Brown Gravy Recipe From Scratch

If you’ve ever dreamt of that rich, savory sauce elevating your family meals, I promise our easy brown gravy recipe from scratch makes that dream a reality. Imagine the deep, glossy brown color and the incredible aroma of roasted garlic and balsamic caramelized onions filling your kitchen. This family-friendly recipe is a game-changer for busy parents and home cooks, far surpassing any store-bought alternative for your weeknight dinners.

Key Ingredients and Flavor Foundations

For a truly flavorful brown gravy recipe from scratch, quality ingredients are key. Our recipe builds on rich, slow-cooked elements for exceptional depth:

• Roasted Garlic & Balsamic Caramelized Onions: These stars infuse a sweet, savory, and aromatic base.
• 4 tablespoons (56g / 1/4 cup) unsalted butter (or vegetable oil): Forms the roux’s essential fat. (Use vegetable oil for dairy-free options.)
• 4 tablespoons (30g / 1/4 cup) all-purpose flour: Our crucial thickening agent. (Swap for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free brown gravy.)
• 720 ml (3 cups) warm vegetable broth: The savory liquid base. Good quality organic broth truly elevates family dinners.
• Salt, fresh ground black pepper, and fresh thyme: Seasonings for perfect balance.

Cooking Method Made Simple

Making a rich brown gravy recipe from scratch is a rewarding process, building incredible flavor in stages:

1. Roast Garlic & Caramelize Onions: Roast garlic at 200°C (400°F) for 30-40 minutes until soft and fragrant. Slowly caramelize sliced onions in olive oil for 25-30 minutes until deeply golden; stir in balsamic for 5 minutes until reduced and coating the onions.
2. Build the Flavor Base: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons (56g) butter (or vegetable oil) with the caramelized onions. Stir in mashed roasted garlic paste; cook for 2 minutes, ensuring the fat is fully infused.
3. Create the Roux: Sprinkle 4 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour over. Whisk constantly for 3-5 minutes over medium heat until the roux achieves a rich, nutty brown color. If the roux starts to look dry, a splash more oil can help keep it smooth. (A good, sturdy whisk is indispensable here!)
4. Whisk in Warm Broth: Gradually whisk in 3 cups (720 ml) warm vegetable broth, a little at a time, preventing any lumps from forming. Keep whisking as the mixture begins to thicken.
5. Simmer to Desired Consistency: Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy is smooth, glossy, and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.

Quick Dietary Adaptations: For vegan gravy, use oil and vegetable broth. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. For low-carb, thicken with ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum instead of flour.

Troubleshooting Your Brown Gravy Recipe from Scratch:

• Lumpy gravy? Whisk vigorously, or strain through a fine-mesh sieve.
• Too thin? Simmer longer, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water).
• Not enough flavor? Adjust seasoning with more salt or a dash of soy sauce.

Ideal Serving Moments and Pairings

This brown gravy is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep lunches, elevating any meal.

• Pairings: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice. Great over pot roast, meatloaf, chicken fried steak, or turkey.
• Storage & Reheating: Fridge for 3-4 days. Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on stovetop.

Nutrition, Wellness & Everyday Benefits of Brown Gravy

Our brown gravy recipe from scratch adds flavor without excess calories, enhancing healthy weeknight meals. Easily tailor it: use low-sodium broth or reduce butter. Gluten-free options are simple, making this a family-friendly sauce.

Recipe Advantages for Different Needs

Making this brown gravy recipe from scratch saves money and ensures healthier eating with ingredient control. It’s quick prep, ready in under 15 minutes.

• No more bland weeknight dinners.
• Impress guests with homemade goodness.
• Use leftover pan drippings for zero waste.

Expert Tips, Flavor Boosts, and Adaptations

For silky smooth texture, I always pass my brown gravy through a fine-mesh sieve. Parsley adds color for presentation.

• Kid-approved: Mild flavor, great with chicken nuggets.
• Guest-ready: Stir in balsamic vinegar or mushroom broth.
• Dairy-free: Use olive oil or vegan butter for roux.
• Low-sodium: Choose low-sodium broth; adjust salt last.

Common Questions About Brown Gravy Recipe From Scratch.

Can I make brown gravy recipe from scratch ahead for meal prep?

Yes! It reheats beautifully. Prepare, cool, then store in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on stovetop, adding broth if needed.

What’s the healthiest way to prepare brown gravy from scratch?

Use low-sodium broth and less butter, or a healthy oil. Skim excess fat from drippings for healthier weeknight meals.

Which stores or online shops carry quality ingredients for brown gravy?

Quality butter, flour, and broth are at most grocery stores. For premium broth, seek organic options like Pacific Foods for deeper flavor for your brown gravy recipe from scratch.

Can I use turkey drippings instead of beef broth for this brown gravy recipe from scratch?

Absolutely, turkey drippings create delicious turkey brown gravy! Use them instead of, or with, beef broth. Adjust seasoning as needed.

How do I prevent lumps when making brown gravy from scratch?

The key is a perfect roux. Whisk flour and melted butter thoroughly. I always ensure butter and flour are perfectly combined before adding liquid; that’s my personal secret for lump-free brown gravy.

What if my brown gravy doesn’t thicken?

Ensure gravy simmers for a few minutes; starches hydrate with heat. If still too thin, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water for a slurry. Whisk into simmering gravy until desired.

Making brown gravy recipe from scratch yields a rich, flavorful sauce that elevates any meal into a family favorite. Save this easy, healthy recipe on Pinterest for your next delicious homemade dinner!

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