White Wine Turkey Gravy ✨
Ingredients:
6 Tbsp. salted butter
2 medium shallots, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp. fresh sage, chopped
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken or turkey broth
1 cup dry white wine, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
kosher salt and black pepper
pan drippings from herb roasted turkey
Detailed Steps:
Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant. Add the sage and continue cooking another 2 to 3 minutes.
Sprinkle the flour over the shallots, stirring for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a boil, boil 5 minutes, or until thickened. Remove from the heat.
Lightly season with salt and pepper. Strain, if desired.
Allow the gravy to cool, then store the gravy base in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Option 1: warm on the stove adding additional broth to think and a 1 tablespoon Worcestershire or soy sauce.
Optional 2: Once your turkey has finished roasting, remove the turkey from the roasting pan and strain the liquid into a glass measuring cup.
Place the roasting pan over two burners. Add the wine and bring to a boil, scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes or until the wine has reduced slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the gravy base. Simmer until the gravy is smooth and thickened slightly, about 5 minutes. If needed, thin the gravy with the reserve broth from the roasting pan. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
Prep Time: 5 mins.
Cook Time: 15 mins.
Total Time: 20 mins.
Servings: 12
When it comes to preparing the perfect turkey gravy, incorporating white wine can elevate the flavors significantly, creating a richer and more complex taste. Using a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio adds a subtle acidity that balances the savory elements of the gravy, enhancing the natural flavors of the turkey drippings. An essential step in achieving a smooth, well-thickened gravy is the proper cooking of shallots and sage. Shallots bring a gentle sweetness and aromatic quality when softened in butter, while fresh sage adds a woodsy, slightly peppery note that complements the turkey beautifully. Be sure to cook the shallots slowly to avoid browning, which helps maintain their delicate flavor. Utilizing a roux made from butter and all-purpose flour is the traditional method for thickening, but it’s key to cook the flour thoroughly to avoid a raw flour taste, stirring consistently for a couple of minutes as described in the recipe. Gradually adding the broth and allowing the mixture to boil will activate the thickening properties, producing a silky texture. After the initial gravy base is made, incorporating the roasting pan drippings along with the reduced white wine intensifies the depth of flavor by combining those delicious caramelized bits scraped from the pan. This process enhances the overall umami profile of the gravy. To cater to different palates, you can customize this gravy further by adding a splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce, which introduces a subtle umami kick and balances the wine’s acidity. Additionally, straining the gravy ensures a smooth finish, perfect for drizzling over your turkey and side dishes. For busy holiday preparations, making the gravy base ahead and refrigerating for up to three days helps streamline meal day cooking, allowing you to add fresh broth and wine reduction shortly before serving. This white wine turkey gravy pairs especially well with classic side dishes such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and roasted vegetables, making it an ideal addition to a festive holiday menu or any special occasion turkey dinner.