Making your own brown gravy is a lot easier than you might think! In just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and hearty gravy to serve with your favorite meals. Plus, it’s cheaper and healthier than store-bought brown gravy mix, so you can feel good about serving it to your family. Ready to get started? Keep reading to learn how to make homemade brown gravy with flour and water.
What is Brown Gravy?
Brown gravy is a type of beef gravy that is made using the pan drippings from meat, along with flour and water. It’s typically used to top off roast beef or grilled steak but can also be served with chicken, pork, mashed potatoes, or vegetables. The gravy gets its rich brown color from the caramelization of the meat juices and has a slightly thick consistency.
Brown gravy is beloved all around the world for its rich and savory flavor, but it’s also a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. For example, you can use it to make a delicious cream of mushroom soup or add it to your favorite stuffing recipe. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for chicken fingers or even use it as a marinade for grilling.
Where Did Gravy Originate From?
The term “gravy” was first encountered in Middle English. Experts believe that the word is derived from the French as it is often found in old French cookbooks. Its original meaning referred to a sauce made from meat juices that came from roasting meat. Throughout time, though, the term has come to be used more broadly to refer to any type of sauce or condiment served with food.
What is the Roux Method of Making Gravy?
The roux method is a French cooking technique that is used to thicken sauces and gravies. It’s made by whisking together flour and fat (usually butter) over low heat until it forms a paste. This paste is then added to the liquid that you want to thicken, such as broth or milk. The roux will help to thicken the liquid and add a delicious richness to it.
What is the Slurry Method of Making Gravy?
The slurry method is a quick and easy way to make gravy. It’s made by whisking together flour and water until it forms a smooth paste. This paste is then added to the liquid that you want to thicken. The slurry will help to thicken the liquid and add a delicious richness to it.
Cooks like using the slurry method because of its flexibility. You can make a slurry with any type of flour, such as all-purpose, wheat, or gluten-free. Plus, it’s easy to make a slurry with whatever liquid you have on hand.
Why is Homemade Brown Gravy Better?
Homemade brown gravy is better than store-bought gravy for a few reasons. First, it’s cheaper to make your own gravy at home. Second, you can control the ingredients that go into your gravy, which means you can avoid unhealthy additives and preservatives. Finally, homemade gravy just tastes better!
If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty gravy to serve with your next meal, give this easy homemade brown gravy recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
How to Make Homemade Brown Gravy with Flour and Water
Brown Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by whisking together the flour, beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder in a large bowl.
- Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the gravy into a saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking frequently, until it comes to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes or until the gravy has thickened.
- Serve the gravy warm with your favorite dishes. Enjoy!
Useful Tips for Making Homemade Brown Gravy with Flour and Water
Making homemade brown gravy is easy and uncomplicated. Here are some more tips that can help you make a delicious and foolproof gravy:
- Use beef broth for the best flavor. If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can also use chicken or vegetable broth.
- If you want a richer gravy, you can add some milk to the mixture.
- To give the gravy more depth of flavor, try adding some chopped onions, mushrooms, or celery to the mixture.
- If you want a smoother gravy, you can use an immersion blender to blend the gravy until it’s smooth.
- This gravy can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to serve it. Simply store it in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the gravy.
- If you want a gluten-free gravy, simply use gluten-free flour in place of the all-purpose flour.
- This gravy can also be made in the slow cooker. Simply whisk all of the ingredients together in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Use a nonstick pan to prevent the flour from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.
Even More Tips on How to Make Homemade Brown Gravy with Flour and Water
- If you find that your gravy is too thick, simply add more beef broth until it reaches the desired consistency.
- If your gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by whisking in more flour or by cooking it for a longer period of time.
- This gravy can be spiced up with a variety of herbs and spices. Try adding some thyme, rosemary, or sage for a flavor boost.
- The leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply place the gravy in a freezer-safe container and thaw it in the refrigerator when you’re ready to use it.
- This gravy is also great for making French onion soup! Simply sauté some chopped onions in the gravy until they’re softened, then add some bread and cheese and bake until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. So good!
