The Best (Do-Ahead) Turkey Gravy Recipe
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
🍽️ Yield: Approximately 6 cups
Description:
This recipe, sourced from the November 2002 issue of Good Housekeeping magazine, is a gem for those seeking to alleviate the chaos of Thanksgiving day by preparing certain dishes in advance. Perfect for maximizing oven and stovetop space, this turkey gravy can be made up to 3 days ahead of serving, allowing you to focus on other culinary tasks or simply relax and enjoy the festivities. With a flavorful blend of turkey wings, aromatic vegetables, and savory seasonings, this gravy is sure to elevate your holiday meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 onion
- 2 carrots
- 1 celery stalk
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons dry white wine
- 1 quart chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
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In a deep 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers invitingly.
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Add the turkey wings to the skillet and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they turn a glorious golden brown on all sides.
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Introduce the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the skillet, allowing them to mingle with the turkey wings. Cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the turkey wings and vegetables are beautifully browned.
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Transfer the contents of the skillet to a large bowl, setting the stage for the next act in this culinary performance.
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Pour the wine into the now-empty skillet, using it to deglaze and coax out the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
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Return the turkey and veggies to the skillet, creating a symphony of flavors as they reunite with the wine.
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Stir in the chicken broth, dried thyme, and 3 cups of water, allowing the mixture to reach a crescendo as it comes to a boil over high heat.
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Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, leaving the skillet uncovered to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. Let it simmer for 45 minutes, infusing the broth with rich, savory goodness.
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Strain the liquid into an 8-cup measure or a large bowl, bidding farewell to the spent solids as you discard them.
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Allow the broth to rest for a moment, watching as the fat separates from the meat juices, creating a visual feast for the eyes.
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With precision and care, skim 1/4 cup of fat from the broth and transfer it to a 2-quart saucepan. Bid adieu to any remaining fat, ensuring only the finest elements remain.
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Add the flour to the fat in the saucepan, embarking on a journey of golden transformation as you stir over medium heat, waiting for the flour to turn a luxurious shade of brown.
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Gradually introduce the reserved broth to the flour and fat mixture, whisking diligently to prevent lumps from forming. Watch in anticipation as the gravy thickens slightly, a testament to your culinary prowess.
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Pour the velvety gravy into a 2-quart container or medium bowl, covering it gently before placing it in the refrigerator to await its moment of glory.
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When the time comes to serve, reheat the gravy with a sense of anticipation, adding pan drippings (and/or cooked diced giblets) from the roast turkey if desired.
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For ultimate convenience, the gravy can be reheated in the microwave prior to serving, ensuring that every moment of your Thanksgiving feast is filled with joy and flavor.
With this recipe in your repertoire, you can embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving without succumbing to the stress of last-minute cooking. Prepare this delectable turkey gravy ahead of time, and savor the moments spent with loved ones as you gather around the table to give thanks.
