasted garlic or onions for a deeper, richer flavor.

Pairing Gravy with Dishes

Gravy is a versatile sauce that can be paired with a variety of dishes. Here are a few classic pairings:

Mashed Potatoes

Is there a more classic pairing than mashed potatoes and gravy? To make this combo even better, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to your mashed potatoes before pouring on the gravy.

Roasted Meat

Gravy is the perfect complement to roasted meat, whether you’re making chicken, turkey, beef, or pork. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to maximize flavor.

Vegetables

Don’t forget about the veggies! Gravy can take simple roasted vegetables to the next level. Try pouring gravy over roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans.

Tips for Customizing Gravy for Specific Dishes

• If you’re serving gravy with chicken, try adding thyme or sage for a classic flavor.
• If you’re serving gravy with beef, add a splash of red wine for a rich, complex flavor.
• If you’re serving gravy with roasted vegetables, add some garlic or onion powder for a savory twist.

Sweet and Savory Gravies

While most gravies are savory, there’s no reason you can’t experiment with sweet flavors as well. Here are a few ideas:

Chocolate Gravy

Chocolate gravy is a classic Southern recipe that’s perfect for brunch or dessert. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. butter
• 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp. cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk constantly until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
3. Add the milk gradually, whisking constantly until the mixture is well combined.
4. Add the cocoa powder and sugar and whisk until the mixture is smooth.
5. Simmer the gravy over medium heat until it thickens to the desired consistency, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the vanilla extract and stir to combine.

Apple Gravy

Apple gravy is a great way to incorporate fall flavors into your meals. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups apple juice
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk constantly until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
3. Add the apple juice gradually, whisking constantly until the mixture is well combined.
4. Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
5. Simmer the gravy over medium heat until it thickens to the desired consistency, stirring occasionally.

Using Sweet Gravies with Savory Dishes

While sweet gravies can be delicious on their own, they can also be used to add depth and complexity to savory dishes. Consider pairing chocolate gravy with pancakes or waffles, or using apple gravy to complement the flavors of pork chops or turkey burgers.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned everything there is to know about making gravy, it’s time to get into the kitchen and start experimenting! Whether you’re making a classic gravy recipe or trying out something new, remember to have fun and trust your taste buds. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be a gravy-making pro in no time.