If you love creamy mashed potatoes, then you’ll definitely want to learn how to make gravy from scratch. Homemade gravy is the perfect addition to your mashed potatoes, elevating them to a whole new level of deliciousness. Whether you prefer brown gravy, gravy made from drippings, or even gravy without drippings, we’ve got you covered with our simple and easy-to-follow recipes.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making homemade gravy step-by-step, so you can enjoy the rich, savory flavor of gravy with your mashed potatoes anytime you want. You don’t need to be an expert chef to make gravy from scratch, just follow our recipes and tips for guaranteed success.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn how to make delicious homemade gravy to pair with your mashed potatoes
- Discover easy recipes for brown gravy, gravy from drippings, and gravy without drippings
- Master the techniques of making roux and thickening the gravy for the perfect consistency
- Season your gravy for maximum flavor and store leftovers for future use
- Enjoy your homemade gravy with a variety of dishes, from classic mashed potatoes to beef dishes
Easy Homemade Gravy from Scratch: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making gravy from scratch is easier than you may think. You only need a few basic pantry ingredients to create a delicious homemade gravy that will be a hit at the dinner table. Follow our easy recipe tips for a foolproof method to make perfect gravy every time.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Chicken or Beef Broth | 4 cups |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 tsp |
Note: You can also use pan drippings instead of broth for a richer flavor. Skip to section 4 for more information on using drippings to make gravy.
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk until the mixture turns golden brown.
- Slowly pour in the broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer for about 10 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Stir in salt and black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and serve hot.
Note: You can adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding more or less broth to the recipe. If the gravy is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. If the gravy is too thick, add more broth and whisk until the gravy reaches the desired consistency.
Recipe Tips:
- Use a whisk to ensure that the flour dissolves evenly and there are no lumps.
- Simmer the gravy on low heat to prevent it from burning.
- Don’t rush the process. It takes time to make a delicious gravy from scratch, so be patient and let the flavors develop.
Now that you know the secret to making easy homemade gravy, you can impress your guests with your culinary skills. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, roast beef, or any other dish that calls for a delicious gravy. Enjoy!
Brown Gravy Recipe: Perfect for Mashed Potato
If you’re a fan of rich and savory brown gravy, you’ll love this homemade brown gravy recipe. Follow these simple steps to make delicious brown gravy from scratch that will take your mashed potato game to the next level.
To make brown gravy, you’ll need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 4 tablespoons |
| Beef broth | 2 cups |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt and pepper | to taste |
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s make brown gravy!
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour to the melted butter and whisk until smooth.
- Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown.
- Gradually add beef broth to the mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce heat to low and let the gravy simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and let it cool for a minute before serving over your mashed potatoes.
There you have it! Making brown gravy from scratch is easy and delicious. Try this recipe at home and impress your friends and family with your homemade brown gravy.
Pro tip: If you want a thicker gravy, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) to the mixture before it simmers.
Making Gravy with Turkey Drippings: A Classic Touch
If you’re roasting a turkey or beef, don’t throw away those drippings! They serve as the perfect base for a flavorful and rich gravy that complements your mashed potatoes perfectly. Follow these simple steps to make a delectable gravy from pan drippings:
- After removing the turkey or roast from the pan, pour the drippings into a measuring cup.
- Let the drippings sit for a few minutes until the fat rises to the top.
- Use a spoon to skim off and discard the fat.
- Place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Add a cup of water or chicken broth to the pan and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
- Pour the drippings into the pan and continue to stir until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Simmer the gravy for several minutes until it thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If you want to make turkey gravy, use turkey drippings and if you want to make beef gravy, use beef drippings. It’s that easy!
Another way to make Gravy from Drippings
If you want a quicker way of making gravy from drippings, you can simply pour the drippings into a fat separator. The fat will rise to the top, allowing you to easily pour off the broth or gravy from the bottom. Then, follow the steps above to thicken and season your gravy as desired.
How to Make Gravy Without Drippings: Simple and Flavorful
Don’t have any drippings? No problem! You can still make a delicious gravy to go with your mashed potatoes. Here’s how:
- Choose your base: Instead of using drippings, you can use chicken or beef broth as the base for your gravy.
- Create a roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, add equal parts flour and whisk until smooth. Cook the flour until it turns golden brown, but be careful not to burn it.
- Add your broth: Gradually whisk your broth into the roux until a smooth consistency is achieved. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Reduce to a simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer until it thickens to the desired consistency, stirring occasionally.
- Season to taste: Add salt and pepper to taste, and any other desired seasonings such as garlic powder or thyme.
That’s it! You now have a delicious gravy without needing any drippings. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add more roux or reduce the liquid further. If you want a thinner gravy, you can add more broth until it reaches the consistency you desire.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when making gravy without drippings:
- Use roast chicken or beef stock or broth: These broths will give your gravy a rich and flavorful base.
- Use gluten-free flour: If you have dietary restrictions, you can use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour to make your roux.
- Make it ahead of time: You can make your gravy ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add additional broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Mastering Roux: The Base for Thick and Creamy Gravy
Roux, a mixture of butter and flour, is the base of a perfect gravy. The trick to making roux is to cook the flour and butter together, stirring continuously until it’s smooth and golden brown.
Here’s how to make roux:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the flour one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Continue whisking until the flour is fully incorporated and the mixture turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside until you’re ready to add it to your broth or drippings.
Tip: For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten free flour blend.
Remember, a well-made roux is the key to a thick and luscious gravy that will elevate your mashed potatoes to the next level. Happy cooking!
Thickening Tips: Achieving the Ideal Gravy Consistency
Now that you have your broth or drippings and roux mixture, it’s time to thicken the gravy. Gradually whisk the roux into your broth or drippings until the gravy thickens. Remember to whisk continuously to avoid lumps.
Once the mixture begins to thicken, reduce the heat to a simmer and continue whisking until the gravy reaches the desired consistency. If the gravy is too thick, you can add more broth or drippings to thin it out. If it’s too thin, continue simmering and whisking until it thickens to your liking.
Pro tip: If you accidentally make the gravy too thick, you can always thin it out by whisking in more broth or drippings. Just be sure to add a small amount at a time and whisk continuously to avoid over-thinning the gravy.
Once you’ve achieved the perfect thickness, remove the gravy from the heat and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Congratulations, you’ve just made a delicious homemade gravy to elevate your mashed potatoes to the next level!
Seasoning Tips: Enhancing Your Homemade Gravy’s Flavor
Seasoning is the key to a delicious gravy that will elevate your mashed potatoes. Adding the right amount of salt and pepper will enhance the flavor and balance the seasonings of your homemade gravy. Here’s how to season your gravy:
- Start by tasting the gravy to determine how much seasoning it needs.
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper at a time, stirring and tasting after each addition. Be careful not to add too much salt, as it can quickly overpower the flavor of the gravy.
- Continue to season until the gravy reaches the desired taste.
If you’re unsure about how much seasoning to add, remember to start with a small amount and gradually increase until the desired taste is achieved. You can always add more seasoning, but it’s difficult to take it away once it’s been added.
Once your gravy is seasoned to perfection, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Note: If you are using broth or drippings that are already salted, adjust the seasoning accordingly. You may not need to add as much salt as you would with unsalted broth or drippings.
Storing and Reheating: Keeping Your Gravy Fresh and Tasty
Now that you’ve made your delicious homemade gravy, you may be wondering about storing and reheating it for later use. Follow these simple steps to ensure your gravy stays fresh and flavorful:
Storing Gravy
Store your gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This will keep your gravy fresh and prevent any spoilage.
| Tip: | Make sure your gravy is completely cooled before storing it in an airtight container. |
|---|
If you plan on storing your gravy for longer, you can freeze it for up to three months.
| Tip: | Use freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags to store your gravy and eliminate freezer burn. |
|---|
Reheating Gravy
To reheat your gravy, there are a few methods you can use:
- Place your gravy in a microwave-safe dish and heat it on high for 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through.
- Heat your gravy in a saucepan on medium heat, stirring continuously until it’s heated through.
- If you’re reheating a large amount of gravy, use a slow cooker on low heat to prevent scorching.
Whichever method you choose, make sure your gravy is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving to ensure it’s safe to eat.
| Tip: | For a smoother texture, add a small amount of broth or water while reheating your gravy. |
|---|
Now that you know how to store and reheat your gravy, you can confidently make it ahead of time and enjoy it whenever you want!
Serving Suggestions: Best Dishes to Serve with Gravy
Now that you have made a delicious gravy for your mashed potatoes, it’s time to enjoy it with some dishes that complement its rich taste. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Serve the gravy with classic mashed potatoes and enjoy the ultimate comfort food.
- Pair the gravy with beef dishes such as steak, meatloaf, or beef stew for a savory flavor.
- Drizzle the gravy on top of roasted vegetables for a tasty and healthy side dish.
- Make a poutine dish by layering fries, cheese curds, and gravy for a Canadian-inspired treat.
- Use the gravy as a dipping sauce for appetizers like chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks, or onion rings.
Whatever dish you choose, remember that gravy is a versatile addition to many meals. Experiment with different serving ideas and enjoy the delicious flavor of your homemade gravy.
Recipe Tips and Tricks for Perfect Homemade Brown Gravy Every Time
Are you ready to make some delicious homemade gravy? Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your gravy-making experience is a success:
- Watch a recipe video: If you’re a visual learner, watching a recipe video can help you understand the steps better. Check out some popular videos on YouTube for additional guidance.
- Follow easy steps: Making gravy from scratch may seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you think. Follow the steps in our recipes and take it one step at a time.
- Use gluten-free flour: If you or someone in your family is gluten intolerant, you can use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour to make your gravy.
- Try this recipe: Don’t just take our word for it. Try making our recipes and see for yourself how easy and delicious homemade gravy can be.
“I’ve always been intimidated by making my own gravy, but following these easy steps and tips made it a breeze. The result was rich, flavorful gravy that my family loved.” – Sarah
Elevating Meals with Easy Homemade Gravy
You now have the recipe and tips to make much gravy that will have your taste buds begging for more. This great recipe is easy to follow and will produce rich gravy that elevates your mashed potatoes to a whole new level.
Remember, the key to good gravy is mastering the roux and gradually whisking it into your broth or drippings. Once you have reached the desired thickness, season it with salt and pepper to enhance its flavor.
Storing and reheating your gravy is easy, just store it in an airtight container, and reheat it using your preferred method.
Tried and Tested
Many readers have tried this recipe, and the results have been fantastic. They have managed to make great, rich gravy with ease.
For those following a gluten-free diet, you can use gluten-free flour to make this easy recipe.
Share Your Thoughts
We hope that you have enjoyed this article and learned how to make delicious, homemade gravy for your mashed potatoes. If you have any tips or tricks that work well for you, please share them in the comments section below.
Thanks for reading, and happy cooking!
FAQ: Reader Interactions and Common Gravy Queries
How do I make gravy from scratch?
To make gravy from scratch, you’ll need pan drippings or broth, butter, flour, and seasonings. Melt the butter in a saucepan, whisk in the flour to create a roux, add the drippings or broth gradually while whisking, and let the gravy simmer until thickened to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper, and your homemade gravy is ready!
Can I make gravy without pan drippings?
Absolutely! If you don’t have pan drippings, you can use broth as a base for your gravy. Simply heat the broth in a saucepan, create a roux with butter and flour, and gradually whisk the roux into the broth until thickened. Season with salt and pepper, and enjoy your delicious gravy without the need for drippings.
How do I thicken my gravy?
To thicken your gravy, you can gradually whisk in a roux made from equal parts butter and flour. Start by melting the butter in a saucepan, add the flour, and cook for a couple of minutes until it turns slightly golden. Gradually whisk the roux into your broth or drippings until the gravy reaches the desired thickness. Let it simmer for a few minutes, and your gravy will thicken beautifully.
Can I make gluten-free gravy?
Yes, you can make gluten-free gravy by using a gluten-free flour alternative, such as rice flour or cornstarch, instead of regular all-purpose flour. The process remains the same – create a roux with the gluten-free flour and butter, whisk it into your broth or drippings, and let it simmer until thickened. Make sure to check the label of your chosen flour alternative to ensure it is gluten-free.
How do I store and reheat gravy?
To store leftover gravy, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. When reheating, you can warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed to your liking. Make sure to consume the stored gravy within a few days for optimal freshness.
What are some serving suggestions for gravy?
Gravy is a versatile condiment that pairs well with various dishes. Some popular serving suggestions include pouring it over mashed potatoes, roasted meats like turkey or beef, biscuits, or even french fries. Get creative and experiment with different dishes to find your favorite combinations!
Do you have any tips and tricks for making gravy?
Absolutely! Here are some handy tips and tricks: 1) Watch a recipe video for visual guidance. 2) Follow the steps in the recipe carefully to achieve the best results. 3) If you’re following a gluten-free diet, use a gluten-free flour alternative. 4) Feel free to customize your gravy by adding herbs or spices for extra flavor. 5) Don’t be afraid to try different variations and make the recipe your own. And remember, practice makes perfect!
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