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As autumn arrives, the holiday season is near. Our kitchens fill with the smell of roasting turkey. The real magic happens with the sauces and gravies that make the meal special. Turkey’s necks are the secret to a gravy that will impress everyone.
The Tradition of Turkey Neck Gravy
Turkey neck gravy is a favourite at Thanksgiving and holidays. It’s made from turkey necks, often thrown away, which are simmered to create a rich broth. This broth is the base for a tasty gravy.
Using turkey necks gives the gravy a deeper, richer flavour than traditional gravy. The neck meat adds texture and makes the gravy more hearty.
Why Use Turkey Necks for Gravy?
Making turkey neck gravy is a smart way to use the whole turkey. It ensures no part is wasted. The turkey necks simmer to make a flavorful broth.
This broth adds a lot of flavour to the gravy. It’s a key part of Thanksgiving and holiday meals.
Benefits of Turkey Neck Gravy
- Robust, savoury flavour from the turkey necks
- Economical use of the whole bird
- It incorporates tender turkey neck meat for added texture
- It has a deeper, richer taste compared to the traditional gravy
- Ensures no part of the turkey goes to waste
“Turkey neck gravy is a Thanksgiving classic that brings the flavors of the whole bird together in one delicious sauce.”
Ingredients for Turkey Neck Gravy
To make a tasty turkey neck gravy, you need a few important ingredients. The turkey neck is the main ingredient. It’s cheap and often ignored, but it’s crucial for a rich, savoury broth.
You’ll also need onion, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, thyme, and sage. These add depth and complexity to the broth. Don’t forget chicken or turkey stock, flour, butter or another fat for the right gravy consistency.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Turkey neck | 1 |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh rosemary, chopped | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh thyme, chopped | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh sage, chopped | 1 tablespoon |
| Chicken or turkey broth | 4 cups |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
Some recipes suggest adding cooked turkey giblets to the gravy. This boosts the flavour even more. With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious turkey neck gravy that will impress your guests.
How to Make Turkey Neck Gravy
Preparing the Turkey Neck Broth
To make delicious turkey neck gravy, start with a flavorful broth. Simmer turkey necks with onion, garlic, and herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary in 6 cups of chicken broth or water for about an hour. This process infuses the liquid with the rich flavours of the turkey neck.
Once the necks are tender, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve. Discard the solids to get a clear broth.
Making the Gravy
Now, turn your fragrant turkey neck broth into a thick, velvety gravy. Melt four tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 5 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to make a roux.
Cook the roux, stirring constantly, until it’s deep golden brown, about 5 minutes.
Pour in the strained turkey neck broth slowly, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes or until it thickens. If it’s too thin, add the remaining strained broth and simmer for another 5 minutes.
For the best texture, simmer the gravy until it coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
“The secret to a truly exceptional turkey neck gravy is in the slow simmering of the necks to extract every last bit of flavor.”
With your homemade turkey neck broth and perfectly thickened gravy, you’re ready to make a Thanksgiving masterpiece. Serve your turkey neck gravy warm over mashed potatoes, stuffing, or alongside your roasted turkey.
turkey neck gravy
If you’re lucky enough to have turkey drippings from roasting the bird, you can use them to enhance the flavour of your turkey neck gravy even further. The key is separating the turkey fat from the drippings, as the fat will rise to the top and can be easily skimmed off.
Once you’ve isolated the turkey fat, you can use it, along with a touch of butter if needed, to create the roux that will thicken your gravy. The roux is the foundation of a delicious turkey neck gravy, and by utilizing the savoury turkey fat, you’ll infuse your sauce with an unparalleled depth of flavour.
Creating the Perfect Roux
To make the roux, heat the reserved turkey fat and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in an equal amount of all-purpose flour, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes smooth and golden brown. This roux will serve as the thickening agent for your turkey neck gravy, helping to create a rich, velvety texture.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Turkey Fat | 2 tablespoons |
| Unsalted Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 tablespoons |
With your flavorful roux ready, you can now gradually whisk it into your turkey neck broth, allowing the gravy to thicken to your desired consistency. This simple yet crucial step in the gravy-making process will ensure your turkey neck gravy is rich, velvety, and bursting with the essence of the holiday bird.
“The secret to a truly magnificent turkey neck gravy lies in the separation of the drippings and fat, and the creation of a perfect roux. This step is key to unlocking the full flavor potential of your dish.”
Serving Suggestions
Turkey neck gravy is a delicious addition to many Thanksgiving and holiday dishes. It pairs well with roasted turkey and classic sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and vegetables. This gravy adds a rich, savoury flavour to your meal.
It’s great for balancing the flavours of your holiday feast. You can also use it as a topping for biscuit rolls or as a dip for sandwiches. This gravy is a key part of any Thanksgiving or holiday table.
Complementary Dishes
- Roasted Turkey
- Mashed Potatoes
- Stuffing
- Roasted Vegetables
- Biscuits
- Rolls
- Sandwiches
“The rich, savory flavor of the turkey neck gravy is the perfect complement to the array of Thanksgiving and holiday dishes. It brings everything together in a delicious and harmonious way.”
| Dish | Servings | Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Carbohydrates | Dietary Fiber | Total Sugars | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey Neck Gravy | 16 | 131 | 8.6g | 2.7g | 12.3mg | 245.4mg | 9.5g | 0.6g | 2.3g | 3.8g |
Turkey neck gravy is a must-have for your Thanksgiving or holiday feast. Enjoy it as a topping for your roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and more. It makes your meal truly delightful.
Variations and Substitutions
The traditional turkey neck gravy recipe can be tweaked to fit your taste. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. For a creamier gravy, add heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end. Try adding thyme, sage, or poultry seasoning for different herb variations.
If turkey necks are hard to find, you can make a giblet gravy. Simmer the giblets in broth and mix them into a roux-based gravy. This keeps the gravy’s rich, savoury taste.
For a cream gravy, use butter or olive oil instead of turkey drippings. Then, add heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end. This makes the gravy smooth and creamy, perfect with turkey or mashed potatoes.
| Variation | Ingredients | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian Turkey Neck Gravy | Vegetable broth, butter or olive oil, all-purpose flour, salt, pepper | Prepare the gravy using vegetable broth instead of turkey or chicken broth. Follow the same steps for making the roux and thickening the gravy. |
| Creamy Turkey Neck Gravy | Turkey drippings or butter, all-purpose flour, heavy cream or half-and-half, salt, pepper | Prepare the gravy as usual, then stir in heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking to create a rich, creamy texture. |
| Giblet Gravy | Turkey giblets, chicken or turkey broth, all-purpose flour, salt, pepper | Simmer the turkey giblets in broth until cooked through, then incorporate them into a traditional roux-based gravy. |
Turkey neck gravy is all about trying new things. Experiment with herb variations, fats, and thickening agents. This way, you can make gravy that’s just right for your holiday feast.
Storage and Reheating
Making the perfect turkey neck gravy is just the start. Storing and reheating it right keeps it tasty. Let’s look at how to keep and warm up your gravy.
Refrigerator Storage
Keep your turkey neck gravy in the fridge for up to 4 days. Could you put it in an airtight container? This keeps it fresh and flavorful until you’re ready to reheat.
Freezing for Later
Freeze the gravy for 2-3 months for longer storage. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space for it to expand. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Techniques
- Stovetop Reheating: Warm the gravy in a saucepan over low heat. Stir often. If it’s too thick, add a bit of broth or water.
- Microwave Reheating: Use a microwave-safe container—heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until hot.
When reheating, warm it gently. Avoid boiling to prevent a grainy texture.
| Storage Option | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer | 2-3 months |
Proper storage and reheating keep your turkey neck gravy delicious. It’s perfect for your Holiday feast or any meal.
Tips for Perfect Turkey Neck Gravy
Making the perfect turkey neck gravy is a fun challenge. To get it just right, follow these key tips:
- Maximize Flavor – Use the turkey drippings for flavour. These juices from the bottom of the pan are full of taste and should be your gravy’s base.
- Choose the Right Fat – Use turkey fat instead of butter for a deeper turkey taste. This fat adds a richer flavour to your gravy.
- Thicken Expertly – Flour is great for thickening, but you can also use a gluten-free option. Mix it slowly and whisk constantly to get the right consistency.
- Prevent Lumps – For a smooth gravy, make a roux slowly, add liquid carefully, and strain before serving. This avoids lumps and makes the gravy silky.
- Customize the Flavor – Add spices like poultry seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, or fresh herbs to enhance the flavour. Try different combinations to find your favourite.
- Plan Ahead – You can make the gravy ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat and adjust as needed.
By using these tips, you’ll make a turkey neck gravy that’s rich, smooth, and perfect for your holiday meal.
Conclusion
Turkey neck gravy is a tasty way to make your holiday meals better. It uses the turkey neck to make a rich, savoury broth. This broth turns into a turkey neck gravy that goes well with roasted turkey and side dishes.
By following a few simple steps, like making the broth and building a roux, you can make this gravy a highlight of your Thanksgiving or holiday gravy.
Serving it over mashed potatoes, stuffing, or the turkey itself will make it a favourite in your home. Making this flavorful sauce might seem hard, but with the right tips, you can impress your guests. Your holiday feast will be unforgettable.
So, don’t ignore the turkey neck. Let it be the secret ingredient that makes your Thanksgiving or holiday gravy amazing. With a bit of effort and the right techniques, this often-overlooked part of the turkey becomes a key part of your holiday meal.
FAQ
What is savoury gravy?
Savoury gravy is a special sauce for Thanksgiving and the holidays. It’s made from the turkey neck to create a flavorful broth. This broth is the base for a rich, savoury gravy.
Why should I use the turkey neck to make gravy?
Using the turkey neck gives a deeper, more savoury flavour than regular gravy. The neck meat adds texture and heartiness to the gravy.
What ingredients are needed to make savoury gravy?
You’ll need a turkey neck, onion, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley and thyme. Also, chicken or turkey broth, flour, and butter or fat are essential.
How do I prepare the turkey neck broth?
Simmer the turkey neck with onion, garlic, herbs, and broth for about an hour. This infuses the liquid with a rich flavour. Then, strain the broth and discard the solids.
How do I incorporate the turkey drippings into the gravy?
If you have turkey drippings, use them to enrich the gravy. Separate the fat from the drippings. Use the fat, along with butter, to thicken the sauce.
What dishes do savoury gravy pair well with?
Savoury gravy goes great with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and vegetables. Its rich flavour balances out richer dishes.
Can I make substitutions or variations to the turkey neck gravy recipe?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe to your liking. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Add heavy cream for creaminess, or try different herbs.
How can I store and reheat the turkey neck gravy?
Store the gravy in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat it on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a bit of broth or water.
What are some tips for making the perfect turkey neck gravy?
For perfect gravy, prepare the broth well, separate drippings and fat, and make a perfect roux. Adjust the consistency as needed.