If you're looking to amp up your meals, brown gravy is where it's at. It's like the superhero of sauces, swooping in to save your mashed potatoes, meats, and everything in between. From the classic homemade version that just screams comfort to a funky red wine twist, there's a gravy for every taste. And yes, even vegan options exist! Curious about which recipes will steal the show? Let's dig in!
Classic Homemade Brown Gravy
Classic homemade brown gravy is a rich and savory sauce that can enhance any meal, especially when served over mashed potatoes, roasted meats, or even biscuits. This simple recipe uses pan drippings to create a deeply flavored gravy that's both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for holiday dinners or a cozy weeknight meal, this gravy is quick to make and uses basic ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup pan drippings (or butter)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley) for garnish
To begin, pour the pan drippings into a saucepan over medium heat. If you don't have enough drippings, supplement with butter to make up the 1/4 cup. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture is golden brown and bubbly.
Gradually add the broth while continuing to whisk to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken for about 5-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if desired. Once the gravy reaches your preferred consistency, remove it from the heat and serve it warm.
When making brown gravy, it's crucial to whisk continuously to avoid lumps and guarantee a smooth texture. If your gravy ends up too thick, simply whisk in a bit more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
For an added depth of flavor, consider sautéing some onions or garlic in the pan before adding the flour. Finally, always taste and adjust seasonings as needed, as the saltiness of your broth and drippings can vary greatly. Enjoy your homemade brown gravy!
Mushroom Brown Gravy
Mushroom brown gravy is a savory and rich accompaniment that boosts many dishes, from mashed potatoes to roasted meats. This recipe combines earthy mushrooms with a flavorful base, resulting in a delectable sauce that's perfect for drizzling over your favorite comfort foods.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll have a homemade mushroom brown gravy that will impress family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together.
Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms, sautéing until they become soft and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the broth, followed by the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, ensuring there are no lumps.
Allow the gravy to simmer for 5-10 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and remove from heat.
Extra Tips:
For an even deeper flavor, consider using a mix of mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, alongside the standard button mushrooms.
If you prefer a thicker gravy, simply let it simmer longer or add a bit more flour to the roux.
Additionally, you can improve the umami flavor by adding a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar.
Finally, don't forget to garnish your mushroom brown gravy with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness before serving!
Country Sausage Gravy
Country sausage gravy is a comforting Southern dish that pairs perfectly with biscuits or can be enjoyed over toast for a hearty breakfast or brunch. Its rich, creamy texture combined with the savory flavor of sausage makes it a beloved staple in many households.
This gravy isn't only simple to prepare but also uses ingredients that are often found in your pantry, making it an ideal choice for a cozy morning meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Instructions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until it's browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Once the sausage is fully cooked, sprinkle the flour over the sausage and mix well, allowing it to cook for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the milk while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring often, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, if using. Serve hot over warm biscuits or toast.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider using a combination of sausage types, such as spicy and mild, or adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
If you find the gravy too thick, simply add a little more milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, as different sausages can vary in saltiness.
Enjoy this dish fresh, as it's best when served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Red Wine Brown Gravy
Red Wine Brown Gravy is a rich and flavorful sauce that adds a sophisticated touch to your favorite meats and side dishes. This gravy combines the deep flavors of brown gravy with the robust notes of red wine, creating a delightful balance that improves everything from roasted meats to mashed potatoes.
Perfect for a special occasion or a comforting family dinner, this recipe will raise your meal to new heights.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture is golden brown.
Gradually add the beef or chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Next, pour in the red wine and Worcestershire sauce, then add the dried thyme.
Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.
Extra Tips:
For a more intense flavor, consider using a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
You can also improve the gravy by sautéing some finely chopped onions or mushrooms in the butter before adding the flour.
If the gravy becomes too thick, simply whisk in a little more broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.
Finally, remember to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, especially if you use a broth that's already salted.
Vegan Brown Gravy
Vegan brown gravy is a rich and flavorful sauce that can boost a variety of dishes, from mashed potatoes to vegan meatloaf. Made with simple plant-based ingredients, this gravy isn't only easy to prepare but also packed with umami goodness.
Whether you're hosting a holiday meal or simply looking to improve your weeknight dinner, this vegan brown gravy is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while whisking to avoid lumps, then add the soy sauce, nutritional yeast, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, about 5-10 minutes.
Extra Tips:
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of liquid smoke or a teaspoon of vegan Worcestershire sauce.
If you prefer a smoother gravy, you can blend it using an immersion blender after it has thickened. Adjust the seasoning and consistency by adding more broth or water if needed.
This vegan brown gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and reheats well, making it great for meal prep!