Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

Cooking Class

Make rich, smooth gravy with just-roasted flavor up to three days before your big turkey dinner. We show you how.

Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ pounds turkey drumsticks
• 3 carrots, cut into pieces
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 6 fresh parsley sprigs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• Salt to taste

• Recipe: Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

 

1. Brown Drumsticks and Veggies

Preheat oven to 400°. Pat drumsticks dry. Cook drumsticks and next 3 ingredients in hot oil in a large roasting pan over medium-high heat. Cook drumsticks 3 minutes on each side; cook vegetables, at the same time, stirring often.

2. Reserve Flavorful Pan Drippings

Bake drumsticks and vegetables in pan at 400° for 30 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion of drumsticks registers 160°. Remove from oven. Remove and discard vegetables and parsley using a slotted spoon. Reserve drumsticks for another use.

3. Whisk in Chicken Broth and Stir Until Smooth

Whisk flour into hot drippings in pan, and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Whisk in pepper.

4. Cook Gravy to Thicken and Develop Flavor

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking occasionally. Reduce heat to medium, and gently boil, whisking occasionally, 45 minutes or until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season with salt to taste.

Test Kitchen Tip: To make ahead: Cool gravy 45 minutes. Cover and chill up to 3 days. Add a few tablespoons of broth, and reheat over medium heat.