Description
Turkey Gravy is a rich and savory sauce made with simple natural ingredients that brings warmth and depth to any meal. This easy recipe uses turkey drippings, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and fresh herbs to create a luscious gravy perfect for turkey, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and more. With customizable textures and flexible variations, it guarantees a delicious boost to your dishes every time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Turkey drippings: from roasted turkey, fat skimmed to about 2 tablespoons
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): 1 tablespoon
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons
- Vegetable broth: 2 cups
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 teaspoon
- Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme): 1 teaspoon, chopped
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
Optional Variations
- Sautéed mushrooms: 1/2 cup (for mushroom-enhanced gravy)
- Roasted garlic cloves: 2 cloves (for garlic-infused flavor)
- Smoked paprika or cayenne pepper: pinch (for a spicy twist)
- Herb alternatives (sage or parsley): 1 teaspoon, chopped
- Natural gelling agent (e.g., agar): 1/2 teaspoon dissolved in cold water (to adjust thickness)
Instructions
- Collect Your Turkey Drippings: After roasting your turkey, pour the drippings into a measuring cup and allow the fat to rise to the top. Skim off most of the fat, reserving about two tablespoons to use in cooking the gravy as it holds the turkey’s delicious essence.
- Prepare the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the reserved turkey fat with the all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously until the mixture turns golden brown and fragrant, forming a roux that will thicken the gravy and add a toasty flavor.
- Gradually Add Liquid: Slowly pour in the vegetable broth and apple cider vinegar while whisking constantly to maintain a smooth texture. Continue stirring until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer and begins to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Seasonings: Add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme), and black pepper. Let the gravy simmer gently for a few minutes so the flavors blend and deepen beautifully.
- Adjust Texture: If the gravy is too thin, stir in a small amount of natural gelling agent dissolved in cold water and cook until the desired thickness is achieved. If too thick, add a splash more broth to loosen the consistency.
Notes
- Skim the fat carefully; leaving just enough balances richness without greasiness.
- Whisk constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky smooth texture.
- Simmer gently to keep flavors bright and avoid scorching the gravy.
- Add fresh herbs towards the end to preserve their aromatic freshness.
- Taste as you go and adjust seasoning with black pepper and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 0.3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 3.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3.5g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Turkey gravy, savory sauce, turkey drippings sauce, natural gravy, easy gravy recipe, holiday gravy
