As I recall the first time I prepared a homemade pot roast dinner everything went splendid, (crock pots are amazing) until I realized I didn’t know how to make gravy. Not a clue, my mom wasn’t available to call and the world wide web wasn’t an option back then! So out came the YUCKY beef gravy packets that no matter how hard I tried to make taste good, it just wasn’t going to happen. The dinner was a success, even with the YUCKY gravy.

 

As time went on my mom taught me how to make gravy by adding some flour, stir a lot, wait for a boil and WOW that was her recipe for homemade gravy. So what was the problem? Her directions on how to make gravy were to basic, she was one of those that could just add a little of this and that and create a delicious meal. I followed them to a tee, well as well I could anyway – 3 scoops of this and a rolling boil of that were not enough for me, I needed details. I did own measuring cups and measuring spoons and although they didn’t get used often, I did know how to read them.

 

After years of lumpy gravy that tasted more like flour than anything, I was able to find the detailed recipe I needed. (Thanks to the world wide web being bigger, better and FREE!) So to those of you that need the exact recipe on how to make gravy, here it is:

How to Make Gravy

• Step 1 – After cooking the meat (roast, chicken, turkey or whatever it is) remove the meat and use a ladle or strainer and transfer the cooking liquid into a measuring cup ( I use a glass 4-cup one). Let the cooking liquid stand for about 5 minutes. You will see the fat raise to the top, skim that off and toss it, the fat that is. Take note of amount left in the measuring cup once the fat has been removed.

• Step 2 – Pour the cooking liquid into a sauce pan and start heating over medium heat. For each cup of cooking liquid (the remaining amount you took note of in step one), mix 2 tbsp of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth. (trick I put the flour and water in one of those small Ziploc containers and shake like crazy)

• Step 3 – Stir flour mixture into boiling cooking liquid, stirring constantly 1 minute or until thickened.

So there it is, that’s how I make gravy. It’s simple and quick. But wait one more thing, if you have a big family like mine, sometimes the cooking liquid will not make enough gravy for everyone. No worries- add canned broth* to the measuring cup with the cooking liquid, but remember to take note of the amount for proper measuring of the flour mixture.

*Hot water can also be used in place of the canned broth but you will need to add seasoning like salt and pepper. If not it will taste like homemade flour gravy – trust me it’s not good!

Oh and if you burn the gravy – like I have so many times, I can help with that too. Click the link for a list of quick and easy recipe rescue tips! Kitchen Tips and Recipe Rescue