The Ultimate Guide to Creating the Perfect Gravy for Your Mashed Potatoes

Making delicious gravy has been a delightful challenge for many cooks, but with the right techniques and quality ingredients, it can be surprisingly simple. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to create the perfect gravy for your mashed potatoes.

Basic Gravy Recipe

The foundation of any great gravy is both butter and flour. Start with 1 tablespoon of each and stir them together until blended and smooth. Cook and stir for three minutes to enhance the flavor and remove any raw flour taste. Then, gradually add 1/2 cup of broth while continuously stirring the mixture. The gravy will thicken as it heats. Once it just starts to bubble, it's ready. If it's too thin, cook it for a few more minutes; if it's too thick, add more broth.

High-Quality Ingredients Matter

Avoid pre-made store-bought broth at all costs. The fat and flavor are often missing, leading to disappointing results. Instead, opt for homemade broth, which can elevate your gravy to new heights. Start with a couple of chicken thighs. Boil one slowly until the meat falls off the bone, then add a carrot, an onion, and a celery stalk—plus any seasonings you prefer. Use a thick coating on the other thigh and fry it until golden brown. Remove the meat, cut it into pieces, and add it to the broth. Lastly, strain out the vegetables using a spider skimmer to ensure clean, smooth gravy.

Gravy Recipes for Every Occasion

Gravy isn't just for Thanksgiving or Christmas, and it doesn't have to be made with turkey drippings. Your local grocery store can provide all the necessary ingredients to make a fantastic homemade gravy. Here are a couple of excellent recipes:

My Daughter's Vegan Gravy Recipe

Joyous surprises can come in the form of vegetarian options. My daughter created an impressive vegan gravy that's not only delicious but also convenient to prepare. It consists of just a few simple ingredients: mushrooms, broth, flour, olive oil, soy sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. This versatile recipe works perfectly with mashed potatoes and satisfies both my taste buds and my spouse’s. While you can find quality vegetable broth, using canned chicken broth adds an extra layer of flavor to the gravy, making it richer and more comforting.

Quick and Dirty Gravy

When you're in a rush but still want good results, this quick and dirty gravy recipe is perfect. Melt a stick of butter in a pot and add 1/4 pound of flour, whisking them together. Then, add a half gallon of boxed chicken broth, whisking to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for about five minutes. It's that simple!

Really Good Gravy

For the best results, start with high-quality stock made from beef or chicken. If you're short on time, you can find many excellent YouTube tutorials to help you make stock. Once you have your stock, melt half a stick of butter in a pot and add an equal amount of flour, whisking and cooking over medium-low heat until it smells nutty. Then, pour in 2 quarts of stock, whisking to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This extra effort is worth it for a truly delicious gravy.

The key difference between simple and really good gravy is the base of the stock. By using great quality ingredients, you'll achieve a richer, more flavorful end product. If you want to make the best gravy, learning to make excellent stock is essential.

With these recipes, you can easily create the perfect gravy for your mashed potatoes, whether you're hosting a holiday feast or simply enjoying a comforting meal at home. Happy cooking!