OLD FASHIONED GIBLET GRAVY

Old-Fashioned Giblet Gravy is a classic and comforting addition to any holiday meal, especially Thanksgiving. This rich and flavorful gravy is made from the pan drippings of a roasted bird, such as turkey or chicken, combined with giblets (the heart, liver, and gizzard) and aromatic vegetables. It’s the epitome of traditional home cooking, bringing a taste of nostalgia to your table. This recipe will guide you through the process of making this cherished gravy from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Giblet Stock:

  • Giblets (heart, liver, and gizzard) from a turkey or chicken
  • 1 onion, roughly chopped
  • 1 carrot, roughly chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 6 cups water
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Gravy:

  • Pan drippings from a roasted turkey or chicken
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped giblets (cooked)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
  • 2 cups giblet stock (from above)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Making Giblet Stock:

  1. Rinse the giblets (heart, liver, and gizzard) under cold water and place them in a large saucepan.
  2. Add the roughly chopped onion, carrot, celery, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan.
  3. Pour in 6 cups of water, ensuring that the giblets and vegetables are fully covered.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour, uncovered. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during simmering.
  5. After an hour, strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding the solids. Set the giblet stock aside.

Cooking the Giblets:

  1. Finely chop the cooked giblets (heart, liver, and gizzard) and set them aside.

Making the Gravy:

  1. After roasting a turkey or chicken, remove it from the roasting pan, leaving behind the drippings.
  2. Place the roasting pan on the stove over medium heat. If necessary, add a bit of water to the pan to loosen any stuck-on bits. Scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate all those flavorful browned bits into the drippings.
  3. Add the unsalted butter to the pan and let it melt.
  4. Stir in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until it turns a light golden color.
  5. Gradually add the giblet stock to the roux, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. Once the gravy has thickened, add the finely chopped giblets, onion, celery, and carrot. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
  7. Season the gravy with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that the pan drippings may already contain some salt, so taste before adding more.
  8. Continue simmering for a few more minutes to ensure everything is well heated.

Serving:

  1. Pour the Old-Fashioned Giblet Gravy into a gravy boat or a serving bowl.
  2. Serve the gravy alongside your roasted turkey, chicken, or any other dish that calls for a touch of nostalgia.

Variations and Tips

  • Customize Your Giblets: Some recipes call for finely chopped giblets in the gravy, while others prefer to leave them out. Customize it to your preference.
  • Lumps in the Gravy: If your gravy has lumps, you can use a handheld immersion blender or a regular blender to smooth it out.
  • Consistency: Adjust the consistency of your gravy by adding more stock or simmering longer to thicken it.
  • Flavor Enhancements: You can add a splash of white wine, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, or a pinch of herbs like thyme or sage to enhance the flavor of your giblet gravy.
  • Make-Ahead: This gravy can be made a day ahead and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.
  • Freeze Extra Stock: If you have leftover giblet stock, freeze it in portions for future recipes like soups or stews.

 

Old-Fashioned Giblet Gravy is a time-honored classic that adds a touch of nostalgia to holiday feasts and special occasions. Crafted from pan drippings, giblets, and aromatic vegetables, this gravy is the epitome of traditional home cooking. So, whether you’re serving it alongside a roasted turkey or chicken, savor each spoonful of this rich and flavorful gravy that captures the essence of cherished family meals. Enjoy!