What To Know
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of white wine or red wine to the gravy.
- Ina Garten’s make-ahead turkey gravy is a delicious and easy way to add flavor to your Thanksgiving dinner.
- The gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and delicious food. And no Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a rich, flavorful gravy. Ina Garten’s make-ahead turkey gravy is the perfect solution for busy hosts who want to enjoy their holiday without spending hours in the kitchen. With its rich flavor and velvety texture, this gravy will elevate your turkey to new heights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 gallon turkey stock or broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
How to Make Ina Garten’s Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
1. Prepare the roux: In a large saucepan, whisk together the flour, butter, and vegetable oil. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden brown and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
2. Whisk in the stock: Gradually whisk in the turkey stock until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
3. Season the gravy: Stir in the thyme, sage, black pepper, and salt to taste. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the gravy has reached your desired consistency.
4. Strain the gravy: If desired, you can strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids.
5. Make ahead: The gravy can be made up to 3 days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the gravy over low heat until warmed through.
Tips for the Perfect Gravy
- Use a good quality turkey stock. The flavor of your gravy will depend on the quality of the stock you use. Make sure to use a stock that is made from real turkey bones.
- Don’t overcook the roux. The roux is what thickens the gravy. If you overcook it, the gravy will be too thick and pasty.
- Season the gravy to taste. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so be sure to season the gravy to your own liking.
- Make extra gravy. Gravy is always a hit, so it’s better to have too much than not enough.
Variations on Ina Garten’s Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
- Add some vegetables. For a more flavorful gravy, add some chopped vegetables to the roux. Onions, carrots, and celery are all good choices.
- Use different herbs. If you don’t like thyme and sage, you can use other herbs in your gravy. Rosemary, marjoram, and oregano are all good substitutes.
- Add a splash of wine. For a richer flavor, add a splash of white wine or red wine to the gravy.
- Make it gluten-free. To make the gravy gluten-free, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Serving Suggestions
Ina Garten’s make-ahead turkey gravy is the perfect accompaniment to any roasted turkey. It can also be used to top mashed potatoes, stuffing, or vegetables.
Wrap-Up: Elevate Your Thanksgiving Dinner with Ina Garten’s Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
Ina Garten’s make-ahead turkey gravy is a delicious and easy way to add flavor to your Thanksgiving dinner. With its rich flavor and velvety texture, this gravy will impress your guests and make your holiday meal a memorable one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken stock instead of turkey stock?
A: Yes, you can use chicken stock instead of turkey stock. However, the flavor of the gravy will be slightly different.
Q: How long can I store the gravy in the refrigerator?
A: The gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze the gravy?
A: Yes, you can freeze the gravy for up to 2 months. Thaw the gravy overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: How do I reheat the gravy?
A: Reheat the gravy over low heat until warmed through. You can also reheat the gravy in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Q: What can I do if my gravy is too thick?
A: If your gravy is too thick, you can thin it out with some additional turkey stock or water.
Q: What can I do if my gravy is too thin?
A: If your gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a slurry made from equal parts flour and water. Whisk the slurry into the gravy and cook over medium heat until thickened.
