Homemade Brown Turkey Gravy

This rich and savory homemade brown turkey gravy is the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving turkey or any roasted poultry. It’s made from the pan drippings and infused with flavorful herbs, creating a smooth and velvety sauce that complements your meal beautifully.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups turkey drippings (from roasted turkey, or use chicken broth if drippings are unavailable)
• 1/2 cup turkey or chicken stock (optional, for extra richness)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

1. Collect the Drippings:
   • After roasting your turkey, remove the turkey from the roasting pan and set it aside to rest. Pour the pan drippings into a fat separator, or skim off the excess fat using a spoon, leaving about 2 tablespoons of fat in the bottom of the pan.
2. Make a Roux:
   • Place the roasting pan with the remaining drippings on the stove over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt.
   • Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth paste (roux). Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the roux turns a golden brown color.
3. Add the Liquid:
   • Gradually pour in the turkey drippings while continuing to whisk. If the drippings aren’t enough, add chicken or turkey stock to make up the volume. Add the dry white wine if using, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
   • Let the gravy simmer for about 5-7 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. If it gets too thick, add more stock or water to thin it out.
4. Season the Gravy:
   • Stir in the salt, pepper, thyme, onion powder, and garlic powder (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
5. Serve:
   • Once the gravy is thickened and flavorful, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve (if desired) to remove any solids. Serve hot over your turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing.

Tips and Variations

• No Drippings? If you don’t have enough turkey drippings, you can make a rich gravy using store-bought turkey or chicken broth and a little bit of butter.
• Make It Creamy: For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream after the gravy has thickened.
• Herb Variations: You can also add rosemary or sage for a more herbal flavor, or use fresh herbs to infuse during simmering.

This homemade brown turkey gravy is the perfect complement to any roasted turkey or poultry, adding rich, savory flavor to your holiday meal! Enjoy!