Kittencal’s Easy Make Anytime Fat-Free Gravy: A Culinary Revelation

I still remember the first Thanksgiving I hosted alone. The turkey was golden brown, the mashed potatoes were fluffy, and the cranberry sauce sparkled. But the gravy? Oh, the gravy was a disaster. A lumpy, greasy mess that threatened to derail the entire meal. That day, I vowed to master the art of gravy making. After years of experimentation, I stumbled upon this recipe, and it has been my go-to ever since. It’s a wonderfully simple, virtually fat-free gravy that’s ready in minutes and tastes like it simmered for hours. No more Thanksgiving gravy anxiety for me!

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: Approximately 2 cups
• Dietary Type: Low-Fat

Ingredients

• 2 cups fat-free chicken broth (or de-fatted pan drippings and if needed add in chicken broth or water to measure 2 cups)
• ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
• ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (OMIT if using pan drippings)
• 3 teaspoons oxo chicken bouillon powder (or 1 small envelope, OMIT if using pan drippings)
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for a thicker gravy increase flour by 1 tablespoon)
• ½ cup nonfat milk (or for a more creamy gravy use 1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk)

Equipment Needed

• Medium heavy-bottomed saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl

Instructions

1. In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the broth with black pepper, garlic powder (if using), and chicken bouillon powder (if using).
2. Cook over medium-low heat until the mixture reaches a simmer. A simmer is when small bubbles gently rise to the surface, not a full boil.
3. While the broth is heating, in a small bowl, whisk together the flour and nonfat milk (or evaporated milk) until completely smooth. Ensure there are no lumps, as these will translate into a lumpy gravy.
4. Once the broth is simmering, slowly pour the flour and milk mixture into the saucepan, stirring constantly with a whisk.
5. Continue stirring constantly until the gravy begins to bubble and thicken. This should take just a few minutes.
6. Once thickened, taste and season with more black pepper, if desired.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• De-fatting Pan Drippings: If you’re using pan drippings, the most effective method for removing fat is using a fat separator. If you don’t have one, chill the drippings in the refrigerator. The fat will solidify on top, making it easy to skim off.
• Lump-Free Gravy: The key to a lump-free gravy is ensuring the flour is fully incorporated into the milk before adding it to the hot broth. Whisk vigorously to avoid any clumps. If you still end up with lumps, you can strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve for a perfectly smooth result.
• Flavor Boost: For a richer, more complex flavor, try adding a splash of dry sherry or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the gravy during the last minute of cooking.
• Thickening Adjustment: If the gravy is not thick enough after a few minutes of simmering, whisk together an additional tablespoon of flour with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Slowly add this slurry to the gravy, stirring constantly, until the desired consistency is reached.
• Making Ahead: You can make this gravy a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If it becomes too thick during reheating, add a little more broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
• Using chicken drippings will add a depth of flavour that the bouillon powder simply can’t match. So if available, definitely take the time to make use of pan drippings.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this delightful fat-free gravy hot over roasted chicken, turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, biscuits, or any dish that benefits from a rich and flavorful sauce. It’s especially wonderful on Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. To reheat frozen gravy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	45.4 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	4 g	9%
Total Fat	0.5 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0.1 g	0%
Cholesterol	0.8 mg	0%
Sodium	540.4 mg	22%
Total Carbohydrate	7.8 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	0.3 g	1%
Sugars	1.9 g	N/A
Protein	2.4 g	4%

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

Variations & Substitutions

• Beef Gravy: Substitute the chicken broth and bouillon with beef broth and beef bouillon for a rich beef gravy.
• Vegetarian Gravy: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add a teaspoon of dried sage or thyme for extra flavor. You can also add a tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari for depth.
• Gluten-Free Gravy: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, use 2 tablespoons instead of 4 tablespoons of flour. Mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry before adding it to the broth.
• Creamy Herb Gravy: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary, to the gravy during the last minute of cooking. You can also stir in a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added richness.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of milk?
A: Yes, you can use any type of milk, including dairy and non-dairy options. However, using nonfat milk will keep the gravy fat-free. For a richer flavor, you can use fat-free evaporated milk or half-and-half.

Q: What if I don’t have bouillon powder?
A: If you don’t have bouillon powder, you can omit it. However, it will add a depth of flavor to the gravy. You may need to add a little salt to taste if you omit the bouillon.

Q: How can I make the gravy thicker?
A: If you want a thicker gravy, you can increase the amount of flour by 1 tablespoon. Alternatively, you can whisk together a tablespoon of flour with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry and add it to the simmering gravy.

Q: Can I add mushrooms to this gravy?
A: Absolutely! Sauté sliced mushrooms in a little olive oil or butter until softened. Then, add them to the broth along with the other ingredients and proceed with the recipe.

Q: Can I use this gravy with something other than chicken or turkey?
A: Absolutely. This recipe will work wonderfully with pork, mashed potatoes, biscuits, roast beef, or any dish you feel could use a bit of rich, savory goodness.

Final Thoughts

This easy, fat-free gravy is a culinary lifesaver. It’s quick, simple, and delicious, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Don’t be intimidated by gravy making. Embrace the simplicity of this recipe, and enjoy a flavorful gravy that will impress your family and friends. I hope this recipe brings the same kind of joy and confidence to your cooking that it has brought to mine. Now, go forth and make some gravy! Share your feedback and any creative variations you come up with.