Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day, trying to juggle multiple dishes and stressing over last-minute preparations? Well, fret no more! With this make-ahead turkey gravy recipe, you can save time and reduce your holiday stress by preparing the gravy in advance. Imagine the convenience of having a rich and flavorful gravy ready to go, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your Thanksgiving feast. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this delicious and time-saving gravy!
Why Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy?
Preparing the turkey gravy ahead of time offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it allows you to have one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving Day, freeing up valuable time and reducing your workload. Secondly, making the gravy in advance allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a more complex and delicious sauce. Lastly, by making the gravy ahead of time, you can easily adjust the consistency and flavor to your liking, ensuring a perfect gravy every time.
The Secret to Flavorful Gravy
So, what’s the secret to a flavorful and drool-worthy gravy? Well, it all starts with the turkey drippings. The natural juices released by the turkey during cooking are packed with rich flavors that form the base of your gravy. By capturing these drippings and incorporating them into your gravy, you’ll achieve a depth of flavor that is simply unmatched.
But what if you’re not roasting a turkey or simply don’t have enough drippings? Don’t worry! You can still make a delicious gravy using chicken or vegetable broth as a base. While it may not have the same intensity as turkey drippings, it will still add plenty of savory goodness to your gravy.
The Make-Ahead Process
Now that you understand the benefits and secret to flavorful gravy, let’s walk through the make-ahead process:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. This includes turkey drippings (or broth), flour, butter, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer. Having everything prepared and ready to go will make the process much smoother.
Step 2: Make a Roux
A roux is a combination of flour and fat used to thicken sauces and gravies. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then gradually whisk in the flour until smooth. Cook the roux for a few minutes until it turns a golden color, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 3: Incorporate the Drippings
Add the turkey drippings (or broth) to the roux, whisking continuously to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened. This is the perfect time to adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Once the gravy has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. Transfer the gravy to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. The gravy can be made up to a few days in advance, allowing you to check another item off your Thanksgiving to-do list.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the make-ahead turkey gravy?
A: Absolutely! Freezing the gravy is a great option if you want to make it even further in advance. Simply transfer the cooled gravy to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw the gravy in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: How do I reheat the make-ahead turkey gravy?
A: To reheat the gravy, simply transfer it to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the gravy seems too thick, you can add a splash of broth or water to thin it out.
Q: Can I make vegetarian make-ahead gravy?
A: Absolutely! Instead of using turkey drippings, you can make a flavorful vegetarian gravy using vegetable broth as a base. Simply follow the same process, substituting the drippings with vegetable broth.
Q: Can I make gluten-free make-ahead gravy?
A: Yes, you can! To make gluten-free gravy, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. This will ensure that your gravy is safe for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
Q: How long does the make-ahead turkey gravy last?
A: When stored properly in the refrigerator, the make-ahead turkey gravy can last for up to four days. Just make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before using.
Q: Can I use the make-ahead turkey gravy for other dishes?
A: Absolutely! This versatile gravy can be used to enhance the flavor of various dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even sandwiches. Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations!
Q: Can I add additional herbs and spices to the make-ahead turkey gravy?
A: Yes, you can customize the gravy to your liking by adding your favorite herbs and spices. Consider incorporating flavors like thyme, rosemary, sage, or even a hint of garlic for an extra kick.
Q: Can I make a vegan version of the make-ahead gravy?
A: Absolutely! Swap the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as vegan margarine or coconut oil, and use vegetable broth instead of turkey drippings. This will result in a delicious vegan gravy that everyone can enjoy.
In Conclusion
By making your turkey gravy ahead of time, you can save precious hours on Thanksgiving Day and ensure a delicious and stress-free holiday feast. Whether you’re using turkey drippings or opting for a vegetarian or vegan version, this make-ahead gravy will elevate your dishes and impress your guests. So go ahead, give it a try, and savor the convenience and flavors of this time-saving recipe!
Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
Ingredients
- 6 turkey wings , large in size
- 2 onions , medium in size, peeled and cut into quarters
- 1 cup of water
- 8 cups of chicken broth , divided
- ¾ cup of carrots , chopped
- ½ teaspoon of dried thyme
- ¾ cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper
Instructions
- To save time on Thanksgiving Day, prepare your gravy in advance. This make-ahead turkey gravy is just as delicious as the one made on the day itself, but it's much more convenient.
- Here are the steps to make this make-ahead gravy:
- Step 1: Arrange the turkey wings in a roasting pan and place the quartered onions on top. Roast until the meat is browned, then transfer the wings and onions to a large stockpot.
- Step 2: Add water to the roasting pan and scrape up the browned bits. Pour the water (along with the browned bits) into the stockpot. Also, add six cups of broth, carrots, and thyme to the pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 90 minutes. Remove and save any meat and cooked vegetables.
- Step 3: Skim off and discard the fat from the gravy. Bring it to a gentle boil. In a separate bowl, whisk flour into the reserved broth, then whisk this mixture into the simmering broth. Continue simmering until the gravy thickens. Finally, add the butter and ground black pepper.
- Step 4: When you're ready to serve, transfer the gravy to a skillet and reheat it slowly over low heat on the stove. Stir frequently until the gravy is simmering.
- Step 5: If you want to freeze the gravy for later use, spoon it into zip-top bags. Label the bags with
