This herbed turkey gravy is rich and flavorful, perfect for drenching over turkey and mashed potatoes. With a mix of fresh herbs, it adds a delightful touch to your meal!
You can whip it up quickly using turkey drippings, which makes it even better. I love how the herbs make it smell so good while cooking—you might find it hard to wait! 😄
Create this easy gravy right after roasting your turkey for the best taste. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you when every bite is bursting with flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Drippings: These give your gravy its rich flavor. If you’re cooking turkey without drippings, you can substitute with store-bought turkey stock for a good taste, but freshly roasted is the best!
Unsalted Butter: This is important for making the roux. You can use olive oil or another cooking oil if you’re looking to reduce dairy. However, butter adds great richness!
All-Purpose Flour: This thickens the gravy. For a gluten-free option, try cornstarch instead. Mix it with a little water before adding to avoid clumps.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, and sage bring a wonderful aroma. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones can be used; just remember to use less (1/3 of the amount) as they are more potent.
Broth: Homemade chicken or turkey broth is best, but low-sodium store-bought works too. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option without losing flavor.
How Do I Make My Gravy Smooth and Lump-Free?
A common challenge in making gravy is ensuring it’s smooth. Here’s how to avoid lumps:
- Make sure to whisk continuously when adding flour to the fat to create a roux. This helps prevent lumps.
- When adding the broth, do it slowly! Pour it gradually while whisking. This helps blend it well without forming clumps.
- If lumps do occur, you can use an immersion blender for a quick fix or strain the gravy through a fine mesh sieve afterward.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious, smooth gravy everyone will love!
Herbed Turkey Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Gravy:
- 1/4 cup turkey drippings (reserved from roasted turkey)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups turkey or chicken broth (preferably homemade or low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious herbed turkey gravy will take about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick process right after roasting your turkey, and with easy steps, you won’t have to worry about it taking too long. Just enough time to get your other dishes ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Drippings:
After roasting your turkey, pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a measuring cup. Let it sit for a moment. This helps the fat to rise to the top. Skim off about 1/4 cup of the fat and set it aside. It will add wonderful flavor to your gravy!
2. Melt the Fat:
In a medium saucepan, heat the turkey fat and unsalted butter over medium heat until melted. The combination of these two will create a tasty base for your gravy.
3. Make the Roux:
Whisk in the flour with a steady hand. Cook, stirring constantly for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes golden. This mixture is called a roux, and it helps thicken your gravy while getting rid of any raw flour taste.
4. Add the Broth:
Slowly whisk in the turkey or chicken broth, taking your time to ensure no lumps form. Keeping the heat moderate is key to a smooth gravy!
5. Mix in the Drippings:
Add the reserved turkey drippings into your saucepan and stir well. This is where the rich flavors come in!
6. Season with Herbs:
Stir in the finely chopped thyme, rosemary, and sage. The fresh herbs will brighten up your gravy with their lovely aroma.
7. Simmer and Thicken:
Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer. Keep whisking frequently until it thickens—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Feel free to adjust the heat if it’s bubbling too much!
8. Final Touches:
Taste your gravy and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. It should taste delicious and balanced!
9. Smooth It Out (Optional):
If you prefer a silky texture, strain the gravy through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps or bits.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Pour your lovely herbed turkey gravy into a gravy boat and serve warm over turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing. Enjoy the delightful flavors at your feast!
And there you have it—a beautifully herbed, silky smooth turkey gravy that will elevate your meal to the next level! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Store-Bought Broth for This Gravy?
Absolutely! Store-bought turkey or chicken broth is a great option, especially if you want to save time. Just choose low-sodium to control the saltiness of your gravy!
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Turkey Drippings?
No problem! If you don’t have turkey drippings, you can simply use additional broth or stock. For depth of flavor, you can also add a little soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the broth.
How Long Will Leftover Gravy Last?
Leftover herbed turkey gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to bring it back to the right consistency.
Can I Freeze the Gravy?
Yes, you can freeze herbed turkey gravy! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove when you’re ready to use it.
