How to Make Delicious Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy This Holiday Season

The holidays are quickly approaching, which means it’s almost time for that delicious Thanksgiving turkey! For those with gluten sensitivities, a gluten-free gravy can be difficult to perfect. Have no fear – I’ll walk you through how to make the most flavorful and velvety smooth gluten-free turkey gravy you’ve ever tasted!

Why Go Gluten-Free?

First, let’s discuss why you may need or want to go gluten-free with your gravy. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It helps give elasticity to dough and often gives dishes their thick, rich texture.

However, 1 in 100 people have celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is ingested. The only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet. Others have gluten sensitivities or allergies that cause uncomfortable symptoms when they eat gluten.

Even if you don’t have celiac disease or a sensitivity, gluten-free gravy can be helpful for reducing inflammation during the holidays. Going gluten-free doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or texture!

Gather Your Ingredients

Gluten-free gravy begins just like traditional gravy – with flavorful pan drippings, Here’s what you’ll need

• Turkey (or chicken) pan drippings – Roast a turkey or chicken and collect 2 cups of the fatty drippings. The collagen in the drippings helps thicken and add body to the gravy.

• Aromatic vegetables – Mirepoix vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery add savory flavor. Roast them with your turkey or chicken.

• Fresh herbs – Rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley provide woodsy, holiday flavors.

• Gluten-free flour – Superfine white rice flour helps thicken without gluten.

• Broth or stock – Use turkey, chicken, or vegetable broth to add moisture and savoriness. Go for low-sodium.

• Dairy-free butter – For a vegan gravy, use dairy-free butter like Earth Balance.

• Sea salt and pepper – Season to taste.

Make the Drippings

Your recipe starts with the flavorful drippings. If roasting a whole turkey or chicken, simply collect 2 cups of the drippings after roasting. Be sure to strain and separate the fat before using.

If you don’t have drippings, roast chicken wings, thighs, or drumsticks tossed with vegetables and herbs. This extracts collagen from the bones for thickness and infuses flavor. You can also use a pressure cooker to make bone broth from the wings and vegetables.

Cook the Roux

A roux helps thicken and add body to gravy. Melt 4 Tbsp dairy-free butter in a pan over medium heat. Whisk in 5 Tbsp superfine rice flour until combined. The mixture will clump at first.

Continue whisking for 2-3 minutes until the roux turns golden brown and smells nutty. This builds incredible flavor! Just don’t walk away or it can burn quickly.

Simmer the Gravy

Add the 2 cups strained drippings and herbs to the roux. If the drippings are solidified, allow them to melt while whisking continuously.

Next, gradually whisk in 21⁄2 cups gluten-free broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until thickened to your desired consistency.

If it’s too thin, make a slurry with rice flour and broth and whisk it in. If it’s too thick, add more broth.

Season and Serve

Turn off the heat and season the gravy to taste with sea salt and pepper. For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine!

Serve your perfect gluten-free gravy alongside turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, and all your holiday favorites. It also keeps well refrigerated for 4-5 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Tips for Smooth, Lump-Free Gravy

Follow these tips and tricks for velvety, lump-free gluten-free gravy every time:

• Whisk together the roux thoroughly before adding drippings. Keep whisking as it simmers.

• Pour in broth gradually while whisking constantly.

• Use superfine rice flour instead of all-purpose flour. Do not use xanthan gum flour blends.

• If it curdles, use an immersion blender to emulsify.

• Add more broth if too thick or rice flour slurry if too thin.

• For creamier gravy, stir in a pat of dairy-free butter or splash of cream at the end.

Get Creative with Gluten-Free Gravy

Rich, savory gluten-free gravy doesn’t have to be limited to the holidays! Try these delicious ways to use it:

• Serve over baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, or mashed cauliflower.

• Make gluten-free biscuits and sausage gravy for a hearty breakfast.

• Use it as the base for chicken pot pie along with cooked chicken, veggies, and cream.

• Drizzle over roasted chicken, pork chops, or meatloaf with sautéed onions.

• Make sausage gravy and serve over gluten-free waffles or pancakes.

• Stir into rice or quinoa along with sautéed veggies for a quick one-pot meal.

• Thin it out to use as a flavorful broth for gluten-free soups and stews.

Recap of the Steps

Let’s do a quick recap of the simple steps for how to make the most flavorful and velvety gluten-free turkey gravy:

1. Gather pan drippings, vegetables, herbs, rice flour, broth, and seasoning.

2. If needed, roast poultry parts to create drippings. Strain and separate fat.

3. Make a blond roux by cooking rice flour in melted butter.

4. Whisk in drippings, then broth, and simmer until thickened.

5. Season to taste. Add cream or white wine for extra richness.

6. Serve warm alongside your favorite holiday or everyday dishes!