Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons oil or unsalted butter (or half butter, half oil)
- 3 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or 4 tablespoons for thicker gravy)
- 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon base, any kind
- 2 cups water
Optional Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons chopped green onions or shallots
- Dried seasoning: salt, black pepper, thyme, poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, garlic powder
- Fresh herbs such as thyme, chives, rosemary
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce, sherry, or Worcestershire sauce; or a splash of cream
Instructions
- Make the Roux: Melt butter or heat oil (or a combination of both) in a small saucepan over medium heat. Optionally, add chopped green onions or shallots and cook for 2 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Add Flour and Bouillon Base: Stir in 3 1/2 tablespoons of flour and 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon base. Cook while stirring constantly for 2 minutes until the mixture turns a very light brown and forms a loose paste, which removes the raw flour taste. Be careful not to burn the roux.
- Incorporate Water: Gradually whisk in 1 cup of water until smooth, then whisk in the remaining 1 cup. Using lukewarm water helps speed up the cooking process, though cold water is acceptable.
- Cook and Thicken: Continue cooking for about 3 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste the gravy and adjust with optional seasonings like dried herbs, fresh herbs, soy sauce, sherry, Worcestershire sauce, or a splash of cream as desired. Pour into a gravy boat or thermos and serve. Note that the gravy will thicken further as it stands.
Notes
- Use half butter and half oil for a richer flavor and smoother texture.
- Adjust flour quantity to achieve preferred gravy thickness; adding more flour will thicken the gravy.
- Better Than Bouillon base flavors vary, so adjust the quantity according to taste and saltiness.
- Adding green onions or shallots enhances the gravy’s flavor but is optional.
- For extra flavor, experiment with dried or fresh herbs and various umami boosters like soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
- If the roux becomes too dry, add a little more oil to maintain a loose paste.
- Gravy thickens more as it cools; if too thick, whisk in a bit more water before serving.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American