Description
This classic Turkey Gravy recipe uses rich drippings from a roasted turkey combined with a flavorful roux and savory giblets to create a deliciously smooth and hearty gravy. Perfect for elevating your holiday turkey dinner, this gravy is thickened naturally and seasoned to taste, offering an authentic taste of traditional home-cooked fare.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Turkey Giblets
- Neck, heart, liver, and gizzards from the turkey (optional)
- Water to cover giblets
Gravy
- Drippings from roasted turkey (about 2 cups total, divided)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or turkey or vegetable broth)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Giblets: Place the turkey neck, heart, liver, and gizzards in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 1 hour or until all meat is cooked through.
- Remove and Dice Giblets: Use a slotted spoon to remove the giblets from the water. Reserve some of the cooking liquid if needed to adjust gravy consistency later. When cool, discard the liver, remove meat from the neck, then finely dice all remaining giblets and set aside.
- Separate Fat from Turkey Drippings: After roasting your turkey, carefully pour the drippings into a large bowl. Let sit briefly to allow the fat to rise. Skim and remove most of the fat from the surface using a spoon or ladle.
- Create Roux Base: In a large saucepan, add 1 cup of the skimmed drippings and whisk in 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour until you form a smooth paste. Adjust flour quantity slightly if the mixture appears too greasy. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the roux turns a golden brown color, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Broth and Remaining Drippings: Slowly whisk in 4 cups of chicken broth and an additional 1 cup of the turkey drippings. Continue whisking the mixture constantly to avoid lumps.
- Simmer and Incorporate Giblets: Allow the gravy to cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens. Stir in the diced giblets to warm through.
- Adjust Consistency and Season: Assess your gravy’s thickness. If too thick, add reserved giblet broth or some drippings liquid to thin. If too thin, simmer for an additional 10 minutes or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and cook until desired thickness is reached. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Store: Pour over turkey and enjoy. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- The best turkey gravy uses fresh drippings for full flavor and richness.
- Including giblets adds traditional depth and texture to the gravy, but they can be omitted if preferred.
- Skimming fat ensures a balanced texture and prevents greasy gravy.
- Adjust thickness based on personal preference using reserved giblet broth or cornstarch slurry.
- Use low-sodium broth to better control the saltiness of your gravy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/15 of recipe (about 1/3 cup)
- Calories: 25 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 18 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg