Thanksgiving can be stressful! If you’re in charge of the cooking, trying to juggle multiple dishes at once and having more than the normal number of people to feed can be intimidating, even if it’s not your first go time. The last thing you need when you’ve already got both ovens running and three pots on the stove is a mishap, so planning ahead is always a game changer.
It’s safe to say that among all the dishes on the holiday table, having a winning gravy is essential. Whether you’ve invited guests that will simply drizzle it on the bird or drench nearly everything on their plate in gravy, you’ve GOT to get it right. With dishes like dressing/stuffing , mac and cheese and mashed potatoes on the table, skimpy gravy simply won’t cut it
Thanksgiving isn’t complete without a healthy helping of smooth, velvety, savory turkey gravy. There’s no secret that turkey gravy is essential to a southern Thanksgiving table. But there is a secret to homemade turkey gravy—and that is a solidly seasoned and flavorful base,
After the turkey is done roasting, deglaze the pan filled with the turkey drippings using stock or wine to get all those delicious bits on the bottom. Those add so much flavor to your gravy. Next, strain the liquid into a fat separator – this will be the basis for your gravy. You will then add this to your roux (explained below) to make your delicious turkey gravy.
Nailing the right consistency for your gravy can be more challenging than it seems. If you find yourself with gravy that is brothy and runny, you may be wondering the best way to thicken gravy fast. Don’t worry – after many years of cooking Thanksgiving, I have just the solution for an easy way to thicken your gravy time for your Thanksgiving dinner.
Thicken Gravy with a Slurry
If your gravy is on the skimpy/runny side, you can thicken it quickly with flour or cornstarch. But don’t add your thickener directly to the gravy, that will create gummy lumps – yuck! Instead, whisk three or four tablespoons of flour or cornstarch into a small amount of cold water until you have a smooth paste.
You can then slowly and gradually add a small amount of the slurry into the liquid you made from the turkey drippings using a whisk, until it begins to thicken. Allow the gravy to simmer a minute or two before adding more. Once the gravy is thick enough – STOP! Using too much can cause your gravy to solidify into a gel. Before you know it, you’ll have Thanksgiving-worthy gravy ready for your turkey and mashed potatoes. No one will suspect that it was ever any other way.
Thicken Gravy with a Roux
This is my favorite method and one I use every year. Many gravy recipes start with a roux – a cooking process that turns raw, doughy flour into a nutty, flavorful base and adds a wonderful deep brown color to your gravy. To make your roux, use an equal amount of flour and fat, (I prefer high quality butter) and follow these simple steps:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan on medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk into the butter until all lumps are gone.
- Whisk continously until the roux turns a golden to medium brown. This can be done earlier in the day when you aren’t in a time crunch to get everything done. Just leave it on the counter at room temperature.
- Slowly add the roux into the gravy, whisking and simmering the mixture until it is the desired consistency
Cook the Gravy Longer
Oftentimes, a thin gravy just needs more time on the stove. This method is also useful if you accidentally overdid it on adding stock to your gravy. Continue to simmer the gravy, uncovered, until enough liquid evaporates to thicken the gravy.
Why not use this method in every case of a watery gravy? Sometimes, cooking the gravy down can cause it to become too salty. Taste the gravy every few minutes to check for seasoning, and add a thickener if needed.
Other Gravy Thickeners
Have people who are gluten free? While you’re likely to cornstarch in the pantry, there are other substitutes you can use to thicken gravy, following the same instructions for creating a slurry:
- Arrowroot
- Tapioca starch
- Potato starch
Place in a Gravy Boat
Bring your amazing gravy to the table or serving area in a pretty gravy boat. Amazon has lots of great options. I love this one.
Whichever method you choose to thicken your gravy this year, relax and enjoy preparing food for those you love. Sharing a meal together is the most important part. No one really cares if everything isn’t picture perfect.
Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
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