Homemade Savory Gravy: The Perfect Companion for Your Favorite Dishes

Ingredients

  • 4 cups of beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

Steps and instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the saucepan and sauté until it becomes translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté for an additional minute.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring continuously until a paste forms. This is called a roux.
  5. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, ensuring that the roux is fully incorporated into the broth to prevent lumps.
  6. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the saucepan.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your liking.
  8. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Serve warm.

Tools for making

  • Saucepan - A medium-sized cooking pot used for making the gravy.
  • Whisk - Used to mix and incorporate the ingredients smoothly.
  • Knife - Required for finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
  • Cutting board - A surface to safely chop and prepare the ingredients.
  • Measuring cups - Needed to accurately measure the broth, butter, flour, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Wooden spoon - Used for stirring the gravy while it simmers.

Recipe variations

  • Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian or vegan version.
  • Replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
  • Add 1/4 cup of red wine to the gravy for added depth of flavor.
  • Incorporate cooked bacon or sausage bits into the gravy for a meaty variation.
  • Add fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage to enhance the flavor.
  • For a richer and creamier gravy, substitute some of the beef broth with heavy cream or milk.
  • Add a touch of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
  • Experiment with different types of onions, such as shallots or green onions, for a unique twist.

Recipe overview

This classic gravy recipe is perfect for drizzling over your favorite roast, mashed potatoes, or any dish that could use a little extra flavor. It's made with simple ingredients like beef broth, flour, butter, onion, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. The process involves making a roux, which is a mixture of butter and flour, to thicken the broth and give the gravy a rich, hearty flavor. This recipe requires about 20 minutes from start to finish and yields 4 cups of gravy. The result is a savory, creamy gravy that is sure to elevate your meals.

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth? Yes, you can substitute chicken broth for beef broth if you prefer a lighter flavor.
  2. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter in this recipe.
  3. Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
  4. Can I make this gravy ahead of time? Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving.
  5. Can I freeze the gravy? Yes, you can freeze the gravy for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop.
  6. Can I add other seasonings or herbs to the gravy? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings or herbs to customize the flavor of your gravy.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Saucepan - A medium-sized saucepan is essential for making the gravy on the stovetop.
  • Whisk - Use a whisk to stir and incorporate the ingredients smoothly, preventing any lumps from forming.
  • Wooden Spoon - A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the gravy as it simmers and thickens.
  • Measuring Cups - Measuring cups are needed to accurately measure the ingredients, such as the broth, butter, and flour.
  • Knife - You'll need a knife for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board provides a safe and stable surface for chopping the onion and garlic.
  • Serving Ladle - A serving ladle makes it easy to pour and portion the gravy onto plates or into bowls.
  • Gravy Boat - A gravy boat is a traditional vessel for serving the gravy at the table, with a spout for easy pouring.

Origin stories

Gravy, in its most basic form, has a rich history that dates back to the first humans who began cooking meat. The juices that dripped from the meat were too flavourful to waste, and so, they were collected and used as the earliest form of gravy. Over time, these juices were refined and enhanced with the addition of flour and seasonings to create the delicious gravy we know today. The term "gravy" itself hails from the medieval French word "grane", meaning "stew", and was used in English cuisine as early as the 14th century. So while gravy might seem like a simple sauce, it's deeply rooted in our culinary history, a testament to our instinct to waste not, want not.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.