Types of Gravy: Exploring the Varieties of Gravies

When it comes to elevating the flavours of your favourite dishes, few things can do it better than a delicious, well-crafted gravy.

Gravies come in a delightful array of flavours and ingredients, each perfectly suited to complement different meals.

In this blog post, we’re going to know about most popular types of gravies, from the rich and savoury to the light and creamy.

So, let’s get started

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Brown Gravy: A Classic Choice

Brown gravy, a true classic, is made from the drippings of roasted meat or poultry, such as beef, turkey, or chicken.

It gets its rich and savoury flavour from these delectable meat drippings.

To achieve that perfect consistency, a touch of flour or corn-starch is added to thicken the sauce and give it body.

Common Uses: This tasty gravy is an excellent match for roast meats, particularly beef or poultry. It complements the natural flavours of the meat, adding moisture and richness to your dish.

Brown Gravy Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Meat drippings (beef, turkey, or chicken)
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. After roasting meat, set it aside and keep the drippings.
2. Heat the drippings in a pan on medium.
3. Whisk in flour to form a paste.
4. Slowly add broth while stirring.
5. Cook and stir until desired thickness.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve with roasted meat (not compulsory).

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White Gravy: Creamy and Comforting

In stark contrast to brown gravy’s deep flavours, white gravy offers a light and creamy experience.

This delightful gravy is crafted with milk or cream, and a roux made of flour and fat is often used to achieve that creamy consistency.

Common Uses: White gravy is perfect for chicken or fish dishes.

Pour it over fried chicken or biscuits for a comforting and creamy accompaniment, or use it to enhance the flavours of seafood.

White Gravy Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup milk or cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in saucepan on medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour to make a roux.
3. Gradually add milk or cream, stirring.
4. Cook until desired thickness.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve over fried chicken, biscuits, or seafood.

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Mushroom Gravy: loved by many (Including me)

Mushroom gravy, with its rich and earthy flavours, is a favourite among food enthusiasts.

The star ingredient here is, of course, mushrooms.

These are sautéed to perfection and combined with broth or stock, along with seasonings, to create a flavour-packed sauce.

Common Uses: This mushroom-infused wonder pairs incredibly well with steak or pork.

The earthy notes of the mushrooms beautifully complement the flavours of these meats.

Mushroom Gravy Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz mushrooms (sliced)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté mushrooms in butter until tender.
2. Sprinkle flour over mushrooms, stir to create a roux.
3. Gradually add broth while stirring.
4. Cook until desired thickness.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve with steak or pork.

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Onion Gravy: Sweet and Caramelized Elegance

Onion gravy, with its sweet and caramelized flavour profile, adds a touch of elegance to your meals.

Onions are the primary ingredient and are often caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness.

Other seasonings, such as broth and flour, are used to achieve the desired consistency.

Common Uses: Onion gravy is a staple in traditional British dishes like bangers and mash or roasted beef. Its sweet onion flavour beautifully complements these hearty meals.

Onion Gravy Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 large onions (thinly sliced)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Caramelize onions in butter.
2. Sprinkle flour over onions, stir to create a roux.
3. Gradually add broth while stirring.
4. Cook until desired thickness.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve with bangers and mash or roasted beef.

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Giblet Gravy: A Holiday Tradition

Last but not least, we have giblet gravy, a tradition on many holiday tables.

This rich and savoury delight is made from the giblets (internal organs) of turkey or chicken, simmered in broth and strained to create the gravy.

Common Uses: Giblet gravy is a must-have at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners, served alongside roasted turkey or chicken.

The giblets contribute to the depth of flavour in this festive gravy.

Giblet Gravy Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Giblets (heart, liver, gizzard) from turkey or chicken
• 4 cups water
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Simmer giblets in 4 cups of water for an hour to make giblet broth.
2. Chop giblets finely.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan.
4. Stir in flour to create a roux.
5. Gradually add giblet broth while stirring.
6. Cook until desired thickness.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve with roasted turkey or chicken.

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Summary

Gravies are very important in the culinary world, enhancing the taste of your favourite dishes and bringing comfort and warmth to your table.

Whether you prefer the rich and savoury notes of brown gravy, the creamy elegance of white gravy, the tasty mushroom gravy, the sweet charm of onion gravy, or the holiday tradition of giblet gravy, there’s a perfect gravy for every meal.

So, the next time you’re in the kitchen, don’t forget to elevate your dish with the magic of gravy.