on Mar 19th, 2008Easy foolproof gravy
I hate last-minute cooking for a big meal, holiday or otherwise. That’s why I prepare make-ahead gravy at Thanksgiving. But not every meal includes turkey and often, everyday meals need gravy that I am still not willing to scramble around to make at the final moment.
If you’re the same way, set aside your thoughts about pan drippings and fat skimming. Leave the drippings in the pan, start with another form of fat and make a delicious three-ingredient gravy when it’s convenient for you. And if gravy the traditional way gives you trouble, try my way. It’s really simple, fast and almost impossible to mess up.
Ella’s Pan Gravy
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons instant (quick-mixing) or all-purpose flour*
7 ounces chicken, turkey or beef broth or stock, depending on the entree
salt and pepper to taste
*Gravy made with all-purpose flour doesn’t reheat well, so if I expect leftover gravy or if I make it a couple hours in advance, I use instant flour.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and stir or whisk until lightly browned. Add the liquid, stir well to combine and bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Once it’s bubbling, simmer and stir for 1 -2 minutes more, until thickened.
Season to taste. If you’re a purist, use white pepper. If not, the world won’t end.
Reheat if needed.
Makes about 1 cup, 4 - 5 servings. Can be doubled.
Related: Gravy thickeners: Which to use
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Thank you for your help on the question forum. I am so glad I clicked on your blog…it has inspired me to throw away the hamburger helper. And to try making PAN gravy instead of from a mix that I shake in a jar. I am lazy. Which reminds me, I am intrigued…you said “My favorite road is the path of least resistance.” Making foods from scratch doesn’t seem like the path of least resistance to me!
Goldie’s last blog post..Seven Random Things About ME
You’re very welcome, and thank you for taking the time to click on over here. I hope you’ll be back often and find lots of helpful information and quick recipes.
As for that path — it depends on the destination.
My destination is better health and more money in my wallet and nobody ever got there with processed and convenience foods full of trans fat, sodium and sugars.