Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and what’s a Thanksgiving feast without the crowning glory—homemade turkey gravy? Skip the store-bought stuff and embark on a culinary journey as we dive into the secrets of crafting the perfect golden turkey gravy that will elevate your holiday meal.

Before delving into the creation of the perfect homemade turkey gravy, consider taking a detour to craft a rich and flavorful homemade turkey broth. This essential foundation sets the stage for a truly remarkable gravy.

Begin by collecting turkey carcass remnants, including bones, skin, and any leftover meat, or take any part of the turkey such as legs, thighs, neck, or wings.

Simmer these components in a large pot of water, allowing the flavors to meld and infuse into a savory turkey broth. Add aromatic vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery, along with a bouquet of fresh herbs like thyme and bay leaves.

Slowly simmer this concoction, allowing the essence of the turkey to transform into a golden liquid. Strain the broth to extract the pure, hearty essence, which will become the backbone of your gravy. Taking the time to craft your own homemade turkey broth is the secret ingredient that will elevate your gravy from good to unforgettable.

Ingredients:

Turkey Broth

2 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 turkey thighs, or any part of the turkey that holds more bone
1 small onion, quartered
2 large carrots, quartered
5 celery stalks, quartered
3 garlic cloves, whole
7 cups of water
3 bay leaves
1 teaspoon of black peppercorn
1 teaspoon of salt

Gravy

4 tablespoons of salted butter
4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
3 cups of turkey broth, or use equal parts broth and turkey drippings.

Instructions

Prepare Broth: Start by sautéing two turkey thighs, or any other part of the turkey, in 2 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil until golden brown, then add a small onion, two large carrots, and five celery stalks. Drop in three whole garlic cloves, followed by 7 cups of water, three bay leaves, a teaspoon of black peppercorns, and a teaspoon of salt. Simmer this flavorful ensemble, unlocking the essence of the turkey and creating a robust broth that forms the perfect base for your culinary creations.
Simmer Broth: Simmer the broth for about an hour. This will unlock the essence of the turkey and create a robust broth that forms the perfect base for your culinary creations. After simmering your broth, take the extra step of straining it to remove any solids, leaving behind a smooth and velvety liquid. Set aside until ready to use.
Prepare Roux: Once your broth is ready, it’s time to make a roux. In a separate pan, melt equal parts butter and flour in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, golden paste—this technique adds a velvety texture and richness to your sauces and gravies.
Add Broth: Gradually pour in the turkey broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken to your desired consistency.
Season to Perfection: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. The broth is already seasoned, but add whatever else you would like. For an extra layer of flavor, toss in some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Time Crunch: If pressed for time, harness the rich flavors of your turkey drippings or opt for convenience with store-bought stocks like vegetable or chicken. Apply the same technique for crafting a roux, combining chosen stock with equal parts butter and flour, ensuring a quick and flavorful base for your gravies and sauces.
Liquid Gold: When cooking a turkey, don’t forget to incorporate the liquid gold of turkey drippings into your homemade gravy—capturing the essence of the roast, these drippings infuse your gravy with a rich, savory flavor that elevates the entire feast.

Turkey Drippings

Turkey drippings are the flavorful juices and fats that are released from a roasting turkey as it cooks. As the turkey roasts, these drippings collect at the bottom of the roasting pan and are a combination of rendered fat, natural juices, and any seasonings or herbs used during the cooking process.

Tips

Make Ahead: If you have time, prepare your turkey broth a few days in advance, allowing its flavors to intensify; store it in the fridge for a convenient option, or freeze it for longer preservation. Simply reheat before use.
Evaporation: Water will evaporate when making broth. As you simmer the ingredients to extract flavors and create the broth, some of the water content will turn into steam and evaporate. This process concentrates the flavors of the ingredients, resulting in a more flavorful and robust broth. If desired you could add additional water during the simmering process to account for the evaporation and ensure you end up with the desired amount of broth. Remember to taste your broth and add any seasonings needed.
Drippings Matter: The quality of your turkey drippings will greatly influence the flavor of your gravy, so if you can I would definitely recommend using some for much added flavor.
Whisk, Whisk, Whisk: The key to a lump-free gravy is constant whisking. Don’t be afraid to put some elbow grease into it!
Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs to customize the flavor of your gravy. Sage and thyme are classic choices but feel free to get creative.
More Broth: To accommodate a larger gathering or simply indulge in more, adjust the measurements in the recipe accordingly, scaling up the ingredients to create a generous batch of flavorful turkey broth.

Storage

Homemade turkey gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, whisking to restore its creamy consistency.

Here are great containers for storing your gravy in the refrigerator or freezer. https://amzn.to/47pmhgR

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Leftover Gravy Ideas

Turkey Pot Pie: Use leftover turkey and gravy as the base for a delicious pot pie. Top with flaky pie crust for a comforting meal.
Hot Turkey Sandwiches: Pile slices of leftover turkey onto slices of bread, or Hawaiin sweet rolls and smother them with warmed gravy, cheese, and herbs and enjoy an easy and satisfying meal.
Gravy-Stuffed Mashed Potato Balls: Roll mashed potatoes into balls, create a well in the center, fill with gravy, and then bake until golden for a delightful appetizer.
Gravy-Smothered Meatballs: Elevate your meatball game by reheating leftover gravy and smothering it over a batch of perfectly cooked meatballs, creating a savory and comforting dish.

Mastering the art of homemade turkey gravy is a game-changer for your Thanksgiving feast. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of love, you can create a golden homemade gravy that will have your guests coming back for seconds. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the joy of cooking, and elevate your holiday table with this essential culinary masterpiece. Happy feasting!

Have fun with this recipe. Feel free to share what you have done in the comments below or share a picture of you enjoying this delicious meal!

Bom apetite! Enjoy your meal!

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