How to Make Delicious Turkey Gravy Without Drippings
Are you searching for a way to jazz up your turkey? Perhaps you have all the fixings for the perfect meal, but you’re unsure about how to create a savory, rich gravy without the drippings. Don’t worry; creating turkey gravy without drippings is easy and straightforward. Simply put, all you need are a few simple ingredients and a little time to create a delicious gravy that will have your guests raving.
Before we get into the recipe, let’s consider the importance of turkey gravy. For many, it can make or break a Thanksgiving meal. The perfect turkey gravy should be thick, smooth, and flavorful. In most cases, it’s made by whisking in pan drippings from the roasted turkey. However, if you don’t have enough drippings or want to eliminate them altogether, you can still create a delicious gravy that’s sure to please. This article will show you how to create a mouth-watering turkey gravy without drippings in a way that’s easy to follow and understand.
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10 Ways to Make Delicious Turkey Gravy without Drippings
If you don’t have the pan drippings from a roasted turkey, or you prefer not to use them for gravy (for instance, if they are too greasy, too salty, or too little), don’t worry. You can still make rich, flavorful gravy from scratch using various ingredients and techniques. Here are ten ways to do it, from the simplest to the fanciest:
1. Use chicken or turkey broth.
The easiest way to make turkey gravy without drippings is to use chicken or turkey broth as the base. You can either make your own broth by simmering chicken or turkey bones and vegetables for several hours, or use store-bought broth or bouillon cubes. To enhance the flavor, you can sauté some onion, garlic, or celery in butter or oil before adding the broth. You can also add some herbs, such as sage, thyme, or rosemary, to mimic the taste of the roasted turkey.
2. Use canned or boxed gravy.
If you’re in a hurry or don’t want to bother with homemade gravy, you can use canned or boxed gravy as a shortcut. Most supermarkets carry a variety of turkey gravies that come in cans, jars, or pouches. You can heat them up and serve them as is, or doctor them up with some additional herbs, spices, or a splash of cream. Some brands also make low-sodium or organic options that may suit your needs better.
3. Use drippings from other meats.
If you have leftover drippings from other meats, such as beef, pork, or lamb, you can use them to make a hybrid gravy that combines different flavors. Simply heat up the drippings in a saucepan and blend them with some chicken or turkey broth until you reach the desired consistency. You can season the gravy with some salt, pepper, and herbs to balance out the flavors.
4. Use broth and flour.
Another simple way to make gravy without drippings is to use broth and flour as the thickening agent. Start by whisking together equal parts of flour and butter or oil in a saucepan until they form a smooth paste, called a roux. Cook the roux over low heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns light golden brown. Then gradually whisk in some hot broth, a little at a time, until the roux absorbs all the liquid and thickens. Continue whisking and adding broth until the gravy reaches the desired thickness. You can season the gravy with some salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.
5. Use cornstarch or arrowroot.
Another way to thicken gravy without flour or drippings is to use cornstarch or arrowroot. These starches are gluten-free and dissolve easily in liquids, resulting in a clear, glossy gravy. To use them, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch or arrowroot with an equal amount of cold water or broth in a small bowl, then stir the mixture into the hot broth or liquid in the saucepan. Cook the gravy over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it simmers and thickens. If the gravy is too thin, add more slurry; if it’s too thick, thin it out with more broth or water. Note that cornstarch and arrowroot should not be boiled for too long or the gravy may lose its gloss and become lumpy.
6. Use mushrooms and herbs.
For a vegetarian or vegan gravy with lots of umami and depth, you can use mushrooms and herbs as the main flavorings. Simply sauté some sliced mushrooms, such as cremini, portobello, or shiitake, in butter or oil until they release their juices and turn lightly browned. Then add some minced shallot or garlic, some dried or fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, sage, or parsley, and some vegetable or mushroom broth. Simmer the mixture until it thickens and the flavors meld together. You can puree the gravy with a blender or immersion blender for a smoother texture, or leave it chunky for a more rustic look.
7. Use caramelized onions and wine.
If you like a sweet and tangy gravy with a touch of alcohol, you can use caramelized onions and wine as the base. To do this, slice some onions thinly and cook them in butter or oil over low heat for thirty minutes or more, stirring occasionally, until they turn dark brown and sticky. Then add some flour and cook for another minute or so, stirring constantly, to make a roux. Next, add some dry white or red wine, a little at a time, to deglaze the pan and release the brown bits. Finally, stir in some beef or vegetable broth and simmer the mixture until it thickens. You can season the gravy with some salt, pepper, and herbs, or some sugar or honey if you prefer it sweeter.
8. Use egg yolks and lemon juice.
For a Greek-inspired gravy that’s creamy, tart, and fragrant, you can use egg yolks and lemon juice as the binding agents. To make this gravy, whisk some egg yolks in a bowl until they’re frothy and pale. Then gradually add some hot chicken or turkey broth, a little at a time, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and the yolks are cooked through. Next, add some lemon juice and zest, and whisk again until the gravy is smooth. You can season the gravy with some salt, pepper, and herbs, or a pinch of nutmeg if you like.
9. Use cream and mustard.
For a rich and tangy gravy that’s perfect for mashed potatoes or pasta, you can use cream and mustard as the finishing touch. Start by making a basic broth-based gravy with any of the previous methods. Then add some heavy cream or half-and-half, some Dijon or whole-grain mustard, and some chopped herbs, such as tarragon, chives, or dill. Simmer the mixture until it thickens and the flavors combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Note that this gravy is best served fresh and warm, as it may curdle if reheated or cooled down.
10. Use truffle oil or butter.
For a luxurious and decadent gravy that’s fit for a holiday feast or a fancy dinner party, you can use truffle oil or butter as the secret ingredient. Truffle oil is an infused oil made from truffle essence and olive oil, while truffle butter is a compound butter made from truffle paste and unsalted butter. To use these delicacies, start by making a roux with flour and regular butter, as in method four. Then add some chicken or turkey broth and simmer the mixture until it thickens. Finally, stir in some truffle oil or grated truffle butter, and whisk until the gravy is smooth and aromatic. You can garnish the gravy with some chopped chives or parsley, or some truffle shavings if you’re feeling fancy. Note that truffle oil and butter are expensive and strong-flavored, so use them sparingly and adjust to your taste.
10 Ways to Make Turkey Gravy Without Drippings
When it comes to making gravy without drippings, it might seem like there’s no way to achieve the same richness and depth of flavor as you would with a traditional gravy recipe. However, there are several methods that can help you make a delicious turkey gravy that will still impress your guests. Here are ten ways to make turkey gravy without drippings:
1. Use Turkey or Chicken Broth
One of the easiest ways to make turkey gravy without drippings is to use turkey or chicken broth instead. Simply heat up some broth in a saucepan, and then whisk in a mixture of flour and butter to thicken the sauce. You can also add herbs, spices, or other seasonings to give the gravy more flavor.
2. Use Bouillon Cubes
Another option is to use bouillon cubes to create a flavorful broth. Dissolve the cubes in hot water, and then follow the same process as you would with turkey or chicken broth to create a thick gravy.
3. Make a Roux
A roux is a mixture of flour and fat that is used to thicken sauces and gravies. To make a roux for turkey gravy, heat up some butter or oil in a saucepan and then whisk in flour until it forms a thick paste. Gradually add in milk, broth, or water until the desired consistency is reached.
4. Use Cream or Milk
For a creamier gravy, you can use cream or milk as the base instead of broth. Add your thickening agent and whisk to combine until the desired thickness is achieved.
5. Add Vegetables
Adding vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots can help add depth of flavor to your turkey gravy. Sauté the vegetables in a bit of oil until soft, add some flour, then gradually add in your broth, cream, or milk while whisking to thicken.
6. Use Wine or Sherry
Wine or sherry can add a rich, complex flavor to your gravy. Just deglaze your pan with the wine after cooking the turkey and add some flour and broth to thicken.
7. Add Herbs and Spices
Adding herbs and spices to your gravy can give it a delicious flavor. Sage, thyme, and rosemary are classic fall herbs that pair well with turkey, but you can experiment with other spices like ginger, turmeric, or cinnamon.
8. Use Soy Sauce or Worcestershire Sauce
Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can add a salty, savory flavor to your turkey gravy. Just be careful not to overdo it, as they can easily overpower other flavors in the gravy.
9. Use Cornstarch
Another thickening agent, cornstarch can be used to make a smooth and shiny gravy. Mix the cornstarch with water before adding it to the hot liquid to prevent clumping.
10. Add Gravy Mix
If you prefer a shortcut, there are plenty of pre-made gravy mixes available that don’t require turkey drippings. Just follow the instructions on the package and customize to your liking with herbs, spices, or other ingredients.
With these ten methods, you can easily make delicious turkey gravy without drippings. Experiment with different techniques and ingredients, and find the one that works best for you. Don’t forget to enjoy the compliments from your guests on your delicious gravy!
Alternative Ingredients for Making Turkey Gravy Without Drippings
If you don’t have turkey drippings, don’t worry! There are plenty of other ingredients you can use to make delicious gravy that complements your turkey perfectly. In this section, we’ll go over some of these alternative ingredients and how to use them to make your gravy.
Chicken or Turkey Stock
Using chicken or turkey stock is one of the best substitutes for turkey drippings when it comes to making gravy. Stock is made by simmering chicken or turkey bones with vegetables and herbs for several hours until all the flavors are infused into the liquid. You can easily find chicken or turkey stock at your local grocery store, or you can make your own at home. To make a flavorful gravy using chicken or turkey stock, follow these steps:
1. Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add butter or oil to it.
2. Once the butter or oil is melted, add flour to it and stir until a paste-like consistency is formed.
3. Gradually pour chicken or turkey stock into the pan and whisk constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Continue whisking the mixture until it thickens.
5. Add salt, pepper, and other herbs to taste.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms offer a great alternative to turkey drippings when making gravy. They provide an umami flavor that’s similar to the savory taste of turkey drippings. You can use any type of mushroom you like, but shiitake, cremini, or portobello mushrooms work best. Here’s how to make a mushroom gravy:
1. Saute sliced mushrooms in a pan with butter or oil until they’re browned.
2. Add flour to the pan and whisk until a paste-like consistency is formed.
3. Gradually pour chicken or vegetable stock into the pan while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Continue whisking the mixture until it thickens.
5. Add salt, pepper, garlic, and other herbs to taste.
Vegetable Broth
If you’re a vegetarian, or if you want to make a gravy free from meat products, vegetable broth is a great substitute for turkey drippings. This broth is made by simmering vegetables, herbs, and spices in water until they release their flavors. Here’s how to make a vegetarian gravy using vegetable broth:
1. Melt butter or oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add flour to the pan and whisk until a paste-like consistency is formed.
3. Pour vegetable broth into the pan while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Continue whisking the mixture until it thickens.
5. Add salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, sage, or other herbs to taste.
Pork Sausage
Pork sausage offers a savory and meaty flavor that complements the taste of turkey. It’s a good substitute for turkey drippings if you’re looking for some added flavor and richness in your gravy. Here’s how to make pork sausage gravy:
1. Cook the pork sausage in a pan until it’s browned and cooked through.
2. Add flour to the pan and stir until it’s fully mixed.
3. Gradually pour milk into the pan while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat.
5. Simmer the gravy for a few minutes until it thickens.
6. Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste.
Bouillon Cubes
Bouillon cubes are a quick and easy way to add flavor to your gravy. They come in different flavors like chicken, beef, and vegetable. Bouillon cubes are made by dehydrating meat or vegetables and then compressing them into a small cube. Here’s how to make gravy using bouillon cubes:
1. Dissolve a bouillon cube in hot water.
2. Melt butter or oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add flour to the pan and stir until a paste-like consistency is formed.
4. Gradually pour the dissolved bouillon cube into the pan while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Keep whisking the mixture until it thickens.
6. Add salt, pepper, garlic, and other herbs to taste.
Ingredients | Measurement |
---|---|
Butter or Oil | 2 tablespoons |
Flour | 2 tablespoons |
Chicken or Turkey Stock | 1 cup |
Mushrooms | 4 ounces |
Vegetable Broth | 1 cup |
Pork Sausage | 4 ounces |
Bouillon Cube | 1 cube |
These are just a few alternative ingredients that you can use to make delicious turkey gravy without drippings. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find the one that best suits your taste. Remember, making gravy is an art, and with a little practice, you’ll soon be making gravy that everyone will love.
Happy Cooking!
Now that you know how to make turkey gravy without drippings, your Thanksgiving dinner just got a lot tastier. Remember, the key is to build flavor with aromatics and gradually adding the liquid and flour mixture. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique gravy recipe. Thank you for reading, and we hope that you’ll come back for more cooking tips and recipes in the future. Happy cooking!
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