Whether you’re making gravy to serve with biscuits, or planning an epic roast, it’s often one of the most important components of a meal. So make sure you get it right, by avoiding these common mistakes.
Soften The Onions
Most gravies have an onion base, and if that onion base isn’t completely softened, the taste and texture of the finished gravy can be off. Onions often take between 15 – 20 minutes to fully soften, and they need to be kept moving during that time to avoid them sticking in the pan. If you pay attention to the onions, the rest of the gravy should come together.
Go Easy With The Wine
If you’re using red wine to bring a deeply savory note to your gravy, go easy with the amount you add in. A little too much, and suddenly your savory gravy tastes tart and acidic. Add a cautious amount, stir through and taste before adding any more. If you have added too much, sugar – in the form of honey or maple syrup – can help rebalance the flavors.
Don’t Over Salt
If you’re using a combination of salt, a stock cube, some yeast extract and perhaps soy sauce to flavor your gravy, you can quickly end up with something that tastes far too salty. As with the red wine, taste after you’ve added each flavoring, and be prepared to add more water or fried onions to reduce the salt content if needed.
Follow these tips to avoid the most common mistakes when making a gravy, and you can be sure that next weekend’s roast will be the best ever!
