How to Make Gravy for Turkey or Chicken
Fully illustrated, easy directions
If you want the tasty, rich gravy that you remember your grandmother made for turkey or chicken, instead of a packet of chemicals mixed with water, then here's an easy recipe for you! Following these directions ANYONE can cook a perfect turkey dinner for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any occasion! Click here to return to the "How to cook a turkey directions".
Ingredients and Equipment
- Turkey or chicken broth - preferably the juices from a cooked turkey or chicken, but canned (or boxed) chicken or turkey broth from the grocery store will work, too. Most grocery stores now sell fat free organic versions!
- Herbs: Thyme, sage, marjoram, paprika, rosemary, pepper
- 2 medium onions or one large onion
- Cornstarch - about 3 tablespoons
- Large pot or saucepan
Step
1 - Gather the seasonings
The seasonings are easy:
- 1 teaspoon Thyme
- 1 teaspoon Sage
- 1/2 teaspoon Marjoram
- 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dry Rosemary, or 2 sprigs fresh.
- 1 medium onion - diced - I do about 1/4 inch squares but anything from 1/2 inch slices or smaller is fine.
Step 2 - Drain off the fat
Just drain all the liquids from the turkey into a large pot! Next, ladle
off the fat that will float to the top! At far left is gravy with fat
floating on top. At right, gravy after spooning off the fat.
Step
3 - Bring the broth to a low boil
Start the the gravy heating over medium heat on the stove. Add
- 1 teaspoon Sage
- 1/2 teaspoon Marjoram
- 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dry Rosemary, or 2 sprigs fresh.
- and the diced medium onion
Step
4 - Thicken the gravy
Mix 3 or 4 tablespoons of cornstarch with a half cup of water and 1 teaspoon of ground Thyme. Mix until there are no lumps. When the gravy is boiling (a rolling boil), pour in the seasoning, stirring continuously.
After boiling for 1 minute, turn down the heat to very low. The gravy should have thickened! If you want it thicker, just repeat this step!
Step
5 - You're done!
- Looking for simple apple pie directions ?
- How about a pumpkin pie ?
- And for even more detailed turkey instructions see Clemson University's page!