The Perfect Roast Turkey Gravy Recipe for Your Christmas Feast

At KYN, we believe that a delicious Christmas dinner is an essential part of creating warm, festive memories for our residents and their loved ones. Our talented executive chef, Tristan, has crafted a unique roast turkey gravy recipe that's sure to elevate your holiday meal. This recipe is not only perfect for our residents, but also for anyone looking to create a luxurious Christmas feast at home.

Why is a good gravy so important for your roast turkey?

A well-made gravy can transform a simple roast turkey into a truly memorable meal. It adds depth, richness, and moisture to the meat, enhancing its flavour and making every bite more enjoyable. Our chef Tristan's recipe creates a gravy that's full of flavour, with a silky texture that perfectly complements the turkey and all the trimmings.

What ingredients do you need for this roast turkey gravy recipe?

To create this delicious homemade turkey gravy, you'll need:

• Reserved giblets and neck from the turkey
• 1 large onion, peeled and quartered
• 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into quarters
• 2 celery sticks, washed and cut into quarters
• Fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ tsp peppercorns
• 25g corn flour
• 250ml white wine
• 1 teaspoon tomato puree
• 1 litre chicken stock

How do you make the best turkey gravy from scratch?

Chef Tristan's method for creating the perfect turkey gravy is as follows:

1. Begin by saving the roasting tray or pan you're using for your turkey, along with the bones and giblets.
2. Start your gravy while the turkey is roasting for the best results.
3. Make a brown stock by roughly chopping the bones and giblets. Add a little oil to a heavy-based pan large enough to hold 2 litres, and brown over medium heat.
4. Once the pieces have browned and there are roasted juices stuck to the base of the pan, add a couple of tablespoons of water. Mix vigorously with a wooden spoon to remove all the caramelised spots on the base of the pan. Continue to reduce the water, constantly stirring until the pan is dry and the bones are frying again. This process doubles the flavour you get from the bones.
5. Add the vegetables, herbs, and spices, letting them colour in the pan with the bones. When dark brown, add the stock and simmer for 1 hour.
6. Once the turkey is cooked and resting, pour off half of the fat from the roasting tray, being careful not to lose any of the juices. Return the tray to the heat and cook until all the juices have caramelised.
7. Stir in the tomato puree and flour. Once well mixed, add the white wine and reduce by half, which won't take long.
8. Gradually pour over the chicken stock, stirring constantly. Simmer for 45 minutes, then pass through a sieve. Cool and save until the turkey is ready to be served.

Can you make this gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this gravy ahead of time, which is especially helpful when cooking a large Christmas meal. Simply reheat the gravy gently when you're ready to serve, whisking to ensure a smooth consistency. If needed, you can thin it with a little extra stock or thicken it by simmering for a few more minutes.

How can you adjust the flavour of your turkey gravy?

If you want to customise the flavour of your gravy, consider these tips:

• Enhance the umami taste by adding a teaspoon of Marmite or soy sauce.
• For a hint of sweetness, stir in a spoonful of redcurrant jelly.
• If you prefer a smoother gravy, blend it with an immersion blender before serving.

What if you don't have turkey drippings?

If you're not roasting a whole turkey or don't have access to the drippings, you can still make a delicious gravy. Simply use chicken stock as a base and enhance the flavour with roasted vegetables and herbs. You may want to add a bit of butter for richness to compensate for the lack of turkey fat.

How should you serve and store your homemade turkey gravy?

Serve your gravy piping hot in a warm gravy boat. It's perfect not only for the turkey but also for mashed potatoes, stuffing, and any other side dishes. If you have leftover gravy, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Experience Luxury Care and Culinary Excellence at KYN

At KYN, we understand the importance of good food in creating a warm, homely atmosphere for our residents. Whether you're joining us for respite care or as a permanent resident at one of our London care homes, you can be assured of delicious, nutritious meals prepared with care and expertise by our talented chefs. We hope this roast turkey gravy recipe brings a touch of luxury to your Christmas dinner, just as we strive to bring comfort and joy to our residents every day. If you'd like to learn more about our care services, including respite and residential care options at our London care homes, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We're here to provide the highest standard of care in beautiful, nurturing environments that truly feel like home. If you’re looking for more recipes to really make your feast stand-out, some of our residents’ favourites include: Nut Loaf (Burgers) with Faux Fried Egg Mincemeat Christmas Cracker Three Nut Lemon Cheese-Less Cheesecake