Chef John's Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
Chef John’s Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy uses roasted turkey wings, vegetables, and herbs to create a rich stock. Thickened with a roux, it can be refrigerated or frozen until needed, then finished with drippings on the holiday.
Ingredients
- 2 turkey wings (or drumsticks)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 4 cups chicken or turkey stock
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place turkey wings, onion, carrots, and celery on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with oil and roast until browned, about 45 minutes.
- Transfer to a pot, add garlic, thyme, bay leaf, and stock.
- Simmer uncovered for 1 hour, then strain stock.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux.
- Slowly whisk in turkey stock until smooth and thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- On serving day, reheat and whisk in pan drippings for extra flavor.
Notes
- Turkey wings give the best flavour, but drumsticks work too.
- Roasting vegetables deepens the flavor of the stock.
- Strain carefully for a smooth texture.
- Reheat gently to avoid separating.
- Finish with drippings for authentic holiday taste.