Basic Turkey Gravy Recipe | Thanksgiving Recipes

Introduction:

This video provides an in-depth guide on making the perfect turkey gravy, emphasizing the importance of homemade turkey stock, a well-prepared roux, and the use of turkey drippings to enhance flavor. The hosts discuss various techniques to ensure a rich and flavorful gravy, which is often considered an essential part of a Thanksgiving meal.

Ingredients:

• Turkey neck and gizzards
• Onions
• Carrots
• Bay leaf
• Peppercorns
• Celery
• Chicken stock (optional)
• Flour
• Butter
• White wine (for deglazing)
• Fresh herbs (parsley, chives, tarragon)
• Cognac
• Whole grain mustard
• Heavy cream
• Salt and pepper

Preparation Steps:

1. Make the Turkey Stock:

   • Combine turkey neck, gizzards, onions, carrots, bay leaf, peppercorns, celery, and chicken stock (optional) in a pot.
   • Cook for at least 2 hours, or longer for more flavor.

2. Prepare the Roux:

   • Melt butter in a pan and whisk in an equal amount of flour.
   • Cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until it develops a nutty aroma and turns a light brown color.

3. Deglaze the Roasting Pan:

   • After roasting the turkey, use the roasting pan to deglaze with white wine, scraping up the flavorful bits.
   • Add the turkey drippings to the pan, using a fat separator to discard the excess fat.

4. Combine the Stock and Roux:

   • Bring the turkey stock to a boil.
   • Gradually whisk in the roux, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
   • Cook until the gravy reaches the desired consistency, adding more stock if necessary.

5. Strain and Flavor the Gravy:

   • Strain the gravy to remove any lumps or solid bits.
   • For additional flavor, consider deglazing the pan with Madeira wine.
   • Add sautéed mushrooms, herbs, cognac, whole grain mustard, and a touch of heavy cream to the gravy.

Conclusion:

This turkey gravy recipe is a labor of love, relying on a rich homemade stock, a carefully cooked roux, and the deep flavors of the turkey drippings. The result is a luxurious gravy that's a cornerstone of the Thanksgiving feast, complementing the turkey and other sides beautifully. With these tips and techniques, you can create a gravy that's sure to impress your guests and become a memorable part of the meal.