The Best [Gluten-Free] Thanksgiving Gravy

November 22, 2024

When the holidays roll around, every feast has its MVPs: the side-dish timer, the turkey carver, and, of course, the gravy maker. If you want to claim the title of “Gravy Guru” and be hailed as the hero of the dinner table, this recipe is your ticket. Get ready to be requested year after year.

Let’s face it – Thanksgiving isn’t thanksgiving without turkey or some poultry, however, it’s the gravy that ties everything together and helps everything go down smooth.

Once you try this gravy, you won’t believe that it’s gluten-free and paleo. With a swap or two, you can even make it dairy free! It’s creamy, ultra-smooth and just as rich as any traditional recipe.

Why you’ll love these ingredients

In addition to the traditional poultry drippings, this gravy uses extra-healthy bone broth. Bone broth is much more concentrated than regular chicken or beef broth. It also contains more protein, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals for a health boost.

Drinking bone broth daily can help support joint, skin, and gut health while also providing nutrients you won’t get in your regular diet. The reason? It’s filled with collagen.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. Your hair, skin, joints, and nails all contain collagen. The Collagen and gelatin in bone broth also help repair and maintain the lining of your digestive tract. This layer can help block harmful substances from leaking into the bloodstream, reducing inflammation and supporting long-term digestive health.

Traditional herbs like Sage and Rosemary are also bursting with health benefits. Sage contains over 160 distinct antioxidant polyphenols that repair free radical damage in the body. Rosemary contains Rosmarinic acid, a compound that’s shown to help ease inflammation and support immune function

Pro tips for Easy Prep

The pan drippings are the heart of this recipe, When the bird is done roasting, strain the pan drippings through a fine mesh sieve into a large measuring cup.

As the drippings sit, the fat will separate and rise to the top. Once it does, skim off most of the fat and keep the broth below. Then, slowly add the stock to your roux, whisking away any lumps. [see Step 2 below]

But what if you want to make this gravy in advance? No problem. Use turkey or chicken bone broth. Then, on Thanksgiving Day, add some of the pan drippings for added flavor.

Whatever you decide, make sure your pan drippings and bone broth are 4 cups total. If your gravy is too thick, thin it out by adding a little more bone broth. Add it gradually until it reaches the desired consistency. The gravy will thicken up more as it cools.

Pour the gravy into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 days or keep in the freezer for 4 months. You can store it in freezer safe containers, bags, or ice cube trays. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the gravy in the refrigerator before reheating it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Let’s make some gravy!

INGREDIENTS

2 TBSP butter, ghee, or vegan butter like Earth Balance buttery sticks
¼ cup all-purpose gluten-free flour (or use cornstarch or arrowroot flour)
4 cups turkey drippings and/or chicken bone broth (plus additional chicken broth if necessary)
Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
1-2 tsp total of chopped fresh sage leaves, rosemary and thyme kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Blend poultry drippings + bone broth to equal 4 cups total.
Add butter to a large skillet and place over medium high heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and stir until it’s well blended.
Let it cook for about a minute, constantly whisking until smooth. Then slowly add in the drippings/bone broth a little bit at a time, and vigorously whisking away any lumps. Add in more of the bone broth liquid to make the gravy the perfect consistency.
Bring the gravy to a simmer (not a boil) and allow it to thicken up for a minute or two, stirring occasionally. Add more stock to thin if necessary [remember that it will thicken as it cools]
Remove from heat. Taste and add salt, pepper, and an extra teaspoon total of chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage to taste.
Take Digestive Enzymes before you dive in, pour gravy over your favorite side or the entire plate and enjoy! Serves 4-6.

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