Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

Name: Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
Prep time: 2 h 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Yield: 4-1/4 cups.
Cuisine: Comfort Food Recipes
Ingredients: 2 turkey wings (1-1/2 to 2 pounds); 2 medium onions, quartered; 2 cans (one 49 ounces, one 14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided; 2 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces; 2 celery ribs with leaves, cut into 2-inch pieces; 4 fresh thyme sprigs; 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/4 teaspoon pepper

My family loves gravy, so I can never have enough homemade gravy on hand for a holiday dinner. The base for this one is prepared with turkey wings and can be prepped in advance. —Linda Fitzsimmons, Fort Edward, New York

Ingredients

2 turkey wings (1-1/2 to 2 pounds)
2 medium onions, quartered
2 cans (one 49 ounces, one 14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
2 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 celery ribs with leaves, cut into 2-inch pieces
4 fresh thyme sprigs
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

Place turkey wings and onions in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 1-1/4 hours, turning once.
Transfer wings and onions to a Dutch oven. Add the large can of broth, carrots, celery and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes.
Strain; discard wings and vegetables. (Can be made ahead to this point and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.) Skim fat from cooking liquid. Add enough remaining broth to measure 3-1/2 cups; set aside.
In a large saucepan, whisk flour and remaining broth until smooth. Gradually stir in cooking liquid. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in butter and pepper.

Nutrition Facts

3 tablespoons: 61 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 234mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.

Originally published as Best Ever Turkey Gravy in Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook 2008

Reviews

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Average Rating:

Aquarelle

Nov 27, 2018

I used a turkey back and giblets along with the wings, because I've made turkey stock with just wings in the past and felt that it needed a little more meaty flavor. I also substituted boxed turkey broth for the chicken stock. Otherwise, did not change a thing (except for adding a couple of drops of browning sauce at the end for a slightly darker color). This is my go-to recipe for turkey gravy from now on. My late mother made the best turkey gravy in the world, using the traditional method, something I never really managed to master, but my daughter told me that this recipe "is just as good as Grandma's was."
hopesy

Nov 19, 2017

I have made this gravy for years. I make it far enough in advance and freeze it. Then I thaw it in the fridge a couple of days before I’m going to serve it. I also use some white wine for the liquid. It’s delicious and saves a lot of time when it comes time to make that big meal. I wouldn’t make any other gravy.
Denise

Nov 15, 2017

Made this last year for thanksgiving. It was a hit. Just made it again and it has a raw flour taste. Was I supposed to cook the flour and broth mixture before adding the prepared liquid? Help! I might have to make again!
turtledaisy

Nov 23, 2015

This gravy is has an excellent flavor and color and is a huge time saver. I make it every year for Thanksgiving.
Marilee.McClure

Dec 2, 2014

Easy and absolutely delicious!
Sandee629

Nov 11, 2012

I have made this for a few years and it's been a lifesaver every time! I usually use turkey stock (available next to the chicken and beef broth on your grocer's shelf around holiday time). It gives a darker, richer flavor to the gravy and, if you like, add a bit of the pan drippings and mix in as you reheat it.
justmbeth

Jan 2, 2012

I needed a gravy to do ahead of time because we were doing a deep fried turkey. This fit the bill. A bit of work to it and it turned out ok. Could have used a bit more flavor.
Hometulip

Nov 1, 2011

We were always short on gravy until I began making it ahead of time using extra wings. Great recipe idea.