Ah, gravy—the unsung hero of the dinner table, lifting mashed potatoes and roasted veggies to new heights! With the crisp autumn breeze gently shaking the leaves off the trees, I’m reminded of cozy family dinners where the gravy boat was as essential as the turkey itself. This recipe, crafted without those elusive drippings, is like finding a secret shortcut on a familiar path—you’ll wonder how you ever went without it.
Steps
- In a medium saucepan, mix together chicken broth, beef broth, beef bouillon, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- If you prefer a darker gravy, add a few drops of Kitchen Bouquet browning and seasoning sauce. Alternatively, Gravy Master can be used for the same effect.
- In a small container, combine cold water and cornstarch. Secure the lid and shake well until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
- Bring the gravy mixture to a boil over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture until fully integrated.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the gravy simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally until it reaches your desired thickness.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in a tablespoon of cold unsalted butter. This will give the gravy a smooth and velvety texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cube beef bouillon or 1 teaspoon better than bouillon
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (or substitute with soy sauce)
- 2-3 drops Kitchen Bouquet browning and seasoning sauce (optional, can also use Gravy Master)
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter
Nutritional Values
Calories: 86kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2.5g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 877mg | Potassium: 121mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 109IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg
FAQ
- Can I make this gravy without meat drippings?
- Yes, you can make this brown gravy without any drippings. This recipe uses a combination of chicken broth, beef broth, and other flavorful ingredients to create a delicious gravy in just 10 minutes.
- What is the difference between using a roux and a slurry for gravy?
- A roux is made by whisking fat (such as drippings or butter) with flour, while a slurry involves mixing cornstarch or flour with cold water. This recipe uses a slurry to thicken the gravy, allowing for a smooth finish with the addition of cold butter at the end.
- How can I enhance the flavor of brown gravy?
- To add depth of flavor, you can incorporate Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or Kitchen Bouquet Browning and Seasoning Sauce. These ingredients enhance the savory elements of the gravy and can contribute to a richer color.
- Can I add any optional ingredients to this gravy recipe?
- Absolutely! You can enhance the gravy by sautéing onions, shallots, or mushrooms at the beginning. Adding fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or thyme at the end, or a splash of dry red wine with the broth, can also elevate the flavor. A pinch of Dijon mustard or ground pepper is another way to customize it.
- How should I store leftover gravy?
- You can refrigerate the gravy for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 5 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Tips
- Use a slurry made from cornstarch and cold water to thicken the gravy, as it prevents lumps and allows you to add a smooth, velvety finish with cold butter at the end.
- Incorporate Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to enhance the gravy’s flavor with a rich, umami depth, without noticeably altering the taste.
- For a richer color, add a few drops of Kitchen Bouquet browning and seasoning sauce or Gravy Master.
- If you have meat drippings available, incorporate them with the broth to intensify the flavor and potentially reduce the need for additional bouillon.
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan – If you don’t already own a suitable saucepan for making sauces and gravies.
- Tupperware with a Lid – For shaking and combining the cornstarch and cold water mixture.
- Whisk – To ensure smooth blending of ingredients and avoid lumps.
- Gravy Master or Kitchen Bouquet Browning and Seasoning Sauce – For achieving a darker brown color, if desired.
