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Ultimate Homemade Brown Gravy (No Drippings Needed)

Close-up of thick, rich homemade brown gravy served in a small white ceramic ramekin.
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Make rich, savory brown gravy from scratch on the stovetop in under 20 minutes. This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a velvety smooth sauce perfect for mashed potatoes, roasts, and meatloaf.

Ingredients

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  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for depth)

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk the flour into the melted butter until a smooth paste, called a roux, forms. Cook the roux for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden brown color. This step cooks out the raw flour taste.
  3. Slowly whisk in the beef broth and chicken broth (or water), ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and thyme, if using. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Stir often to prevent sticking.
  6. Taste the gravy and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the gravy is too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of hot water or broth until it reaches the right texture.
  7. Serve this classic brown gravy immediately over your favorite comfort food dishes.

Notes

  • For a darker color, cook the roux for an extra 2 to 3 minutes until it reaches a deep brown color before adding the liquid.
  • If you want a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a separate small bowl, then whisk this slurry into the simmering gravy until thickened.
  • This recipe is an excellent homemade gravy mix alternative; you can store the dry roux mixture (butter omitted) for later use.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://chefsily.com/homemade-brown-gravy-recipe-from-scratch/