Let me tell you, making a delicious Thanksgiving gravy without drippings is not only super easy, but it’s also a total game-changer! This recipe is a lifesaver for those times when you want that rich, savory gravy without having to fuss over turkey drippings. I love it because it’s quick, flavorful, and always gets rave reviews at family gatherings. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever made gravy any other way! It’s perfect for drenching mashed potatoes, slathering on stuffing, or just enjoying over roasted veggies. So grab your ingredients, and let’s whip up some magic in the kitchen!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Gravy Without Drippings
Gather these simple ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to making the most delightful gravy!
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
These ingredients come together to create a rich and savory gravy that’s just perfect for your Thanksgiving feast! Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand; you can easily adjust the seasonings to match your taste. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Gravy Without Drippings
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this fantastic gravy! Follow along, and I promise you’ll end up with a deliciously smooth and flavorful gravy that everyone will love.
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by melting your butter in a saucepan over medium heat. This is key! Medium heat helps to melt the butter evenly without burning it. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s completely melted and just starts to bubble a bit. Make sure to keep an eye on it—don’t let it turn brown just yet!
Step 2: Whisk in the Flour
Once your butter is melted, it’s time to add the flour. Whisk it in slowly and keep stirring for about 2-3 minutes. You want it to turn a lovely golden brown color, which means you’re making a roux! This is where the magic happens, as it adds depth and richness to your gravy. Just don’t step away; keep whisking to avoid any lumps!
Step 3: Add the Vegetable Broth
Now, here’s an important tip: slowly pour in the vegetable broth while whisking constantly. This is crucial to prevent any pesky lumps from forming. Just take your time and keep that whisk moving! You’ll see the mixture start to come together beautifully.
Step 4: Season the Gravy
Once your broth is mixed in, it’s time to season! Add in the onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Each of these spices enhances the flavor of the gravy, giving it that warm, comforting taste we all love during Thanksgiving. Give it a good stir to combine everything well!
Step 5: Simmer and Thicken
Bring your gravy to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. This simmering time is important because it allows the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken. You’ll know it’s done when it coats the back of a spoon. If it’s too thick, you can always whisk in a little more broth to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Finally, once your gravy is thick and luscious, it’s time to serve! Pour it warm over your favorite dishes—mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted veggies, you name it! If you have leftovers (which I doubt, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop—just give it a little whisk to bring it back to life!
Tips for Success with Thanksgiving Gravy Without Drippings
To make sure your Thanksgiving gravy turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some handy tips just for you! Follow these, and you’ll be the star of the dinner table.
- Use cold broth: If you can, use cold vegetable broth when adding it to the roux. This helps prevent lumps from forming. Cold liquid into hot fat is a great combo that keeps things smooth!
- Whisk like you mean it: Don’t be shy with that whisk! Give it a good workout while you’re adding the broth. This is your secret weapon against lumps—keep it moving!
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste, taste, taste! After you’ve added the seasonings, give it a little taste test. You might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper to suit your palate, especially if you’re using low-sodium broth.
- For added depth: If you want to elevate the flavor even more, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. This gives a nice umami boost that can really enhance your gravy!
- Storage tips: If you’re making this ahead of time, let the gravy cool completely before storing it in the fridge. It will thicken as it cools, so just add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen it up.
- Experiment with herbs: Don’t hesitate to play around with the herbs! Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage can add a beautiful, fragrant touch, just remember to chop them finely and add them toward the end of cooking to keep their flavor vibrant.
With these tips, you’re all set to create a gravy that will impress everyone at your Thanksgiving gathering. Enjoy every delicious drop!
Nutritional Information
It’s always good to know what you’re putting on your plate, especially during the holidays! Here’s a handy breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for this delicious Thanksgiving gravy without drippings:
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it gives you a great idea of what to expect. Enjoy indulging in this creamy goodness without the guilt!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Gravy Without Drippings
Can I make this gravy ahead of time?
Absolutely! This gravy is perfect for making ahead. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it thickens up too much while chilling, just add a splash of vegetable broth to loosen it back up. It’ll be just as delicious as when you first made it!
What can I substitute for vegetable broth?
If you don’t have vegetable broth on hand, don’t worry! You can use homemade broth if you have it, or even chicken broth if you’re not strictly vegetarian. Another option is to use water with a bit of added seasoning to mimic that broth flavor. Just remember, the richer the broth, the more flavor your gravy will have, so choose wisely!
Can I add more herbs?
Definitely! Adding more herbs can take your gravy to the next level. Fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or parsley can add a wonderful aroma and flavor boost. Just chop them finely and stir them in toward the end of cooking to keep their fresh taste vibrant. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite! It’s all about making it your own.
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Gravy Without Drippings
- Quick preparation: This gravy comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute additions to your Thanksgiving feast!
- Vegetarian-friendly: Enjoy all the rich flavor of gravy without any meat, making it suitable for all dietary preferences.
- Full of flavor: The combination of spices and herbs creates a savory, satisfying gravy that complements any dish.
- Easy to customize: You can easily adjust the seasoning or add your favorite herbs for a personal touch.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it in advance and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve, saving you time on the big day.
- No drippings needed: Forget about fussing over turkey drippings; this recipe delivers all the gravy goodness without the hassle!
Serving Suggestions for Thanksgiving Gravy Without Drippings
Now that you’ve whipped up this scrumptious Thanksgiving gravy without drippings, it’s time to think about how to serve it! Trust me, this gravy is super versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some of my personal favorites:
- Mashed Potatoes: You can’t go wrong with a generous pour of gravy over fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food combo!
- Stuffing: Drizzle this rich gravy over your stuffing to elevate the flavors and add a delicious moisture that makes every bite delightful.
- Roasted Vegetables: Bring your roasted veggies to life! Whether it’s carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes, a splash of gravy makes them even more irresistible.
- Biscuits: For a southern twist, serve your gravy over warm, flaky biscuits. It’s like a hug on a plate!
- Green Bean Casserole: Ladle some gravy on top of this classic dish to add extra flavor and richness that everyone will love.
- Pasta: It might sound unconventional, but try drizzling this gravy over pasta for a unique take. It’s surprisingly delicious!
- Open-Faced Sandwiches: Use it as a topping for turkey or veggie sandwiches—just pile on the sliced bread and pour the gravy generously on top!
These serving suggestions will help you create a festive and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make this gravy the star of your Thanksgiving feast!
Print
Thanksgiving Gravy Without Drippings: 5 Flavorful Secrets
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful gravy recipe made without using drippings.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Add onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Serve warm over your favorite dishes.
Notes
- This gravy can be made ahead and reheated.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauces
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: thanksgiving gravy, vegetarian gravy, no drippings gravy
