Rich Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you’re like me, you’re already dreaming about that delicious turkey with all the fixings. And what’s turkey without a rich and flavorful gravy to pour over it? But making gravy can be a bit of a hassle, especially when you have a hundred other things to do in the kitchen. That’s where make-ahead turkey gravy comes in handy. It’s the ultimate time-saver and ensures that you have a smooth and delicious gravy ready to go on the big day.
What is Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy?
Make-ahead turkey gravy is exactly what it sounds like – it’s gravy that you can prepare ahead of time and store until you need it. Instead of rushing to make gravy while the turkey is resting, you can simply heat it up and serve. It’s a game-changer, especially if you’re hosting a large gathering and want to minimize last-minute stress.
The Benefits of Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
There are several benefits to making your gravy ahead of time:
1. Time-Saver:
By making your gravy in advance, you free up valuable time on Thanksgiving Day. Instead of standing over a hot stove whisking away, you can focus on other dishes or spend more time with your loved ones.
2. Consistency:
When you make gravy ahead of time, you have more control over its consistency. You can adjust the thickness to your preference and ensure that it’s perfectly smooth and lump-free.
3. Enhanced Flavor:
Allowing the flavors to mingle and develop over time results in a more complex and flavorful gravy. The herbs, spices, and turkey drippings have a chance to infuse, creating a rich and savory sauce.
How to Make Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
Making make-ahead turkey gravy is easier than you might think. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
To make the perfect make-ahead turkey gravy, you’ll need a few key ingredients, including turkey drippings, stock, flour, butter, and seasonings. Make sure you have everything on hand before you start.
Step 2: Prepare the Roux
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste, also known as a roux. Cook the roux for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Add the Stock and Drippings
Slowly pour in the turkey drippings and stock, whisking continuously to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency. Remember to season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Once the gravy has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it. It can be stored for up to three days.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze make-ahead turkey gravy?
Yes, you can freeze make-ahead turkey gravy. Simply transfer it to freezer-safe containers and store for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
2. How do I reheat the make-ahead turkey gravy?
To reheat the make-ahead turkey gravy, simply transfer it to a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through and smooth.
3. Can I make make-ahead turkey gravy without turkey drippings?
Absolutely! If you don’t have turkey drippings, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead. The gravy will still be delicious and flavorful.
4. Can I make make-ahead turkey gravy gluten-free?
Yes, you can make make-ahead turkey gravy gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour or a thickening agent like cornstarch. Just make sure all your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
5. How long can I keep make-ahead turkey gravy in the refrigerator?
Make-ahead turkey gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. After that, it’s best to discard any leftovers to ensure food safety.
6. Can I use make-ahead turkey gravy for other dishes?
Absolutely! Make-ahead turkey gravy is incredibly versatile. You can use it to top mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even sandwiches. Get creative!
7. Can I add additional seasonings to make-ahead turkey gravy?
Yes, feel free to customize your make-ahead turkey gravy with additional seasonings. Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for extra flavor.
8. Can I make make-ahead gravy with other meats?
Definitely! While make-ahead turkey gravy is popular for Thanksgiving, you can make a similar gravy using the drippings from other meats like chicken, beef, or pork.
So there you have it – everything you need to know about rich make-ahead turkey gravy. It’s a time-saving and flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving feast. Give it a try this year and enjoy a stress-free holiday!
Conclusion
Make-ahead turkey gravy is a game-changer for Thanksgiving. It saves you time, ensures a consistent and flavorful gravy, and allows you to focus on other dishes and enjoy the holiday with your loved ones. With just a few simple steps, you can have a smooth and delicious gravy ready to go. So why wait until the last minute? Prepare your make-ahead turkey gravy today and savor every moment of your Thanksgiving feast!
Rich Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- 3 pounds of turkey wings
- 2 small onions , cut into quarters
- 2 stalks of celery , each cut into 4 pieces
- 2 carrots , each cut into 4 pieces
- 2 cloves of garlic , halved
- 1 ½ cups of dry white wine
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 4 cups of water
- ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons of butter (optional , more if desired)
- ½ cup of all-purpose flour
- Salt and ground black pepper , to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- In a roasting pan, place turkey wings, onions, celery, carrots, and garlic.
- Roast the turkey wings and vegetables in the oven until the wings turn a deep golden brown color, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked wings and vegetables to a large pot.
- Place the roasting pan over two stove burners on medium-high heat.
- Pour white wine into the roasting pan and scrape off any browned flavor bits from the bottom of the pan into the wine.
- Heat and scrape the roasting pan until the drippings and wine have reduced to about 1/2 cup.
- Pour the wine mixture into the pot with the turkey wings.
- Pour chicken broth and water into the pot and season with thyme.
- Push the turkey wings down into the liquid and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Skim off any foam that collects on top.
- Pour the broth mixture through a colander into a large bowl.
- Pick the meat from the wings, if desired, to add to the gravy, or discard the spent wings and vegetables.
- Allow the gravy base to stand for several minutes for the fat to collect into a layer on top.
- Skim off as much fat as possible and
