Gravy Base Recipes

MAKE-AHEAD TURKEY GRAVY WITH ONIONS & SAGE

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and saute, stirring often, for 15 to 20 minutes, until the onion becomes browned and starts to caramelize. Sprinkle on the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 1/2 minutes. Stir in the chicken stock, Cognac, sage leaves, bay leaves, 2 teaspoons salt (depending on the saltiness of the chicken stock), and 1 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside at room temperature for 1 hour and strain, pressing the solids lightly and then discarding them. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• After the turkey is cooked, remove it to a carving board to rest while you finish the gravy. Place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat and add the wine. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring and scraping up all the bits clinging to the bottom of the pan. Slowly whisk the gravy base into the pan. Simmer for about 5 minutes, until the gravy is smooth and slightly thickened. Taste for seasonings and serve hot.

BEEF GRAVY BASE

Steps:

• Combine dry milk powder, flour, bouillon granules and thyme. Cut in butter or margarine and Kitchen Bouquet until pieces resemble cornmeal.
• Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator up to two months.
• Beef Gravy: In saucepan slowly blend 1 cup cold water into 1/2 cup beef gravy base. Cook and stir until mixture is thickened and bubbly.
• Cook 1 minute more. Makes 1 cup.

GRAVY BASE

Steps:

• Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Pat neck, gizzard and heart dry. Add to oil. Cover and cook until beginning to brown, stirring occasionally, about 12 minutes. Add onions, carrots, celery, marjoram, thyme, bay leaf and parsley stems. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Uncover and sauté until vegetables begin to brown, about 10 minutes. Add broth, reserved mushroom soaking liquid (leaving sediment behind in bowl) and Port; bring to simmer. Partially cover pan; simmer 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain mixture into bowl, pressing on solids with back of spoon.

HOMEMADE GRAVY

Steps:

• In a large (10 to 12-inch) saute pan, cook the butter and onions over medium-low heat for 12 to 15 minutes, until the onions are lightly browned. Don't rush this step; it makes all the difference when the onions are well-cooked.
• Sprinkle the flour into the pan, whisk in, then add the salt and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the hot chicken stock mixture and Cognac, and cook uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes until thickened. Add the wine and cream, if desired. Season, to taste, and serve.

CURRY BASE GRAVY

Steps:

• Chop onions, carrot, tomato, pepper, coriander, garlic, ginger and put in a pan.
• Cover with water and add salt and pepper. Bring to the boil and simmer until ingredients are soft.
• Remove from heat and add tin of tomatoes. Blend until smooth.
• Now add all spices and return to the heat. Simmer for a further 20 mins
• Your gravy base is now ready to use. The base will taste very bland as this is just a sauce base