Ingredients:
4 cups turkey drippings or turkey/chicken stock
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Preparation:
Start with the turkey drippings. If you're using them, strain them through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any bits. Let the drippings cool slightly, then skim off any fat that rises to the top. If you don't have enough drippings to make 4 cups, supplement with chicken or turkey stock until you reach the desired amount.
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. This is the beginning of your roux, which is the base of your gravy.
Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour. Keep stirring constantly and let this mixture cook for about 2 minutes. This step is crucial to cook off the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in your turkey drippings or stock, continuing to whisk constantly. This will help to avoid any lumps in your gravy.
Keep cooking the mixture until the gravy thickens. This usually takes about 10 minutes.
Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. You can serve it immediately or keep it warm if you're not quite ready to eat.
And there you have it! A simple, yet delicious homemade gravy that's perfect for draping over your favorite dishes. Once you’ve mastered this basic recipe, you can start experimenting with additional flavors like herbs or garlic to suit your taste. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
