No Turkey? No Problem: How to Make Delicious Gravy Without Turkey

Making turkey gravy may seem like a daunting task, especially for those who do not have a turkey. However, it is a simple and delicious recipe that can be made without a turkey. All you need are a few pantry staples and some creativity.

Firstly, get your hands on some chicken or vegetable stock. These are great substitutes for turkey stock, especially if you are vegetarian or vegan. You can either make your own stock from scratch or purchase it from a store. Once you have your stock, you can then proceed to make the gravy using flour, butter, and seasonings. With this easy process, you will have a rich and flavorful gravy that is perfect for any occasion. So, let’s get started!

Section: How to Make Turkey Gravy Without Turkey

Gravy has the power to transform a basic meal into a flavorful indulgence. It’s a classic and comforting addition to mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and any meat dish. But what if you don’t have a turkey to make gravy from? Maybe you’re vegetarian, or you simply want to use up the leftover turkey broth that you’ve stored in your freezer. Whatever the reason, you can still enjoy a rich and flavorful gravy without using actual turkey. In this article, we’ll show you how to make turkey gravy without turkey using simple ingredients and techniques.

1. Use Vegetable Broth:

The easiest way to make turkey gravy without turkey is to substitute the turkey broth with vegetable broth. Vegetable broth can be easily found in grocery stores or made from scratch using vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and herbs. It has a mild flavor that complements the other elements of the gravy.

To make vegetable broth, just chop the vegetables into small pieces and boil them in water for around 30 minutes. Strain out the solids and reserve the liquid. You can use this broth to make your gravy by following the steps we’ll outline below.

2. Add Umami-Rich Ingredients:

Since you’re not using turkey broth, you may want to add some umami-rich ingredients to enhance the depth of flavor in your gravy. Umami is the fifth basic taste, alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. It’s often described as savory or meaty and can be found in ingredients like mushrooms, soy sauce, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce.

To add umami to your gravy, sauté mushrooms in butter or oil until they release their liquid and become tender. Add soy sauce, tomato paste, or Worcestershire sauce to the gravy base. These ingredients will make your gravy taste meatier and more complex.

3. Make a Roux:

A roux is a mixture of flour and fat that serves as the thickening agent in gravy. You don’t need to use turkey fat for the roux. Instead, you can use butter, vegetable oil, or plant-based butter.

To make a roux, melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in an equal amount of flour until it forms a thick paste. Cook the roux over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a light brown color. The longer you cook the roux, the darker and more flavorful it will become.

4. Gradually Add Broth:

Once you’ve made your roux, it’s time to add the broth. Gradually pour the broth into the pan while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Keep whisking until the gravy reaches your desired thickness. If it’s too thick, add more broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a little longer until it reduces and thickens.

5. Season to Taste:

Now that your gravy is ready, it’s time to season it to taste. Start with salt and pepper, and then add any other herbs or spices you like. Thyme, sage, rosemary, and bay leaves are classic gravy seasonings that work well with vegetable broth. Don’t be afraid to add a little more butter or a splash of cream to make your gravy even richer and creamier.

6. Use a Blender:

If you want your gravy to be perfectly smooth and silky, you can use a blender to blend it until it reaches the desired consistency. Make sure to let the gravy cool slightly before blending, and blend in batches to avoid splatters. Pour the blended gravy back into the pot, reheat, and serve.

7. Add Cornstarch:

If you find that your gravy is not thick enough, you can use cornstarch as a thickening agent instead of roux. Mix cornstarch with a little cold water to form a slurry, and then add it to the gravy while whisking. Simmer the gravy for a few minutes until it thickens.

8. Add Creaminess:

If you want a creamier gravy, you can use plant-based milk or cream instead of broth. Soy milk, almond milk, or coconut milk are all good options. Simply substitute the milk or cream for the broth in the recipe.

9. Use Pre-Made Gravy Mix:

If you’re short on time or don’t want to go through the trouble of making gravy from scratch, you can use pre-made gravy mix. Look for a vegetarian or vegan gravy mix that uses natural ingredients and has no artificial preservatives or flavors. Simply mix the gravy powder with water and heat it up according to the package instructions.

10. Experiment with Flavors:

The great thing about making gravy without turkey is that you have the freedom to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Try adding roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or balsamic vinegar to your gravy. Or swap the vegetable broth with mushroom broth or miso broth. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative.

Conclusion:

Gravy is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal, and you don’t need turkey to make it. By using vegetable broth, umami-rich ingredients, a roux or cornstarch, and your favorite seasonings and flavors, you can make a delicious gravy that will elevate any dish. Whether you’re vegetarian or just want to switch things up, this recipe will give you a tasty and satisfying gravy that you can enjoy any time of year.

Subheading 1: What is Turkey Gravy?

Turkey gravy is a classic and essential part of any Thanksgiving feast, but what is it exactly? Turkey gravy is a thick sauce made from the drippings of roasted turkey, combined with flour or cornstarch and liquid such as broth or milk. It is typically served over the turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. It is a savory and flavorful sauce that adds the perfect finishing touch to any holiday meal.

Subheading 2: Why Make Turkey Gravy Without Turkey?

Making turkey gravy without turkey may seem like a contradictory concept, but there are actually several reasons why someone might want to do so. For example, if you are a vegetarian or vegan and are looking for an alternative to traditional turkey gravy, or if you simply want to enjoy the flavors of gravy but do not have access to turkey drippings. Whatever the reason may be, there are a variety of creative and delicious ways to make turkey gravy without actual turkey.

Subheading 3: Vegetable Broth-Based Gravy

One of the easiest ways to make turkey gravy without turkey is to use vegetable broth instead of turkey drippings. Simply heat up a few cups of vegetable broth in a saucepan, then whisk in a roux made from butter and flour. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Add your desired seasonings, like garlic, thyme, or sage, and continue to simmer until the flavors meld together. You can adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding more or less broth or by adding extra flour or cornstarch.

Subheading 4: Mushroom Gravy

If you are looking for a heartier, more flavorful vegetarian gravy, mushroom gravy is an excellent option. Start by sautéing chopped mushrooms, garlic, and onions in a pan until they are tender and fragrant. Then add vegetable broth and a roux made from flour and butter, and continue to whisk until the gravy is thick and creamy. You can add additional seasonings like rosemary or thyme, and even a splash of red wine for an extra depth of flavor.

Subheading 5: Cashew Cream Gravy

For a creamy and nutty twist on traditional turkey gravy, try making a cashew cream gravy. Start by soaking raw cashews in water overnight, then blend them in a high-speed blender until they are smooth and creamy. In a saucepan, sauté minced shallots and garlic in olive oil, then whisk in the cashew cream, vegetable broth, and a roux made from flour and butter. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices, and simmer until the gravy thickens and the flavors meld together.

Subheading 6: Coconut Milk Gravy

If you are looking for a dairy-free alternative to traditional turkey gravy, coconut milk is a great option. In a saucepan, simmer canned coconut milk with vegetable broth, then whisk in a roux made from flour and coconut oil. Add seasonings like garlic, ginger, or curry powder for an exotic twist. Coconut milk gravy is especially delicious served over roasted vegetables or rice dishes.

Subheading 7: Onion Gravy

For a simple and savory vegetarian gravy, try making an onion gravy. Sauté sliced onions in a pan until they are soft and caramelized, then add vegetable broth and a roux made from flour and butter. Continue to whisk until the gravy thickens, then add any additional seasonings like garlic or thyme. Onion gravy is perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or a veggie loaf.

Subheading 8: Red Wine Gravy

For an elegant and flavorful twist on traditional turkey gravy, try making a red wine gravy. Start by sautéing minced shallots and garlic in butter, then whisk in flour and cook until lightly browned. Add red wine and chicken or vegetable broth, and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together. Red wine gravy is especially delicious served over roasted meats like beef or lamb.

Subheading 9: Cream of Mushroom Gravy

For a rich and creamy vegetarian gravy, try making a cream of mushroom gravy. In a saucepan, sauté sliced mushrooms and minced garlic in butter until they are soft and tender. Add vegetable broth and a roux made from flour and butter, then whisk in cream or half-and-half until the gravy is thick and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme for a classic taste.

Subheading 10: Chickpea Gravy

For a unique and protein-packed twist on traditional turkey gravy, try making a chickpea gravy. Start by sautéing chopped onions and garlic in butter until they are soft and fragrant. Add vegetable broth and cooked chickpeas, then blend the mixture in a high-speed blender until smooth. Return the gravy to the saucepan and add a roux made from flour and butter, continuing to whisk until the gravy thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs, like cumin or coriander. Chickpea gravy is especially delicious served over roasted vegetables or as a dip for falafel.

Substitutes for Turkey Drippings in Gravy

If you’re trying to make turkey gravy without any turkey drippings or broth, don’t worry! There are a few substitutes you can use to create a rich and flavorful gravy that your guests will love. In this section, we’ll go over some of the best substitutes for turkey drippings in gravy, and how to use them in your recipe.

1. Vegetarian or Chicken Broth

One of the easiest substitutes for turkey drippings in gravy is using a vegetarian or chicken broth instead. Both of these options are widely available in most supermarkets and can be used in place of turkey drippings without affecting the taste too much. Simply substitute an equal amount of broth for the turkey drippings in your recipe.

If you’re using a chicken broth, you may notice a slight difference in the flavor of your gravy. To compensate for this, you can add a bit of extra seasoning or herbs to enhance the taste.

2. Mushroom Broth

Mushroom broth is another great substitute for turkey drippings in gravy. This vegetarian option adds a rich, umami flavor that can help to mimic the taste of turkey drippings. Simply substitute an equal amount of mushroom broth for the turkey drippings in your recipe.

If you’re making your own mushroom broth, you can add additional herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor even further.

3. Red Wine

For a more complex flavor profile, consider using red wine as a substitute for turkey drippings in gravy. This option works particularly well if you’re serving roast beef or a hearty vegetarian dish that can stand up to the bold flavor of red wine.

To use red wine in your gravy, simply substitute an equal amount of wine for the turkey drippings in your recipe. Be sure to use a bold, full-bodied wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot for best results.

4. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is another surprising substitute for turkey drippings in gravy. This salty, umami-rich sauce can help to mimic the flavor of meat drippings in your gravy. Simply substitute a small amount of soy sauce for the turkey drippings in your recipe, and adjust the seasoning to taste.

5. Gravy Mix

Finally, if you’re short on time or ingredients, consider using a pre-made gravy mix as a substitute for turkey drippings in your recipe. This option is quick, easy, and can be found in most supermarkets. Simply follow the instructions on the package to create a rich and flavorful gravy in minutes.

No matter which substitute you choose, be sure to taste your gravy frequently and adjust the seasoning as needed. With these easy substitutes for turkey drippings, you can create a delicious gravy that’s perfect for any meal.

Time to Gravy!

Thanks for reading my ultimate guide to making turkey gravy without using an actual turkey. I hope you’re feeling more confident to recreate this delicious staple, especially if you’re a vegetarian or vegan. Remember, the key to a good gravy is patience and love! Keep experimenting with different herbs, spices, and seasonings until you find the perfect flavor to suit your taste buds. Don’t forget to share your experience with us in the comments section below and visit us again soon for more fun and delicious recipes! Happy cooking!