Gravy is made from the concentrated juice and drippings that form in the bottom of the pan while roasting meat or poultry. The gravy is finished by adding extra liquid, seasonings and usually some form of thickener such as flour or corn starch. Gravy isn't difficult to make, but amid the last-minute meal preparations, small mishaps occur that result in gravy that is less than perfect. Fortunately, most gravy emergencies are easily resolved.
Step 1
Fix lumpy gravy by blending the gravy with a stick blender or hand-held mixer. Allow the gravy to cool slightly, then blend the gravy until the lumps disappear. Heat the gravy, stirring constantly, then serve. If the lumps are still present, pour the gravy through a strainer just before serving.
Step 2
Tone down salty gravy by placing a few raw, peeled potato slices in the gravy. Remove and discard the salt-saturated potatoes when the potatoes are translucent. If your gravy is severely salty, make a second batch of salt-free gravy, then blend the two batches into one single batch. The salt-free gravy dilutes the salty gravy.
Step 3
Resolve runny gravy by allowing the gravy to simmer until it cooks down and extra liquid evaporates. If time is an issue, make a thickener by mixing cold water with a small amount of flour to make a thin paste. Add the thickener slowly into the gravy, stirring constantly. You can also make a thickener by combining 1 tsp. of corn starch in a cup of cold water. Continue to cook the gravy for a few minutes to tone down the flavor of flour or cornstarch.
Step 4
Add extra liquid to thin too-thick gravy. Use meat juice from the pan if you have it. Otherwise, use canned broth -- either beef or chicken, depending on the type of meat. Add the liquid gradually, as adding too much liquid too quickly may cause your gravy to be too thin.
Step 5
Absorb the excess grease from the top of gravy by sopping it with a piece of bread. If you have time, chill the gravy, then skim the congealed fat from the top of the gravy with a metal spoon. Reheat after the grease is removed.
Step 6
Stir in 1/2 tsp. of instant coffee to make pale gravy darker and more attractive. Alternatively, heat equal amounts of butter and flour in a small skillet. Stir constantly, heating until the mixture turns deep brown. Whisk the brown flour mixture into the gravy.
Things You'll Need
- Stick blender or hand-held mixer
- Strainer
- Raw potato slices
- Flour or corn starch
- Meat juices or canned chicken or beef broth
- Bread
- Metal spoon
- Instant coffee
- Whisk
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