Simple toast or exotic bread doused in thick gravy or a plateful of fries laden with delicious gravy is any gourmet’s fantasy. While some consume gravy as a side, gravy fans use the main course expressly as a vehicle for gravy.
If you’re a gravy lover, there’s no need to wait for Thanksgiving to roll around. Making your own gravy from scratch gives a sort of gratification that store-bought gravy can barely compete with.
Instant gratification from homemade goodies doesn’t always entail long hours spent laboring in the kitchen, as you don’t need to start from scratch every time. You can easily whip up a batch of finger-licking gravy in less than 15 minutes.
Here are two methods to make vegetable and chicken gravy, depending on your preferences.
Method 1: Vegetarian Gravy
Things you’ll need:
- Vegetable broth – 2 cups
- Butter – 3 tablespoons
- Corn flour – 3 tablespoons
- Salt
- Pepper
Step 1. Put butter in a skillet
Put 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet placed over heat.
If your taste buds feel playful, you can try some herb butter for a twist in the flavor.
Step 2. Whisk the corn flour into the bubbling butter
When the butter is fully melted and starts bubbling, add 3 tablespoons of corn flour to it. Whisk the corn flour into the butter completely.
Step 3. Add the vegetable broth
Pour 2 cups of vegetable broth into the skillet. Whisk the broth thoroughly into the butter and corn flour mixture.
Step 4. Cook the gravy for about 5 minutes
Cook the gravy for about 5 minutes over low heat, whisking all the while. Do not overcook it, as that will kill the flavor.
Step 5. Season the gravy with salt and pepper
To season the gravy, add salt and pepper according to your taste. Whisk the gravy again so that it is seasoned evenly.
Garnish the gravy with a spring of cilantro or parsley before serving. You can serve it up with cutlets like we did.
You may also enjoy your vegetarian gravy with vegetarian sausages. This gravy will also taste great with mashed potatoes.
Method 2: Chicken Gravy
Things you’ll need:
- Chicken broth – 2 cups
- Butter, melted – 3 tablespoons
- Corn flour – 3 tablespoons
- Salt
- Pepper
Step 1. Heat up the chicken broth in a skillet
Pour 2 cups of chicken broth into a skillet. Turn the heat on and allow the fat to melt.
Step 2. Make a paste of corn flour and butter
Put 3 tablespoons of corn flour in a bowl and add 3 tablespoons of melted butter to it. Mix evenly to form a lump-free paste.
Step 3. Add the paste to the broth
Add the corn flour and butter paste to the chicken broth in the skillet. Use a wire whisk to mix the paste thoroughly into the broth. This will help thicken the gravy.
Step 4. Cook the gravy for about 5 minutes
Turn the heat to low and allow the gravy to cook for about 5 minutes, whisking all the while. Do not cook the gravy for more than 10 minutes.
Step 5. Season the gravy with salt and pepper
Add salt and pepper to the gravy as per your taste. Mix it evenly.
You can enjoy this chicken gravy with meatloaf or roast potatoes and green beans for a hearty meal. You can also serve this gravy to your friends and family with turkey and roast beef. You may also serve it simply with roasted chicken, like we did.
Additional Tips
- You can tinker with the quantity of the corn flour to adjust the thickness of the gravy to your preference.
- Take the gravy off the heat when its texture is slightly thinner than what you need. It will thicken by the time you serve it.
- While a simple salt and pepper seasoning works like a charm, you may also add garlic powder, onion powder or even a little cayenne powder to add a punch to your gravy.
- You can use fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, basil or rosemary in your gravy for some additional flavors. Add the herbs before seasoning the gravy.
- If you wish to start from scratch, you can make these gravies with homemade broth.