This Make Ahead Gluten Free Turkey Gravy is essential for a stress-free Thanksgiving. Made with roasted turkey wings, it has all the taste without the last-minute fuss.
Im not usually the gravy maker in my family for Thanksgiving. Not that I cant make it, but we almost always go to my mom and dads for Thanksgiving (their kitchen has been remodeled and ours is very small), so my mom is the one who makes the gravy after roasting the turkey. There have been a few times that weve brought a smoked turkey (which is so good by the way–Ill have to share it on the blog one day), but even then my mom would make the gravy.
But this year I really wanted to try my hand at this make ahead gravy because it allows for my mom to not have to stand there at the stove whisking gravy right before we eat. Plus, it sounded so easy and just as delicious, I wanted to make sure it could be made gluten free with cornstarch (thats what my mom uses so I can still enjoy the gravy, too). This make ahead method is so brilliant and has a TON of flavor that it gets from roasting the turkey wings with the veggies before making the stock. It does take a little time to make the stock, but its almost all hands-off time so doing this days before (or even weeks if you freeze it) is a no brainer!
Making flavorful, rich turkey gravy is a cherished part of many holiday meals But traditional gravy made from a roux contains wheat flour, which doesn’t work for gluten-free diets. Thankfully, you can still make smooth, luxurious gravy without flour so everyone can enjoy it
Going flour-free opens up gravy to more people Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can’t have even small amounts of gluten Avoiding flour allows them to partake in gravy goodness too, Even folks without dietary restrictions often prefer the lighter taste of flourless gravy,
With a bit of creativity, you can thicken your gravy beautifully without flour. Here are simple techniques for outrageously delicious gluten-free turkey gravy:
Use Cornstarch as a Thickener
Cornstarch is the most popular replacement for flour to thicken gravies and sauces It dissolves right into hot liquids, avoiding the starchy taste flour can impart. Cornstarch also thickens at lower temps than flour.
Simply mix 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch with an equal amount of cool turkey broth or water until smooth. Pour this slurry into simmering gravy, stirring constantly. It will thicken up within a minute or two.
Be careful not to boil the gravy after adding cornstarch, or it can thin out again. Gently simmer to avoid this. Cornstarch particles swell with liquid to thicken, but high heat causes them to break down.
Puree Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetable like carrots, onions, celery, garlic and bell peppers along with your turkey is delicious. Puree the cooked veggies with pan juices for naturally thickened, flavorful gravy.
The starch from the pureed vegetables gives body to the gravy. Roasting caramelizes the veggies, providing deep, rich flavor. Sprinkle in a bit of cornstarch for extra thickness.
Simmer with Dairy
Adding milk, cream or half and half while reducing drippings also thickens flourless gravy. Simmer turkey drippings with about 1 cup dairy per 2
Let’s Make the Gravy
To make the gravy, we first have to make the turkey stock. This is such a flavorful turkey stock and it gets most of its flavor from roasting everything in the oven before cooking it on the stovetop.
Make the Turkey Stock
- Place the turkey wings, quartered onion, garlic cloves, carrots, and celery in a Dutch oven. Roast at 375 degrees F for 2 hours, uncovered.
- Remove the Dutch oven from the oven and place it on the stovetop. Over medium high heat add water, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer, occasionally skimming foam if it accumulates, and simmer for one hour.
- Strain the stock into a large bowl and refrigerate it for at least two hours or overnight.
- Skim any fat that has solidified on top of the stock. The stock will have gelled in the fridge overnight. This is perfectly normal and is just a sign of collagen (which is always a good thing).
I don’t use ANY Flour or Corn Starch to make Gravy anymore! (No flour, no cornstarch )
FAQ
How do you thicken turkey gravy without flour?
Cornstarch is the most common and is good especially for thickening pan or roast drippings.Oct 26, 2019
What can I use instead of flour for gravy?
- Gluten-free option: Both cornstarch and arrowroot are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Clearer gravy: These starches tend to create a clearer gravy compared to flour.
- Slurry method: Always mix the starch with a small amount of cold water before adding it to the hot liquid to prevent lumps.
What can I use to thicken turkey gravy?
Add Cornstarch or Arrowroot – You can just as easily thicken the gravy further with another starch, like cornstarch or arrowroot.
How to make gravy quickly?
Sprinkle over the flour and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Slowly pour in 400ml/14fl oz just-boiled water, stirring as you pour. Crumble over the stock cube, add the ketchup and soy sauce or gravy browning, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring regularly, until thickened.
How do you make low-carb turkey gravy without flour?
Rich turkey stock and pureed roasted vegetables create a creamy low-carb turkey gravy without flour. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Put the turkey wings, cauliflower, onion and garlic cut side down on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over everything, season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and black pepper to taste, and toss to combine.
Can you make gravy without flour?
Making gravy without flour opens up a world of possibilities. It’s a gluten-free alternative that’s just as delicious and versatile as its traditional counterpart. Embrace the pan drippings, experiment with different thickening agents and flavor combinations, and enjoy the rich and flavorful results. 1. Can I use gluten-free flour to make gravy?
How do you make gluten-free turkey gravy?
This gluten-free turkey gravy is so good everyone will love it! Combine the turkey stock and cornstarch and blend it in a shaker bottle or blender. Pour it into a saucepan and cook it on medium-high heat until it bubbles. Using a whisk, stir it often to prevent clumping. Add salt and pepper to taste.
How do you make turkey gravy with cornstarch?
Combine the turkey stock and cornstarch and blend it in a shaker bottle or blender. Pour it into a saucepan and cook it on medium-high heat until it bubbles. Using a whisk, stir it often to prevent clumping. Add salt and pepper to taste. Make sure you taste the gravy before you add salt.
How do you eat flourless gravy?
Serve Hot: Gravy is best served hot and fresh. Warm it gently over low heat if necessary. Flourless gravy is incredibly versatile and can enhance a wide range of dishes: Roasted Meats: Pair it with roasted chicken, turkey, beef, or lamb. Vegetables: Spoon it over roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.
Can you make gravy without pan drippings?
Gravy can be made with or without pan drippings, but we highly recommend using pan drippings for optimal flavor. Use good quality stock. If you do not have enough pan drippings from your turkey, you can use chicken or turkey stock to make up for the difference but your gravy is as good as your stock. Use homemade or good quality stock, if using.