Delia Smith’s Christmas Turkey Gravy is the perfect accompaniment to a festive turkey feast. This rich, flavorful gravy is made from the turkey’s pan drippings, stock, and a hint of wine, ensuring it complements the roast perfectly. Its smooth texture and savory depth make it a must-have for your holiday table.
What is Delia Smith’s Christmas Turkey Gravy?
Delia Smith’s Christmas Turkey Gravy is a classic, robust gravy made by deglazing the roasting pan used to cook the turkey. It incorporates pan juices, browned bits, and turkey stock to create a flavorful sauce, enhanced with wine or sherry for a touch of elegance. This gravy elevates the turkey and all the trimmings to new levels of deliciousness.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Packed with Flavor: Made from the turkey’s natural juices for an authentic taste.
- Perfect for Christmas Dinner: Enhances every bite of turkey, potatoes, and stuffing.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for a straightforward recipe.
- Customizable: Easily adjusted for thickness and flavor.
- Elegant Touch: A splash of wine or sherry adds sophistication.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith’s Christmas Turkey Gravy
- 2 tbsp Plain Flour: Helps thicken the gravy.
- Pan Juices from the Roasted Turkey: The flavorful base of the gravy.
- 500ml (2 cups) Turkey Stock: Homemade or store-bought; adds depth.
- 100ml (1/2 cup) White Wine or Sherry: Optional, for a richer flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning.
- 1 tbsp Butter: Optional, for added richness and shine.
Instructions to Make Delia Smith’s Christmas Turkey Gravy
Step 1. Collect the Pan Juices
After roasting the turkey, pour the pan juices and browned bits into a heatproof jug. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the fat to rise to the top. Skim off the fat and reserve the remaining juices.
Step 2. Deglaze the Roasting Pan
Place the roasting pan over medium heat. Add the wine or sherry, and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 3. Make the Roux
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat (optional for added richness). Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This will help thicken the gravy.
Step 4. Add Stock and Pan Juices
Slowly pour in the turkey stock and reserved pan juices, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Step 5. Strain and Season
For a smooth gravy, strain it through a fine mesh strainer into a clean saucepan or serving jug. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Step 6. Serve
Pour the gravy into a warm gravy boat and serve immediately alongside your Christmas turkey and trimmings.
What Goes Well with Christmas Turkey Gravy
- Roast Turkey – The perfect pairing for this classic gravy.
- Stuffing – Complements the rich, savory flavors.
- Mashed Potatoes – Soaks up the gravy beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables – Adds depth to the earthy flavors.
- Yorkshire Puddings – A delightful addition to soak up the sauce.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Christmas Turkey Gravy
To ensure your gravy is perfect, follow these tips:
- Use Homemade Stock if Possible – It enhances the flavor.
- Skim the Fat Carefully – For a smoother, less greasy gravy.
- Deglaze the Pan Thoroughly – The browned bits add incredible flavor.
- Whisk constantly – Prevents lumps and ensures a silky texture.
- Simmer for Richness – Allow the gravy to cook down for more depth.
Easy Variations of Christmas Turkey Gravy
Try these variations for different flavors:
- Add Fresh Herbs – Thyme, rosemary, or parsley can add fresh, aromatic notes.
- Use Red Wine – Swap white wine for red for a bolder flavor.
- Incorporate Cranberry Sauce – Adds a sweet-tart element.
- Spice it Up – A pinch of cayenne or nutmeg adds warmth.
- Make it Dairy-Free – Omit the butter or use plant-based alternatives.
Best Practices to Store Christmas Turkey Gravy
- Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Later – Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat gently – Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of stock if it’s too thick.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 60
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
FAQs
Can I Make Christmas Turkey Gravy in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare turkey gravy in advance. Make the gravy using turkey stock instead of pan drippings, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When serving, reheat and whisk in the drippings from the roasted turkey to enhance the flavor.
How Do I Thicken My Turkey Gravy?
To thicken turkey gravy, you can make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Whisk the slurry into the simmering gravy and cook for a few minutes until the desired thickness is achieved.
What Can I Use Instead of Wine in Turkey Gravy?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken or turkey stock. A splash of apple juice or cider can also add a slight sweetness and depth to the gravy.
How Do I Fix Lumpy Turkey Gravy?
To fix lumpy gravy, strain it through a fine mesh sieve or use an immersion blender to smooth out the texture. Whisking vigorously while adding the liquid to the roux can help prevent lumps from forming in the first place.
Final Words
Delia Smith’s Christmas Turkey Gravy is a rich, savory addition to your holiday table that’s easy to make and full of flavor. It’s the perfect way to bring all the elements of your Christmas dinner together, making every bite deliciously memorable. Enjoy!
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Delia Smith Christmas Turkey Gravy
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Description
Delia Smith’s Christmas Turkey Gravy is a classic, robust gravy made by deglazing the roasting pan used to cook the turkey. It incorporates pan juices, browned bits, and turkey stock to create a flavorful sauce, enhanced with wine or sherry for a touch of elegance. This gravy elevates the turkey and all the trimmings to new levels of deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Plain Flour: Helps thicken the gravy.
- Pan Juices from the Roasted Turkey: The flavorful base of the gravy.
- 500ml (2 cups) Turkey Stock: Homemade or store-bought; adds depth.
- 100ml (1/2 cup) White Wine or Sherry: Optional, for a richer flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning.
Instructions
Step 1. Collect the Pan Juices
After roasting the turkey, pour the pan juices and browned bits into a heatproof jug. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the fat to rise to the top. Skim off the fat and reserve the remaining juices.
Step 2. Deglaze the Roasting Pan
Place the roasting pan over medium heat. Add the wine or sherry, and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 3. Make the Roux
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat (optional for added richness). Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This will help thicken the gravy.
Step 4. Add Stock and Pan Juices
Slowly pour in the turkey stock and reserved pan juices, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Step 5. Strain and Season
For a smooth gravy, strain it through a fine mesh strainer into a clean saucepan or serving jug. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Step 6. Serve
Pour the gravy into a warm gravy boat and serve immediately alongside your Christmas turkey and trimmings.
