Classic Gravy

This classic gravy recipe is incredibly easy to make and takes only 4 minutes from start to finish. With the combination of both chicken and beef stock cubes, it brings a well-rounded, savory flavor with a beautiful deep brown color that elevates any dish. Whether you’re pouring it over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or meats, it enhances every bite with its rich, comforting taste.

Perfect for any occasion, this gravy is made without pan drippings and is great for when you want a sauce that can complement both white and red meats. The balance of flavors ensures that it’s versatile enough to be used as a savory accompaniment to many meals. Try it once, and you’ll be making it again and again!

Full Recipe:

1 chicken stock cube or bouillon cube (or 2 tsp powder)
1 beef stock cube or bouillon cube (or 2 tsp powder)
2 1/4 cups (565ml) boiling water
60g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter
4 tbsp plain/all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp onion powder (optional, can substitute with garlic powder)
1/4 tsp finely ground black pepper
Salt, if needed

Directions:

Crumble the chicken and beef stock cubes into boiling water, mix well to dissolve.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add flour, onion powder, and pepper to the melted butter. Stir continuously to combine into a roux.
Slowly pour in half the stock water while stirring to incorporate the roux. The mixture will quickly thicken.
Once the liquid is incorporated, add the remaining stock water and mix well.
Continue to stir for 1.5 to 2 minutes until it reaches a gravy consistency.
Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.

Serve over meats, vegetables, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 2 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 minutes | Total Time: 4 minutes
Kcal: 90 per serving | Servings: 6 (just under 1/2 cup per serving)

Versatility of Flavor

This gravy has a well-balanced taste thanks to the use of both chicken and beef stock cubes, making it suitable for a variety of dishes. The chicken cube provides a flavorful base, while the beef cube adds depth, color, and a meaty richness that takes the flavor up a notch. This combo makes the gravy adaptable for a wide range of proteins, from roasted poultry to beef steaks, and even as a savory topping for steamed vegetables.

Why Use Stock Cubes?

One of the secrets to this quick gravy is the use of stock cubes (or bouillon). They are highly concentrated in flavor, providing an intense taste that enhances the overall sauce. This is especially helpful if you don’t have any pan drippings from a roast or don’t want to go through the lengthy process of making a gravy base from scratch. The concentrated stock cubes dissolve quickly, and because the water is added hot, the entire process of making this gravy is significantly quicker than most traditional recipes.

Gravy Consistency and Adjustments

The key to achieving the perfect consistency is to control the amount of flour and stock. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can let it simmer for an additional minute. If it turns out too thick, simply add a bit more hot water until you reach your desired consistency. And remember that gravy will continue to thicken as it cools, so it’s best to prepare it slightly thinner if you plan on serving it later.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

To make this gravy gluten-free, omit the flour and use cornflour (cornstarch) as a thickener. Mix 2.5 tablespoons of cornflour with 3 tablespoons of water to form a slurry before adding it to the hot stock liquid. This will ensure the gravy thickens nicely without any lumps.

Storage and Reheating

If you plan on making the gravy ahead of time or have leftovers, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You might notice that it thickens and forms a skin on top as it cools – don’t worry! Simply reheat it on the stove, whisking well and adding a splash of water to bring it back to the desired consistency. You can also freeze the gravy in portions. Once thawed, just heat and whisk as needed.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Gravy is a comfort food classic that pairs well with various dishes. Here are a few suggestions on how to serve this homemade gravy:

Mashed Potatoes: Pour generously over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting side dish.
Roasted Meats: Perfect for topping roast chicken, pork, beef, or lamb for added flavor.
Biscuits or Bread Rolls: Serve as a dipping sauce for fluffy biscuits or freshly baked bread rolls for a cozy appetizer or snack.
Vegetables: Drizzle over steamed vegetables to transform them from simple to savory.
Chicken or Meat Rolls: Use as a filling sauce to mix with shredded chicken or beef and stuff into rolls for a hearty sandwich.

Nutritional Highlights

With only around 90 kcal per serving (approximately just under 1/2 cup), this gravy can be enjoyed without adding too many calories to your meal. The butter gives it a rich flavor, while the combination of stock cubes ensures the gravy is full of taste without being overly fatty. If you want to reduce the calorie count further, you can halve the butter to 30g (2 tbsp), which will decrease each serving by about 33 kcal.

Pro Tips:

Season Wisely: Taste the gravy before adding salt. Since the stock cubes are already seasoned, you might not need much additional salt.
Customizing Flavor: Add a dash of soy sauce if you want to enhance the umami flavor further or add a bit of Worcestershire sauce for an extra tang.
Extra Herbs and Spices: For a more aromatic gravy, consider adding a pinch of thyme, rosemary, or parsley. These herbs can elevate the taste and complement your main dish.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This gravy recipe is not only quick and easy but also versatile enough for everyday meals or special holiday gatherings. It’s ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Sunday roasts, or any meal where you want to add a touch of home-cooked flavor and comfort.

Creating a Richer Flavor Profile

Wine Addition: For a more complex gravy, add a splash of red or white wine after melting the butter and before adding the flour. Allow the alcohol to cook off for a minute, which will add depth and richness to the sauce. Red wine pairs well with beef and lamb, while white wine complements chicken and pork.
Herbs and Aromatics: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, sage, or bay leaf while cooking the gravy. Freshly chopped parsley can be stirred in at the end for a burst of color and freshness.
Soy Sauce and Worcestershire Sauce: A dash of soy sauce (dark soy sauce is best for color) or Worcestershire sauce adds a savory depth and a hint of umami. Both enhance the gravy’s flavor without overwhelming the original taste of the meat or dish you’re serving it with.
Garlic or Onion Powder: While optional, these seasonings provide an aromatic hint to the gravy, elevating the flavors without overpowering the sauce. They blend seamlessly and add a warm background taste to complement the meat.

Making Different Styles of Gravy

Creamy Gravy: For a creamier, richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end of the cooking process. This will create a luscious texture, making it perfect for pouring over roasted meats, creamy mashed potatoes, or biscuits.
Mushroom Gravy: For a hearty, earthy taste, sauté sliced mushrooms in butter before adding the flour. Let the mushrooms cook until they’re golden, then proceed with the recipe as usual. This mushroom gravy is an excellent choice for roast beef, pork chops, or even poured over pasta.
Peppercorn Gravy: Add freshly crushed black pepper or mixed peppercorns to the gravy to make a bold peppercorn sauce. The spiciness of the pepper pairs wonderfully with beef steaks, lamb chops, and roasted meats.

Recipe Techniques & Tips

Roux Technique

A key step in making this gravy is the roux, which is a combination of butter and flour cooked together to thicken the sauce. The longer you cook the roux, the deeper the flavor and the color. For this recipe, cooking the roux for about 1-2 minutes creates a lightly toasted flavor and a nice golden-brown base. For a richer taste, you can cook the roux a bit longer until it turns a deeper brown, but be careful not to burn it.

Avoiding Lumps in Gravy

To avoid lumps in the gravy:

Gradual Liquid Addition: When adding the stock water to the roux, pour it in gradually while whisking continuously. This helps the roux to incorporate smoothly with the liquid, preventing lumps from forming.
Whisk, Whisk, Whisk: Use a whisk instead of a spoon when adding liquid to the roux. Whisking helps to break up any clumps, ensuring a smooth and velvety gravy.

Balancing Consistency

The perfect consistency for gravy is smooth and pourable, neither too thin nor too thick. If your gravy is too thin, simmer it for a minute longer, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. If it’s too thick, add more hot water or stock a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.

Gravy Pairings & Serving Suggestions

Classic Comfort Foods

Gravy is the perfect pairing for comfort foods. Here are a few classic ways to serve it:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes topped with this homemade gravy are a match made in comfort food heaven.
Biscuits & Gravy: For a Southern-style breakfast or brunch, pour the gravy over warm, flaky biscuits.
Chicken Fried Steak: Douse crispy chicken fried steak or country-fried chicken with this smooth and flavorful gravy for a homestyle dinner.

Creative Uses for Gravy

While gravy is often associated with meats and potatoes, it can be a versatile sauce for a variety of dishes:

Poutine: For a twist on a classic Canadian dish, pour the gravy over fries and cheese curds to make an irresistible poutine.
Omelet Topping: Use the gravy as a topping for breakfast omelets or scrambled eggs to add a savory touch.
Meatloaf Sauce: Instead of a tomato-based sauce, try serving meatloaf with a side of this classic gravy for a comforting twist.
Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Create a hearty vegetarian meal by pouring the gravy over a bowl of roasted vegetables, quinoa, and lentils. You can use vegetable bouillon cubes to keep the recipe vegetarian.

Beyond the Dinner Table

This gravy recipe isn’t just for special occasions – it’s simple enough for everyday meals:

Leftover Boost: Use the gravy to enhance leftover roasted meats or vegetables by reheating and covering them in this flavorful sauce.
Rice and Grain Bowls: Transform plain rice, quinoa, or other grains by drizzling them with this rich, savory gravy.

Gravy Tips for Entertaining

For large gatherings or holiday dinners:

Double or Triple the Recipe: This gravy recipe can easily be scaled up for larger crowds. Simply double or triple the ingredients, ensuring you have a large enough saucepan to cook the gravy.
Gravy Warmer: Keep the gravy warm for serving by storing it in a gravy boat or thermos. If it thickens too much, add a splash of hot water and whisk well.

Conclusion

This easy 4-minute homemade gravy is a versatile, flavorful addition to any meal. Made with both chicken and beef stock cubes, it offers a balanced, savory taste and a beautiful brown color that complements a variety of dishes – from meats and potatoes to vegetables and more. With simple techniques, customizable flavors, and gluten-free options, this gravy recipe is perfect for everyday meals, special occasions, and everything in between. Quick, delicious, and adaptable – it’s the ultimate sauce to elevate any dish!