Herbed Turkey Gravy

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Turkey Drippings: These are the flavorful liquids left after roasting your turkey. If you don’t have enough drippings, use more broth. You can substitute with store-bought turkey or chicken broth for a quicker option.

Low-Sodium Broth: Using low-sodium broth helps control the saltiness of your gravy. If you’re in a pinch, vegetable broth is a nice alternative. Homemade stock is great too!

Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary, Sage): Fresh herbs add incredible flavor. If you’re out of fresh, substitute with 1/3 of the amount in dried herbs. My personal favorite is thyme, but mix and match based on your preference.

Butter: Unsalted is the best choice for more control over seasoning. If you’re dairy-free, olive oil works well but changes the flavor a bit.

How Do You Prevent Lumpy Gravy?

Preparing a smooth gravy is all about the technique! The roux is key here. When you whisk together the flour and fat (butter + drippings), it creates a paste that forms the base for your gravy. For a lump-free result:

• Cook the roux slowly over medium heat until lightly golden to develop flavor.
• Gradually add the broth while whisking continuously. This helps prevent lumps from forming.
• If you do end up with lumps, use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan or strain through a fine mesh sieve after cooking.

By paying attention to these tips, you’ll serve up a rich, smooth herbed turkey gravy that everyone will love! Enjoy!

Herbed Turkey Gravy

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 cups turkey drippings (strained)
• 2 cups low-sodium turkey or chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious herbed turkey gravy takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare. You’ll make it right after roasting your turkey, allowing the flavors of the drippings to shine through!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Collecting the Drippings:

Once your turkey is roasted, pour the drippings into a fat separator or a large measuring cup. Allow it to sit for a few minutes so the fat can rise to the top. Skim off and reserve about 3 tablespoons of the fat; you can discard the rest or save it for later use.

2. Making the Roux:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the reserved turkey fat along with the unsalted butter until it’s fully melted and bubbly. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, and cook while whisking constantly for about 2-3 minutes until it turns golden and starts bubbling, but don’t let it brown.

3. Adding the Liquid:

Slowly whisk in the turkey broth first, followed by the strained drippings. Keep whisking to prevent lumps from forming and ensure a smooth mixture.

4. Infusing with Herbs:

Add in the chopped thyme, rosemary, and sage. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, which will enhance the herb flavors.

5. Thickening the Gravy:

Reduce the heat and let the gravy simmer for about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently until it thickens to your desired consistency.

6. Final Touches:

Taste your gravy and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. If you prefer a smooth gravy, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove any bits.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your warm herbed turkey gravy over roasted turkey slices, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the warm feeling of a delicious meal shared with loved ones!

This savory herbed turkey gravy elevates your holiday table with its rich flavor and fresh herb notes. It’s a must-have companion to your turkey feast!

Can I Use Store-Bought Broth Instead of Drippings?

Absolutely! If you don’t have enough turkey drippings, store-bought low-sodium turkey or chicken broth works perfectly. Just be sure to season to taste since store-bought can be saltier.

How Do I Store Leftover Gravy?

Leftover herbed turkey gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Can I Make This Gravy Ahead of Time?

You can! Prepare the gravy a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat slowly before serving, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if it thickens too much during storage.

What If My Gravy Turns Out Too Thick?

If your gravy is too thick, simply whisk in a bit more turkey broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Heat it gently while adding the liquid to ensure it’s well combined.