How to Make Chef John's Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy - A Step-by-Step Guide

For many people, the turkey gravy is the crowning glory of the Thanksgiving meal. But let's face it, making gravy can be a bit stressful, especially when you're trying to juggle multiple dishes in a busy kitchen. That's where Chef John's Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy comes in. With this recipe, you can make your gravy ahead of time, freeing up valuable stovetop space and allowing you to focus on getting the rest of the meal ready.

This gravy is everything you want it to be – rich, flavorful...

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Ingredients

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 ribs celery, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 2 large turkey wings
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 10 cups cold water
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 4 hrs
  • Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
  • Servings: 8

  • Gather all ingredients, and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Combine onion, carrots, celery, and oil in a large roasting pan; toss to coat. Place turkey wings on top of vegetables.
  • Roast in the preheated oven until turkey wings are browned and vegetables are caramelized and softened, 45 to 60 minutes.
  • Transfer turkey wings and vegetables to a large stockpot.
  • Place the roasting pan over a stovetop burner set to medium heat. Pour 2 tablespoons cold water into the pan and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits.
  • Pour mixture into the stockpot and add 10 cups cold water, thyme, and garlic.
  • Bring turkey wing mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until meat falls off the bone, about 3 hours. Skim off turkey fat throughout the process, reserving 2 tablespoons.
  • Strain turkey stock and reserve 6 cups stock; discard all solids.
  • Heat butter and reserved turkey fat in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until it smells like cooked pie crust, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Slowly pour in reserved turkey stock, whisking constantly.
  • Increase heat to high and simmer gravy until thick and warmed through, about 5 minutes. Season with cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
  • Serve and enjoy!
  • Nutrition

    115 cal.

    • Total Fat: 7g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
    • Cholesterol: 23mg
    • Sodium: 92mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 10g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 4g
    • Vitamin C: 4mg
    • Calcium: 33mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 163mg