Best Flavorful Gravy Recipes for Any Meal
Gravy is one of the most delicious condiments and is a perfect accompaniment to many savory dishes. A flavorful gravy can enhance the taste of mashed potatoes, meat dishes, and vegetable sides. Here are some of the best gravy recipes to make for any meal.
Homemade gravy made from pan drippings is simple to make and full of rich flavor from the browned bits in the bottom of the roasting pan. After removing the roast from the pan, pour the drippings into a saucepan and heat over medium. Whisk in about 1/4 cup flour and cook, stirring frequently, until bubbly. Slowly whisk in 2 to 3 cups broth and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, add herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Mushroom gravy is perfect for serving over steak, chicken, or turkey. Sauté 1 pound sliced mushrooms in 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat until golden brown. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Whisk in 2 cups beef or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper. For extra richness, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream.
Sausage gravy and biscuits is a classic Southern breakfast. Cook 1 pound bulk breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until browned. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Whisk in 2 to 3 cups milk and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over split biscuits.
For an easy vegetarian gravy, sauté 2 chopped onions and 3 chopped carrots in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat until softened, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Whisk in 2 cups vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens. Puree for a smoother gravy or leave chunky. Season with salt and pepper. Fresh or dried herbs add extra flavor.
A fragrant gravy infused with citrus and spices is a perfect accompaniment for chicken. Combine the pan drippings from a roasted chicken with 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and the zest of 1 orange in a saucepan and heat over medium. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Whisk in 1 to 2 cups broth and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt, pepper, ground cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes.