Easy Brown Gravy Sauce

Rich and velvety brown gravy can turn any meal into something special even when you do not have pan drippings on hand This one pot recipe brings classic comfort to your table in just about ten minutes without fuss

When I first learned this method my son was blown away that good gravy did not have to wait for a roast Now we make it any time even with weeknight dinners

Ingredients

• Chicken broth: adds mild savory notes opt for low sodium if you want more control
• Beef broth: provides deep meaty flavor go for high quality with a clean simple ingredient list
• Beef bouillon or Better Than Bouillon: gives concentrated richness taste before adding more salt
• Onion powder: brings mellow sweetness and aroma reach for granulated not fresh for best mixing
• Garlic powder: offers earthy notes and blends smoothly
• Worcestershire sauce: builds umami and a touch of tanginess you can use soy sauce if needed
• Kitchen Bouquet or Gravy Master: brings color and extra savoriness only use a couple drops for best effect
• Cold water: for mixing with the starch makes sure your slurry is lump free
• Cornstarch: is the thickener that gives you glossy gravy pick fresh cornstarch to avoid clumping
• Cold unsalted butter: swirled at the end adds a silky luxurious finish and rounds out flavor

If you can find broths with no artificial flavors the end result really shines

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine Broths and Seasonings:

Add chicken broth beef broth beef bouillon onion powder garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce into a medium saucepan Stir the mixture very well so the seasonings start dissolving and the flavors can infuse during heating

Adjust Color with Browning Sauce:

If you want a darker classic gravy color add two or three drops of Kitchen Bouquet or Gravy Master Stir until well blended Be careful not to overdo it as these sauces are highly concentrated

Prepare Cornstarch Slurry:

Combine the cold water and cornstarch in a small container with a tight lid Shake vigorously for a few seconds so the mixture becomes completely smooth without any lumps

Thicken the Gravy:

Bring the broth mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat Once boiling quickly whisk in your cornstarch slurry in a steady stream Continue whisking as the gravy thickens in about one minute Decrease heat to medium low

Simmer and Finish:

Let the gravy bubble gently for another two to three minutes so flavors meld and it reaches your ideal thickness Taste and adjust seasoning if needed

Add Butter and Serve:

Take the pot off the heat and drop in a tablespoon of cold unsalted butter Swirl or stir gently so it melts fully and the gravy turns silky Serve right away for best texture

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There is something about the final swirl of butter a trick I first saw at a family holiday that makes the whole sauce taste restaurant worthy I love using really cold butter and watching it glide in making everything glossy and irresistible

Storage Tips

Cool leftover gravy to room temperature then transfer to an airtight jar or container It keeps in the fridge up to four days Reheat gently on the stove adding a splash of broth or water if it needs thinning You can also freeze portions in small bags or ice cube trays for up to three months

Ingredient Substitutions

If you only have chicken or vegetable broth use that and boost the savoriness with a dash of soy sauce or an extra half cube of bouillon For a vegetarian option use all vegetable broth and mushroom bouillon if available If you prefer a roux based gravy swap in two tablespoons flour for the cornstarch and cook with two tablespoons butter until golden before adding broth

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Serving Suggestions

This brown gravy is dreamy on mashed potatoes roast turkey baked chicken or even spooned over fries for a quick take on poutine I have even drizzled it over meatloaf and roasted vegetables for a richer family dinner

Cultural and Historical Context

Brown gravy is a classic sauce in North American and British kitchens where it anchors traditional comfort foods like Thanksgiving dinners roasts and biscuits and gravy Family recipes for gravy are often handed down and debated but this method lets anyone find foolproof results whether or not you have meat pan drippings

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I get a deeper color for my gravy?

Add a few drops of Kitchen Bouquet or Gravy Master during cooking for a darker, richer appearance.

→ Can I use only beef broth or chicken broth?

Yes, you can use either broth on its own, but the combination gives greater depth and flavor complexity.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

Try stirring in sautéed onions, mushrooms, fresh herbs, or a splash of dry red wine for extra savory notes.

→ How do I make the gravy silky?

Finish with a swirl of cold unsalted butter just before serving to create a velvety, smooth texture.

→ Is it possible to use pan drippings?

Yes, you can add pan drippings with the broth for richer flavor, adjusting bouillon to taste if drippings are salty.

→ How do I thicken gravy without flour?

Use a cornstarch slurry made from cold water and cornstarch, whisked in as the gravy heats and thickens.