Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of giblets or turkey meat with a creamy base creates a deeply savory gravy that enhances any dish.
- Versatility: Easily adaptable to personal preferences, including substitutions for dietary needs.
- Traditional Appeal: Adds a classic touch to holiday meals, evoking a sense of nostalgia and comfort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 cups turkey broth (homemade or canned chicken broth)
- Giblets from the turkey, or chopped white and dark turkey meat
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs (optional)
Directions
- Heat the Broth: In a medium saucepan, pour 3 cups of turkey broth and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches a gentle simmer.
- Prepare the Thickening Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of flour and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Gradually add 1/4 cup of milk, stirring continuously to form a smooth paste without lumps.
- Thicken the Gravy: Slowly pour the flour and cornstarch mixture into the simmering broth, whisking constantly to prevent clumping. Continue stirring as the gravy thickens, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Add the Giblets or Turkey Meat: Stir in the chopped giblets or turkey meat, allowing them to heat through and infuse the gravy with flavor. If desired, add 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs for additional texture.
- Season and Enrich: Add 1 teaspoon of butter to the gravy for extra richness. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.
- Cook Until Thickened: Continue cooking over medium-high heat until the gravy reaches your preferred consistency, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once thickened, remove from heat and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Herb-Infused Gravy: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for an aromatic twist.
- Creamier Texture: Substitute half of the broth with heavy cream or whole milk for a richer consistency.
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and omit the giblets or turkey meat to create a vegetarian-friendly gravy.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place leftover gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or water to adjust the consistency if necessary.
- Freezing: Freeze the gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What are giblets, and where can I find them?
Giblets are the heart, liver, and gizzard of poultry, often found in a packet inside store-bought turkeys or chickens. They add rich, savory flavors to dishes like gravy.
Can I make giblet gravy without giblets?
Yes, you can substitute chopped turkey meat (both white and dark) for the giblets to achieve a similar depth of flavor.
How do I prevent lumps in my gravy?
Ensure that the flour and cornstarch mixture is smoothly blended before adding it to the broth, and whisk continuously while incorporating it into the simmering liquid.
Can I prepare giblet gravy in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the gravy a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving, adjusting the consistency with a bit of broth if needed.
What can I use instead of milk in the recipe?
For a dairy-free option, replace the milk with unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or additional broth.
How can I adjust the thickness of the gravy?
If the gravy is too thick, add a small amount of broth or water to thin it. If it’s too thin, mix a bit more flour with water to create a slurry, then add it to the gravy while stirring continuously.
Is it necessary to add hard-boiled eggs to the gravy?
Adding chopped hard-boiled eggs is optional and serves as a traditional touch for added texture and flavor.
Can I use store-bought broth instead of homemade?
Yes, canned chicken broth or turkey broth can be used for convenience and still provide excellent flavor.
How long can I store leftover giblet gravy?
Leftover gravy can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
What dishes pair well with giblet gravy?
Giblet gravy complements roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and even biscuits or dinner rolls.
Giblet Gravy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Giblet Gravy is a holiday classic featuring rich, savory flavors and versatility. Perfect for pairing with turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing, this creamy gravy can be customized to suit dietary preferences. Make it a staple for your festive feasts!
Ingredients
- 3 cups turkey broth (or canned chicken broth)
- Giblets from the turkey (or chopped white and dark turkey meat)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Broth: Heat 3 cups of turkey broth in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until simmering.
- Prepare Thickening Mixture: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of flour and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of milk, stirring until smooth.
- Thicken the Gravy: Slowly pour the thickening mixture into the simmering broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir for 3–5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Add Giblets or Meat: Stir in chopped giblets or turkey meat. For additional texture, add 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs (optional).
- Season and Enrich: Stir in 1 teaspoon of butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook Until Ready: Continue cooking until the desired consistency is reached, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and serve hot.
Notes
- Customization: Substitute turkey meat for giblets, or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Make Ahead: Gravy can be prepared in advance and reheated.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sauces and Gravies
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
