Chef John's Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy - A Delicious Versatile Gravy Recipe

This recipe for Chef John's Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy is the ultimate solution for hassle-free Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. With a rich and flavorful base made from roasted turkey parts, aromatic vegetables, and fresh herbs, this gravy can be made days in advance, allowing you to focus on other holiday preparations. It can be easily reheated and perfected just before serving. Serve alongside your roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, or any other dish that deserves a generous drizzle of savory gravy.

Ingredients

• 6 pounds turkey parts (wings, necks, and/or drumsticks)
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 4 sprigs fresh sage
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups turkey or chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: white wine or turkey drippings for extra flavor

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Place the turkey parts on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for about 1 hour or until deep golden brown.
3. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onions, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, and bay leaves over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are slightly softened.
4. Add the roasted turkey parts to the pot and sprinkle the flour over them. Stir well to ensure all the turkey parts are coated with flour.
5. Pour in the turkey or chicken broth and water. Add a splash of white wine or turkey drippings if desired for extra flavor. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 2 hours, partially covered, stirring occasionally.
7. Strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing down on the solids to extract maximum flavor. Discard the solids.
8. Let the gravy cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it overnight or for up to 3 days.
9. When ready to serve, skim off any solidified fat from the surface of the gravy. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
10. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more broth if the gravy is too thick.
11. Serve the delicious make-ahead turkey gravy hot alongside your roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, or any other dish that deserves a generous drizzle of savory gravy.

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