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Recipes

Thanksgiving Gravy with Apple Cider

For the record, your Thanksgiving gravy doesn’t need to be made last minute. It’s an anxiety-inducing myth that has made many people scared of hosting Thanksgiving. Make it ahead! This is a relatively thin gravy that is easy to prepare and delivers an amazing apple flavor. If you like super thick gravy, simply double the flour.

Recipe and photos by Julia Turshen

Ingredients

  • ½ c unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 Tbsp minced fresh sage
  • 1½ tsp kosher salt, plus more as needed
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
  • ¼ c all-purpose flour
  • 2 c chicken stock (or turkey stock made from the neck and other parts)
  • 2 c Imperfect Foods Apple Cider

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Add the onion, garlic, sage, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring now and then, until the aromatics are just softened but not browned, about 8 minutes.
  3. Add the flour and stir well to combine. Let the mixture cook, stirring quite a bit, until it turns the color of a milky cup of coffee, a solid 5 minutes.
  4. While whisking constantly, slowly pour in the stock and the cider. It will seem very loose at first but trust in the power of flour.
  5. Bring the mixture just to a boil and then lower the heat and simmer, stirring now and then, until thickened and the flavor is nice and rich, about 10 minutes.
  6. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

Recipe Notes and Variation

  • You can keep the gravy warm over the lowest heat for up to an hour. Or you can make it ahead, refrigerate it, and then just warm it over low heat.
  • You can also add drippings from your roasted turkey and/or roasted turkey breast and let the gravy reduce until it’s the consistency you like.
  • For a more refined, smooth gravy, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.
  • Check out our tips on how to waste less this Thanksgiving and just what to do with Thanksgiving leftovers.

Want to make your groceries last longer?

Use our storage guide to waste less food and enjoy cooking more.
See the guide

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Pamela S Ford
Pamela S Ford
4 years ago

This sounds really god, can’t wait to try!!!!

Reply
Anne Gulick
Anne Gulick
4 years ago

I like the sound of this lighter, brighter version of the traditional gravy — def plan to try it this year! Thanks ????

Reply
Imperfect
Imperfect
4 years ago
Reply to  Anne Gulick

It’s the best! You’ll have to come back and tell us how you love it!

Reply
Mal
Mal
4 years ago

This has honestly become a staple recipe in my household. I make it almost once a week now. Absolute hit! So easy to make vegetarian or vegan (in fact, I’ve only ever made this using vegan ingredients). I use two bay leaves instead of sage and Imperfect’s “Seasoning for All of the Things” instead of salt and pepper.

Reply
Imperfect
Imperfect
4 years ago
Reply to  Mal

Love that this has become such a staple!

Reply
Tagged HolidaySauces and dressings

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