Easy Healthy Creamy Gravy (No Fat)

I remember my grandmother always making gravy. It wasn’t just a condiment; it was a ritual. Every Sunday, the aroma of roasting chicken would fill the house, and the grand finale was always her rich, decadent gravy. I can still picture her, stirring away at the stove, her face flushed with heat and happiness. The only problem? It was loaded with fat. I’ve spent years trying to recapture that comforting flavor without all the guilt, and I think I’ve finally cracked the code with this unbelievably easy and healthy version.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: About 2 cups
• Dietary Type: Can be Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 cups broth (Chicken, veggie, or beef)
• 1/4 cup milk (Any kind works – skim, whole, almond, soy, etc.)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (Check for gluten-free if needed)
• 2 teaspoons onion soup mix
• Pepper, to taste

Equipment Needed

• Saucepan
• Whisk

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, bring the broth, Worcestershire sauce, and onion soup mix to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl or cup, whisk together the cornstarch and cold milk until smooth. This is crucial for preventing lumps.
3. Once the broth mixture is boiling, slowly pour in the cornstarch and milk mixture while continuously whisking.
4. Continue to whisk constantly as the mixture returns to a boil.
5. Let the gravy boil for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your desired consistency. The longer it boils, the thicker it will become.
6. Remove from heat and season to taste with pepper. Be careful not to add salt until you’ve tasted it, as the broth and onion soup mix can be quite salty already.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Preventing Lumps: The key to a smooth gravy is to thoroughly combine the cornstarch and cold milk before adding it to the hot broth. Any lumps will be very difficult to get rid of once the gravy starts to thicken.
• Adjusting Thickness: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold milk and whisk it into the gravy during the last minute of cooking. For a thinner gravy, add a splash more broth.
• Flavor Boost: For a richer flavor, consider using homemade broth or a high-quality store-bought broth. Adding a bay leaf to the broth while it simmers can also add depth of flavor (remember to remove it before serving).
• Browning for Flavor: If you want to mimic the flavor of a traditional gravy made with meat drippings, you can add a teaspoon of Kitchen Bouquet Browning Sauce.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Be sure to use vegetable broth and a vegan Worcestershire sauce to keep this recipe entirely plant-based.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This gravy is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it over roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, biscuits, or even vegetarian meatloaf.

Leftover gravy should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it becomes too thick, add a little broth or water to thin it out. It’s best not to freeze gravy as the texture can become grainy upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	20 kcal	1%
Total Fat	0g	0%
Saturated Fat	0g	0%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	200mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate	4g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	1g	2%
Protein	0g	0%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

• Mushroom Gravy: Sauté sliced mushrooms in a little olive oil or broth until softened, then add them to the broth mixture before boiling.
• Herb Gravy: Stir in a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or sage, during the last minute of cooking.
• Spicy Gravy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth mixture for a kick of heat.
• Dairy-Free Gravy: Use unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk in place of regular milk. Be mindful of the flavor profile; oat milk tends to be slightly sweeter.
• Gluten-Free Gravy: Ensure your broth, Worcestershire sauce, and onion soup mix are all certified gluten-free.
• Turkey Gravy: Use turkey broth in place of chicken, beef, or veggie broth, especially wonderful at Thanksgiving. Consider adding a touch of poultry seasoning.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use water instead of broth?
A: While you can use water, the gravy will be much less flavorful. Broth adds depth and richness to the gravy that water simply can’t provide.

Q: My gravy is too thick. How do I thin it out?
A: Gradually add more broth or water, a tablespoon at a time, until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Stir well after each addition.

Q: My gravy is too thin. How do I thicken it?
A: Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold milk or water. Slowly whisk this mixture into the simmering gravy and continue cooking for another minute or two until it thickens.

Q: Can I make this gravy ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the gravy a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving. You may need to add a little liquid to thin it out when reheating.

Q: Is onion soup mix essential? What can I use if I don’t have it?
A: While not essential, the onion soup mix adds a significant amount of flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute it with a teaspoon of onion powder, a half-teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of dried thyme.

Final Thoughts

This easy, healthy, and creamy gravy is a game-changer. It’s proof that you don’t need a ton of fat to create a flavorful and satisfying gravy that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it with a classic roast dinner or using it to elevate a simple weeknight meal, this gravy is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, experiment with different variations, and let me know what you think! I’m confident that it will become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. Now, go forth and conquer the gravy game!