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Creamy Homemade Basic Gravy Without Drippings Recipe

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4.2 from 24 reviews

This classic gravy recipe without drippings is a simple and flavorful sauce made from butter, flour, and broth. It can be customized with optional ingredients like minced onion, garlic, and poultry seasoning to create a delicious Thanksgiving gravy, perfect for complementing roasted turkey, chicken, or mashed potatoes.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 2 cups of gravy

Ingredients

Basic Gravy

  • ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 16 ounces (453 g) broth (chicken, turkey, or vegetable)
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt, to taste

Thanksgiving Gravy (Optional Additions)

  • ½ small onion, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until fully melted and slightly bubbling.
  2. Add the flour: Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour to the melted butter, stirring constantly. Cook the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until it turns a light golden color and develops a nutty aroma, which ensures the flour is cooked through and prevents a raw taste.
  3. Sauté optional aromatics (for Thanksgiving gravy): If using, add the minced onion and garlic to the roux. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add the broth: Slowly pour in the broth while continually whisking to prevent lumps. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  5. Add seasoning: Stir in the pepper, salt to taste, and if desired, 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning to enhance the flavor, especially for holiday dishes.
  6. Simmer the gravy: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally. Allow it to cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
  7. Adjust and serve: Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and serve warm over meats, mashed potatoes, or side dishes.

Notes

  • For a richer gravy, use homemade broth or stock.
  • If the gravy is too thick, thin it by adding a little more broth until you reach desired consistency.
  • To avoid lumps, whisk continuously when adding flour and broth.
  • This gravy can be made in advance and reheated gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American