Giblet Gravy

Giblet Gravy is a classic and savory sauce that perfectly complements turkey and other holiday dishes. Made with the giblets from the turkey, this rich, flavorful gravy is easy to prepare and adds an extra layer of taste to your meal. It’s the perfect finishing touch for mashed potatoes, stuffing, and, of course, turkey!

Ingredients

Giblets from one turkey (heart, gizzard, liver)
4 cups turkey or chicken broth
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a saucepan, bring the giblets and broth to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
2. Remove the giblets from the broth, chop them finely, and set aside. Reserve the broth.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the reserved broth until smooth. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
5. Reduce heat and simmer until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the chopped giblets and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot over turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

1. Herb Giblet Gravy: Add fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage to the broth for a more aromatic flavor.
2. Rich Creamy Gravy: Stir in a little cream or half-and-half to make the gravy richer and creamier.
3. Onion Giblet Gravy: Sauté chopped onions or shallots in the butter before adding the flour to enhance the flavor.
4. Spicy Giblet Gravy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover giblet gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of broth or water to adjust the consistency if needed.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use chicken giblets instead of turkey giblets?
   Yes, you can use chicken giblets as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
2. Can I make this gravy ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just reheat before serving.
3. What if I don’t have turkey giblets?
   If you don’t have giblets, you can still make a flavorful gravy using just the broth and a roux. You could also add finely chopped meat or mushrooms for additional flavor.
4. Can I make this gravy without flour?
   Yes, you can substitute flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the gravy if you prefer a gluten-free option.
5. Can I add wine to giblet gravy?
   Yes, a splash of white wine or red wine can add depth to the flavor of the gravy. Just be sure to let it cook off before adding the broth.
6. Can I freeze giblet gravy?
   Yes, giblet gravy can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
7. How do I make giblet gravy smoother?
   If the gravy is too lumpy, you can strain it before serving or use a hand blender to smooth it out.
8. How do I store the giblets before cooking?
   If you’re not using the giblets immediately, store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook or freeze them for later use.
9. What do I do if my gravy is too thick?
   If your gravy is too thick, simply whisk in a little more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
10. Can I make giblet gravy without a roux?
    Yes, you can thicken giblet gravy without a roux by using cornstarch, arrowroot, or potato starch as thickening agents.

Conclusion

Giblet Gravy is a rich, flavorful sauce that brings out the best in your turkey dinner. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving or any other festive meal, this gravy adds a comforting touch to your plate. It’s easy to make, customizable to your taste, and sure to impress your guests. Pair it with turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing for a traditional, hearty meal.

Print