The Best Homemade Turkey Gravy
Indulge in the rich and savory experience of homemade turkey gravy made from scratch. Unleash the essence of turkey broth in a velvety gravy that's bound to become the star of your table.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the 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
- Start by sautéing two turkey thighs 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 the broth for about an hour. This will unlock the essence of the turkey and creating 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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