Making homemade gravy is easier than you might think! Here's a simple 10-step recipe that will have you whipping up delicious gravy in no time.

• Start by placing a saucepan on medium heat and melting 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
• Add 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk it until smooth for about 1-2 minutes.
• Slowly pour in 2 cups of broth or stock while whisking constantly to avoid any lumps from forming.
• For extra flavor, you can add a bay leaf to the gravy (optional).
• Bring the gravy to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency.
• Once the gravy is thickened, remove the bay leaf from the saucepan.
• Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve the hot gravy over mashed potatoes, baked chicken, roasted turkey, pork chops, or any other dish you love.
• And there you have it! A homemade gravy that will impress everyone at your table.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced chef, this recipe is perfect for creating smooth and creamy gravies that will elevate any meal. So go ahead and give it a try - your taste buds will thank you!

To make homemade gravy, you'll need a few things. Here's what they are and how they contribute to the taste and thickness of the gravy:

• Pan drippings or fat: These come from cooking roasted chicken, turkey, or other meats. They add a rich flavor to the gravy.
• Butter: It's used to make a roux, which helps thicken the gravy.
• All-purpose flour: Combined with butter, it creates the roux that thickens the gravy.
• Vegetable broth or stock: This forms the liquid base of the gravy.
• Salt and pepper: Since there are already many flavors in the pan drippings, all you need is salt and pepper to bring out their taste. Keeping it simple is best!
• Optional ingredients: You can customize the gravy's flavor by adding things like mushroom powder, Worcestershire sauce, or soy sauce for specific dishes or occasions.

Now, let's dive into some pro tips that will take your homemade gravy to the next level!

2. Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Homemade Gravy

Mastering the art of making homemade gravy may seem daunting, but with a few expert tips, any home cook can achieve savory success. Begin by collecting the pan drippings from your roast, chicken, or turkey, and utilize a fat separator to eliminate excess grease. For thickening your gravy, whisk flour or cornstarch into the pan drippings and cook over medium heat until the mixture turns a golden brown hue.

To avoid lumps, gradually add broth or stock while continuously whisking, allowing the mixture to gently simmer. For an added burst of flavor, consider incorporating optional ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or mushroom powder. Remember to season your gravy with salt and pepper to your taste preference, and for a smoother consistency, strain it before serving. With these invaluable tips and a bit of practice, you'll consistently create delectable homemade gravy from scratch.

Pro Tips:

• Prior to making the gravy, use a fat separator to remove excess fat from the pan drippings, resulting in a healthier and less greasy gravy.
• Opting for a gluten-free option? Swap flour for cornstarch as a thickening agent. Create a slurry by combining cornstarch with cold water and gradually whisk it into the pan drippings.
• Enhance the flavor profile by adding a dash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to your gravy.
• To prevent lumps, slowly and continuously whisk the flour or cornstarch into the pan drippings until fully incorporated.
• Adjust the thickness of your gravy by gradually adding small amounts of stock or broth until desired consistency is achieved.
• If your gravy turns out thinner than desired, thicken it by whisking in a mixture of equal parts flour and butter, commonly known as a roux.
• When time is limited, prepare a quick and easy gravy using chicken or beef stock, butter, and flour. Melt the butter in a saucepan, whisk in the flour, and gradually pour in the stock while whisking constantly. Simmer until desired thickness is reached.
• Don't forget to season your gravy with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
• If incorporating fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, into your gravy, be sure to remove the stems before serving.
• Embrace creativity by experimenting with various flavorings and ingredients like garlic, onion, mushrooms, or red wine to customize your gravy to perfection.

3. Exploring Different Methods for Homemade Gravy

When it comes to making gravy from scratch, there are three key methods to choose from. Each method offers its own unique approach to achieving rich and flavorful gravy. Here's a breakdown of each technique:

1. Pan Drippings Method: Utilize the delicious drippings left in the pan after cooking meat as the foundation for your gravy. Begin by adding butter and flour to the pan, whisking continuously. Gradually pour in broth or stock while stirring, allowing the gravy to thicken to your desired consistency.

2. Roux Method: Start by creating a roux in a separate pan, combining equal parts flour and fat (such as butter or oil). Whisk the mixture over medium heat until it transforms into a golden brown color. Slowly incorporate broth or stock into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Allow the gravy to cook until it reaches the desired thickness.

3. Cornstarch Method: For a gluten-free alternative, the cornstarch method is a great choice. In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch with cold water and whisk until the mixture becomes smooth. Add the cornstarch mixture to hot broth or stock, stirring constantly. Cook the gravy until it achieves the desired thickness.

Regardless of the method you choose, don't forget to season your gravy with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices that complement your taste preferences. Feel free to explore and get creative by incorporating ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or even a splash of wine to elevate the flavor profile of your homemade gravy.

4. Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe

Here's a simple recipe to make homemade gravy from scratch in just a few easy steps.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons of butter or oil
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Melt the butter or oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the all-purpose flour and whisk until smooth.
• Cook the mixture for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns light golden brown.
• Slowly pour in the vegetable or chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
• Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until desired thickness is achieved.
• If the gravy is too thin, make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water. Pour the slurry into the gravy while whisking constantly until it thickens.
• Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
• Let the gravy cool for a few minutes before serving. It may thicken further as it cools, so you can add water or broth to thin it out if needed.
• Serve the homemade gravy with mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, turkey, or any dish of your choice.
• Feel free to get creative and add optional ingredients like mushrooms, onions, garlic, or herbs to customize the flavor.

Enjoy the delicious taste of homemade gravy made easily in your own kitchen!

5. Cooking Guild Tools You’ll Need

1. Dynasty Series 8" Chef Knife

The Dynasty Series 8" Chef Knife is the epitome of kitchen knife craftsmanship. Made using traditional Japanese techniques, this knife delivers unmatched sharpness, rust-resistance, and durability. Its blade features a San mai AUS-10 core with 430 stainless steel, ensuring superior cutting performance. With an 8.1-inch length, 2-inch width, and 0.1-inch thickness, this knife offers precision and maneuverability. The 13.2-inch total length provides optimal balance and control. The carbonized rosewood handle, measuring 4.9 inches in length and featuring a full tang construction, offers a luxurious and comfortable grip for stability during use.

Pros:

• Unparalleled sharpness and durability due to the San mai AUS-10 core and 430 stainless steel construction.
• Rust-resistant blade ensures long-lasting performance and easy maintenance.
• Versatile 8-inch length makes it suitable for a wide range of kitchen tasks.
• Thin blade thickness allows for precise and effortless cutting.
• Carbonized rosewood handle offers a comfortable and secure grip.

Cons:

• The luxurious craftsmanship of this knife comes at a higher price point compared to entry-level options.

2. Dynasty Series Santoku

6. FAQ

What's the secret to making gravy?

The secret to making gravy is to start with a flavorful base like meat drippings or broth. Gradually add a mixture of flour and liquid while whisking continuously to achieve a smooth, thick consistency.

How can I turn a sauce into gravy?

To turn a sauce into gravy, simply add a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch. Stir until the desired thickness is reached. If using cornstarch, make sure to create a slurry by mixing it with water first to prevent clumps.

How do I make gravy with cornstarch and water?

To make gravy with cornstarch and water, mix equal parts of cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to hot meat drippings or broth while stirring constantly. Keep stirring until the gravy thickens to your liking.