There’s something undeniably satisfying about a homemade sauce that can elevate even the simplest of meals. Enter the Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe. This recipe provides a perfect balance of flavors, poised to enrich your savory dishes like mashed potatoes and turkey. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity; you can create a rich and flavorful gravy in a matter of minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe’s straightforward approach is designed for success. With just a few staple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you’ll be enchanted by the taste and aroma of this delightful sauce.
The key to this gravy is in crafting a smooth, glossy texture without any lumps, achieved through careful whisking. What’s more, the recipe is highly adaptable—tweak it to suit your taste by exploring optional seasonings like garlic or onion powder. This is not just a gravy but a canvas for your culinary creativity. If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing addition to your meal repertoire, this Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe is your go-to. Let’s dive into how you can make your gravy-making experience as smooth as your final product.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe
Discover several reasons this recipe is a must-try:
- Simplicity: Crafted with just a few common ingredients.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in only 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Versatility: Perfect for enhancing lots of dishes like potatoes, turkey, or roasted vegetables.
- Rich Flavor: A delightful balance of savory and aromatic flavors.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start making this delectable gravy, it’s important to set up an efficient kitchen workspace. Begin by ensuring you have all the ingredients prepared and measured. Having everything set out beforehand will make the process seamless, allowing you to focus on creating a smooth gravy.
You’ll need a medium-sized saucepan, a whisk, and a spatula. The saucepan serves as the central vessel for combining and cooking the ingredients, while the whisk ensures a lump-free, creamy texture. The spatula is handy for scraping down the sides, ensuring no bit of the mixture is wasted. Making this recipe on a stovetop allows for precise temperature control, critical for developing the ideal roux and thickening the gravy. Attention to these details will enhance the overall quality of your gravy.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to craft this recipe:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth for a richer flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder for added flavor
Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Allow the butter to fully liquify to form the base of the roux, a crucial element for thickening the gravy.
Step 2: Create the Roux
With your whisk, incorporate the all-purpose flour into the melted butter. Continue whisking for approximately 2–3 minutes. This process not only blends the ingredients but also ‘cooks’ the flour for a golden, bubbly roux, preventing a raw flour taste.
Step 3: Add the Broth
Slowly introduce the chicken or beef broth into your roux. To avoid lumps, pour the broth gradually while continuously whisking. This ensures a smooth mixture, crucial for the perfect gravy texture.
Step 4: Thicken the Mixture
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Let it cook for an additional 5–7 minutes. During this time, the gravy will thicken, reaching a consistency that coats a spoon effortlessly.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, stir in the salt, black pepper, and any optional seasonings like garlic or onion powder. Sample your creation and adjust the seasoning if necessary to suit your palate. Serve the gravy warm, fresh off the stovetop.
Variations
- Protein: Swap chicken broth for beef broth to create a more robust, meaty flavor that pairs excellently with red meats.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth, or roasted garlic for a sweeter undertone.
- Spices: Consider using freshly ground pepper or introduce herbs like thyme or sage for additional complexity.
Cooking Notes
- For a smoother gravy, be consistent with whisking to prevent lumps forming during each stage.
- If the gravy becomes too thick, adjust by incorporating a splash of milk or more broth until reaching the desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- This gravy is outstanding over a heaping plate of mashed potatoes, providing a rich, savory coating.
- Use it to complement your Thanksgiving turkey, heightening the meal’s overall flavor profile.
Tips
- Ensure your broth is at room temperature when adding it to the roux to avoid drastic temperature changes, which can help maintain consistency.
- Remember, a perfectly cooked roux is the key foundation to an excellent gravy — be patient and let it fully develop its flavor and base.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Varies, check many labels
- Protein: Minimal, considering a side dish
- Sodium: Approximately 400mg per serving
FAQs
Can I make gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the gravy in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a little broth or water if necessary to adjust the consistency.
How can I make the gravy gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative such as cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Adjust the proportions as needed for thickening.
Can I freeze leftover gravy?
Absolutely! Freeze in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw fully in the refrigerator before reheating slowly on the stove, stirring occasionally.
What should I do if my gravy is too salty?
To fix salty gravy, add in a dollop more broth or water, potentially paired with a splash of cream to neutralize the saltiness.
This Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe is not only versatile and flavorful but also remarkably quick and easy to prepare. Whether you’re dressing up holiday meals or simply looking to add a savory touch to weeknight dinners, this gravy has you covered. We hope you enjoy experimenting with the flavors to match your personal preference and encourage you to share your versions or leave comments below. Happy cooking!
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Easy Homemade Gravy
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and flavorful gravy that enhances any dish.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth for a richer flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder for added flavor
Instructions
- Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Allow the butter to fully liquify to form the base of the roux, a crucial element for thickening the gravy.
- With your whisk, incorporate the all-purpose flour into the melted butter. Continue whisking for approximately 2–3 minutes. This process not only blends the ingredients but also ‘cooks’ the flour for a golden, bubbly roux, preventing a raw flour taste.
- Slowly introduce the chicken or beef broth into your roux. To avoid lumps, pour the broth gradually while continuously whisking. This ensures a smooth mixture, crucial for the perfect gravy texture.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Let it cook for an additional 5–7 minutes. During this time, the gravy will thicken, reaching a consistency that coats a spoon effortlessly.
- Finally, stir in the salt, black pepper, and any optional seasonings like garlic or onion powder. Sample your creation and adjust the seasoning if necessary to suit your palate. Serve the gravy warm, fresh off the stovetop.
Notes
If the gravy becomes too thick, adjust by incorporating a splash of milk or more broth until reaching the desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Protein: 2 g