She Strengthens

Elevate Your Holiday Meal with a Rich and Savory Gravy

When it comes to serving up a show-stopping holiday meal, the perfect gravy can make all the difference. This easy recipe uses the pan drippings from your roasted turkey to create a rich, velvety gravy that’s sure to impress.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

• Pan drippings, vegetables, and turkey neck from your roasted turkey
• 1 cup white wine or sherry
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups chicken or turkey stock or broth
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (optional)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Separate the Drippings

Start by pouring the pan drippings from your roasted turkey into a small heatproof bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes, allowing the fat to rise to the top. Then, skim off the fat with a spoon and discard it, setting the drippings aside.

Deglaze the Pan

Place the roasting pan across two burners over medium heat. Add the onion and celery from inside the turkey, along with the roasted turkey neck. Use a flat spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Then, add the wine or sherry, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all the flavorful bits. Simmer until the liquid has reduced by half, then add the reserved drippings back to the pan.

Strain and Set Aside

Pour the mixture through a strainer set over a medium heatproof bowl, discarding the solids. Set the mixture aside for now.

Make the Roux

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it foams, sprinkle the flour evenly over it. Whisk the flour and butter together, cooking for 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture turns a deep golden brown.

Add the Stock and Pan Juices

While continuously whisking, slowly add the chicken or turkey stock and the strained pan juices to the roux. If using fresh herbs, add them now. Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly, until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and Enjoy

Your rich and savory gravy is now ready to be served alongside your perfectly roasted turkey. With its deep, velvety texture and rich flavor, it’s sure to be a hit at your holiday table.