This Family Recipe Is the Queen of Turkey Gravies (2024)

FAQs

Is turkey gravy better with flour or cornstarch? ›

Browning adds more flavor to the gravy and gets rid of the raw flour taste. You're basically making a roux. We find that a flour-based gravy holds up better and reheats better later, which is why we tend to prefer using flour over cornstarch to make gravy unless we have a guest who is eating gluten-free.

Add an umami-rich condiment.

Just as you might add condiments like soy sauce, miso paste, Worcestershire sauce, or even a splash of sherry or cider vinegar to your favorite gravy recipe, incorporate them into store-bought gravy for a more complex flavor.

1/3 cup should be plenty per person. On the contrary of gravy, cranberries are something that I seem to think just get better the longer they sit. 1/3 cup per person is plenty, but don't be too disappointed if you have leftovers.

Cornstarch should thicken gravy in less than a minute when at a simmer. If it doesn't thicken enough, it's a sign that you need more cornstarch. Whisk in more cornstarch slurry a little at a time, and let each addition come to a simmer before adding more.

If the gravy lacks oomph, adjust seasoning as necessary with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. If you used canned stock instead of homemade, the gravy might not be as flavorful. Homemade stock, even made with chicken stock rather than turkey, will produce a superior gravy—so it's worth the effort.

Roughly chop the bacon, add to the tray and fry for a few minutes. Chop the onions and lemon and add to the tray with 2 rosemary sprigs and the tomatoes. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then add the turkey wings, parson's nose and drumstick tips and fry for a few more minutes. Pour in the cider and boil for a few minutes.

Place the turkey giblets, water, allspice berries, black peppercorns, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, celery, carrots, onion, salt and clementine zest and juice into a large saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. Cover the saucepan with a lid and reduce the heat so that the mixture simmers gently. Cook for 2 hours.

If your gravy is tasting a little less than stellar, all you have to do is stir in some cooked, chopped bacon, caramelized onions and/or some Dijon or spicy/whole grain mustard for a major flavor upgrade.

Gravy. “In terms of gravy, I am a firm believer in there is no such thing as too much gravy,” writes Virginia Willis. However, experts say that ⅓ to ½ cup of gravy per guest is a good place to start. Our favorite Make-Ahead Gravy makes one quart of gravy, which would serve eight to twelve guests.

Should I stuff my turkey? Stuffing cooked inside the turkey cavities is delicious, but it does slow down the cooking time and could be a potential health hazard if done incorrectly. For perfect no-worry results, opt for "dressing" instead – stuffing cooked alongside the bird instead of inside.

What thickens gravy better flour or cornstarch? ›

Cornstarch and broth, instead of flour and fatty pan drippings, will make a thick and glossy gravy that reheats well. PUBLISHED: November 20, 2010 at 11:08 a.m. | UPDATED: May 5, 2016 at 11:25 a.m. Thanksgiving dinner typically isn't a particularly virtuous meal, but there are simple ways to lighten the load.

It's important to note that cornstarch has twice the thickening power of flour. If you need to substitute cornstarch to thicken liquid in a recipe that calls for ¼ cup (four tablespoons) flour, you only need two tablespoons cornstarch.

Cornstarch works remarkably well as a thickener in sauces, gravy, and pie fillings, and some prefer it to flour. 2 You won't be able to taste the cornstarch the way you sometimes can taste the flour. Be aware that these foods will be more translucent.

Cornflour is an ideal thickener if you're a coeliac or simply intolerant to gluten, because as the name suggests, it is made from corn. Be aware, though, that it produces a slightly more gelatinous texture than flour, so don't overdo it or you'll end up with a slightly gloopy sauce.