Description
A classic homemade gravy recipe using meat drippings and flour to create a rich and flavorful sauce perfect for enhancing roasts, poultry, and mashed potatoes. This easy-to-make gravy brings depth of flavor with simple pantry ingredients and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Gravy Ingredients
- ½ cup fat from drippings (or unsalted butter*)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 3 to 4 cups drippings (add extra broth if needed)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (and/or fresh herbs to taste, optional)
- salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Rest the Meat and Collect Drippings: Once your meat is cooked, transfer it to a plate to rest. Use the liquid from the drippings to scrape any brown bits from the bottom and sides of the pan. Strain the drippings through a fine sieve if desired to remove solids or impurities.
- Separate Fat from Drippings: Allow the drippings to rest for a few minutes in a gravy separator or a tall narrow container so that the fat and drippings separate, with fat rising to the top. Spoon out ½ cup of the fat into a medium saucepan. If you don’t have enough fat, add unsalted butter to reach ½ cup.
- Create Roux with Flour and Seasoning: Stir in the flour and poultry seasoning to the fat and cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly until the flour slightly browns and develops a nutty aroma, which forms the base of the gravy.
- Add Drippings and Broth Gradually: Gradually add the drippings and/or broth to the roux, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth texture and prevent lumps. The mixture will start thick and will thin out as more liquid is added; you may not need to use all the broth.
- Boil and Thicken the Gravy: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat while whisking. Allow it to boil for 1 to 2 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season and Finish: Taste your gravy and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Stir in chopped fresh parsley or other fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot alongside your roast or favorite side dishes.
Notes
- If you don’t have enough fat from drippings, substitute with unsalted butter for best results.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- You can adjust the consistency of gravy by adding more or less broth or drippings.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or sage can be added for an extra flavor twist.
- Use drippings from any roasted meat such as turkey, chicken, or beef for versatile flavor variations.
- Straining drippings is optional but helps ensure smooth gravy without lumps or bits.
