Making homemade turkey gravy without it being greasy requires some careful techniques and ingredient choices. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a delicious and smooth turkey gravy:
Ingredients:
- Turkey drippings or turkey stock (low-sodium if using store-bought)
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter
- Onion (optional)
- Fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Degrease the turkey drippings: After roasting the turkey, let it rest on a cutting board, and tilt the roasting pan slightly to allow the fat to separate from the drippings. Use a fat separator or spoon to remove the excess fat from the drippings. If you don't have a fat separator, you can also carefully spoon off the fat layer.
Homemade turkey stock: If you don't have enough turkey drippings or prefer a less fatty option, you can make your own turkey stock. Simply simmer turkey parts (like the neck, giblets, or wings) with water, onions, celery, carrots, and herbs for a few hours. Strain the stock and use it as a base for your gravy.
Strain the drippings: Pour the turkey drippings (and/or turkey stock) through a fine mesh strainer to remove any impurities or solid bits. This will result in a smoother gravy.
Make a roux: In a separate saucepan, melt a few tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add an equal amount of all-purpose flour (e.g., 3 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of flour). Stir constantly to form a smooth paste, called a roux. Cook the roux for a minute or two, but do not let it brown.
Gradually add the drippings: Slowly pour the strained turkey drippings (or turkey stock) into the roux while whisking continuously. This step is crucial for avoiding lumps. Keep whisking until the gravy thickens and reaches your desired consistency.
Add seasonings: If you haven't seasoned the turkey drippings or stock before, now is the time to add some flavor. You can use sautéed onions or shallots for added depth, and fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary for extra fragrance. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer and adjust: Let the gravy simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it's too thick, you can add more turkey drippings or stock to reach your preferred consistency. If it's too thin, mix a little flour with water separately and add it to the gravy while stirring until it thickens.
Strain again (optional): If you want an even smoother texture, you can strain the gravy one more time through a fine mesh strainer before serving.
By following these steps, you can create a homemade turkey gravy that's rich and flavorful without being greasy. Enjoy your delicious gravy with your turkey and sides!