Description
Rich and flavorful Turkey Gravy made with natural ingredients, capturing the essence of roasted turkey drippings for a smooth, savory sauce perfect for holiday dinners and everyday meals. This versatile gravy blends plant-based butter, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and fresh herbs for a comforting and customizable accompaniment to your roasted dishes.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- Turkey drippings: reserved from roasting, about 1/2 cup
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): 1 tablespoon
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup
- Vegetable broth: 2 cups
- Plant-based butter: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh thyme: 1 teaspoon, chopped
- Fresh sage: 1 teaspoon, chopped
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
- Natural gelling agent (e.g., pectin or agar): 1 teaspoon dissolved in 2 tablespoons cold broth (optional)
- Apple cider vinegar (natural): 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Collect and Prepare the Drippings: After roasting your turkey, carefully pour the drippings into a measuring cup and let the fat rise to the top. Spoon off most of the fat, reserving about two tablespoons for making the roux.
- Make the Roux: In a saucepan, melt the plant-based butter over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture turns light golden and has a nutty aroma, ensuring no raw flour taste remains.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth and the reserved turkey drippings, stirring continuously until smooth and beginning to thicken. Then add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme and sage, plus a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavor.
- Simmer and Adjust: Let the gravy simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently to deepen flavors and achieve the perfect consistency. If the gravy is too thin, whisk in the dissolved natural gelling agent and continue cooking until thickened.
- Season to Taste and Strain: Season with salt and pepper carefully, tasting as you go. For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the gravy through a fine sieve to remove any lumps or herb bits before serving.
Notes
- Save every drop of roasting pan drippings immediately after cooking for the richest flavor.
- Whisk constantly during roux preparation and when combining liquids to prevent lumps.
- Use fresh herbs such as thyme and sage to achieve bright, aromatic notes.
- Adjust gravy thickness by adding more vegetable broth or the natural gelling agent instead of extra flour.
- Keep the gravy warm over low heat or in a warm spot to prevent thickening too much or separation.
- Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley or thyme leaves for a fresh, attractive finish.
- Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months in portioned containers.
- Reheat gently on the stove and whisk in a splash of broth or water if needed to restore smoothness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Turkey Gravy, Plant-Based Gravy, Holiday Sauce, Savory Sauce, Gluten-Free Gravy, Vegetarian Worcestershire, Thanksgiving Gravy