How to Make Rich Turkey Neck Gravy from Scratch

The smell of roasted turkey fills the air, and one dish makes the Thanksgiving feast complete – homemade turkey neck gravy. This liquid gold, simmered to perfection, makes every bite special. It turns simple sides into a culinary masterpiece. Wondering how to get that deep, savory holiday flavor? Let me share the secrets to making the ultimate turkey neck gravy from scratch.

I remember the excitement as my grandmother made her famous turkey neck gravy. It was a tradition passed down through generations. She carefully tended to the simmering necks and giblets, getting every bit of flavor. Now, in her kitchen, I feel the same wonder, ready to make that magic for my family.

What is Turkey Neck Gravy?

Turkey neck gravy is a traditional sauce made from turkey necks, veggies, and herbs. It has a rich, meaty flavor that’s deeper than regular turkey drippings. This gravy is loved for its savory taste, with hints of poultry, herbs, and vegetables.

Understanding the Basics of Turkey Neck Gravy

Turkey necks are a budget-friendly choice for a tasty gravy. You can find them in the poultry section of the grocery store, especially during holidays. If turkey necks are hard to find, turkey wings or other parts work well too.

Why Use Turkey Necks for Gravy?

The recipe starts with four cups of water, simmered for two hours with extra ingredients for flavor. To thicken the gravy, a roux of butter and flour is used.

Flavor Profile of Turkey Neck Gravy

Turkey neck gravy tastes deep and savory, with hints of poultry, herbs, and veggies. You can add Better than Bouillon for extra flavor. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, thyme, parsley, and poultry seasoning to boost the taste.

“The best part about using drippings for turkey gravy is that the pan drippings already closely mirror the taste of the roasted turkey.”

Ingredients You Will Need

To make a delicious turkey neck gravy, you’ll need some key ingredients. The main ingredient is turkey necks. You’ll also need onions, celery, carrots, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, parsley, and poultry seasoning. These ingredients mix together to make a tasty gravy.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Gravy

• Turkey necks
• Onions, diced
• Celery, diced
• Carrots, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Bay leaves
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Poultry seasoning
• All-purpose flour
• Unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

For even more flavor, you can add a few extra ingredients. A teaspoon or two of Better than Bouillon can add a savory touch to your turkey drippings, homemade gravy, and southern gravy.

With these ingredients, you can make a delicious, southern gravy that will make your Thanksgiving or any meal special.

Preparing the Turkey Necks

Before making a delicious turkey neck gravy, you must prepare the turkey necks. This step is key to getting the deep, rich flavors that make your gravy special.

Cleaning and Trimming Turkey Necks

Begin by rinsing the turkey necks under cold water. This removes any dirt or debris. Then, use a sharp knife to cut off excess fat or skin. This helps the necks brown better and adds more flavor to the stock.

Seasoning the Necks for Maximum Flavor

Now, season the necks for extra taste. Sprinkle them with salt, black pepper, and poultry seasoning. These seasonings boost the turkey’s natural flavor and make a great base for your turkey stock and poultry gravy.

Finally, brown the seasoned necks in olive oil over medium-high heat. This step adds more buttery gravy flavors. Your gravy will have a rich taste that everyone will love.

“The key to a truly outstanding turkey neck gravy is in the preparation of the necks themselves. Taking the time to clean, trim, and season them properly sets the stage for a gravy that will have your guests raving.”

With the turkey necks prepped and ready, you can now make the rich, flavorful stock. This stock will be the base of your unforgettable Thanksgiving gravy.

Making the Stock

Making a rich turkey stock is key to a great homemade gravy. Start by simmering turkey necks with veggies and herbs for a long time. This slow cooking brings out the best flavors, making the stock rich and satisfying.

Cooking Techniques for Rich Stock

Begin by putting turkey necks in a big pot and covering them with 4 cups of water. Add a spoonful of Better Than Bouillon turkey base for extra flavor. Then, gently simmer it for about 2 hours, skimming off any foam.

Skimming and Clarifying the Stock

It’s important to skim the stock often while it simmers. This removes fat and impurities, making the stock clear and professional.

Timing: How Long Should You Simmer?

The longer you simmer, the more flavorful the stock gets. Aim for at least 2 hours, but up to 4 hours for a richer stock. After it’s done, strain it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Now, it’s ready to use in your homemade gravy.

“A well-made stock is the foundation for a truly exceptional gravy. Take the time to extract every last bit of flavor from those turkey necks, and you’ll be rewarded with a Thanksgiving gravy that will have your guests raving.”

Thickening the Gravy

To get the perfect turkey neck gravy, you need to learn how to thicken it. The secret is making a roux, which is butter and flour mixed together.

Common Methods to Thicken Gravy

1. Make a roux: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the same amount of flour and stir constantly until it’s dark brown. This can take 5-10 minutes. Then, slowly add the stock, whisking to avoid lumps.
2. Use a cornstarch slurry: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Add this slurry to the simmering gravy and let it thicken for a minute or two.

Troubleshooting Thickness Issues

If your gravy is too thin, add more roux or cornstarch slurry. If it’s too thick, thin it by whisking in more roux or homemade gravy stock. The right consistency coats the back of a spoon well, without being too heavy or watery.

“The secret to a rich, buttery gravy is all in the roux. Cook it low and slow for maximum flavor.”

With practice, you’ll get the perfect roux and gravy thickness. Feel free to experiment and adjust the consistency. Your Thanksgiving feast will have a delicious gravy to enjoy.

Adding Flavor Enhancements

Make your savory gravy even better by adding herbs, spices, and veggies. These extras will give your gravy a rich taste. It will be a hit at your Thanksgiving dinner.

Herbs and Spices to Consider

Thyme and parsley add a fresh taste to your gravy. Try a poultry seasoning mix or dried herbs like sage and rosemary for a southern twist. Garlic is a must for a deep, savory gravy flavor.

Incorporating Vegetables for Depth

Onions, celery, and carrots add depth to your southern gravy. Sauté them in the turkey drippings first. Then, simmer them with the stock. This makes your Thanksgiving gravy taste amazing.

Adding these flavors will make your turkey neck gravy unforgettable. Try different mixes to find your favorite. Your guests will love it.

Combining Stock and Thickener

The secret to a perfect homemade gravy is blending turkey stock and thickener just right. To get a smooth, velvety texture, you need to mix them carefully.

How to Properly Combine the Two

Start by whisking warm turkey stock into the roux slowly. The roux is melted butter and flour. Use about 1 1/2 cups of stock at first and add more slowly, whisking all the time.

This slow adding helps the thickener mix well. It makes your turkey gravy smooth and creamy.

Adjusting Consistency to Your Preference

• Simmer the gravy for 5-10 minutes, whisking often, until it’s the right thickness.
• The buttery gravy will thicken more as it cools. So, make it a bit thinner than you want it to be.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. You might also want to add heavy cream or butter for extra richness.

By following these steps, you’ll make a rich, velvety turkey neck gravy. It will be perfect for your Thanksgiving feast. Enjoy it with your loved ones!

Serving Suggestions for Turkey Neck Gravy

Thanksgiving is all about enjoying warm, tasty flavors. Your homemade turkey gravy is a great addition to your holiday meal. Pour it hot into a gravy boat for easy serving over turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.

Pairing with Thanksgiving Dishes

Your turkey neck gravy adds a rich, savory taste to Thanksgiving classics. Drizzle it over sliced turkey for extra flavor. It’s also great over mashed potatoes or stuffing for a special treat.

Creative Uses Beyond the Holiday Table

• Elevate leftover turkey sandwiches with the gravy as a spread or dip.
• Try it over hot biscuits for a Southern-style breakfast.
• Use it as a base for stews or casseroles for added richness.
• Pour it over roasted root vegetables for a tasty side dish.

Keep your turkey neck gravy warm on low heat until serving. Cold gravy can spoil the meal. Reheat it gently for second helpings.

“The secret to the best Thanksgiving gravy is in the turkey necks. They add an unparalleled depth of flavor and a silky, velvety texture that you can’t achieve with store-bought gravy mixes.”

Storing and Reheating Leftover Gravy

After making your homemade turkey gravy, you might have leftovers. It’s important to store and reheat them right to keep the flavor and texture good.

Best Practices for Storing Gravy

For a few days, you can keep the gravy in the fridge in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 4 months. Make sure the container has enough room for the gravy to expand when it freezes.

How to Reheat Gravy Without Losing Flavor

To reheat your leftover turkey gravy, put it in a saucepan and heat it on low. Stir it every now and then. If it’s too thick, add a bit of broth or water to thin it out.

Heat the gravy until it’s 165°F (74°C). This way, it stays safe to eat and keeps its great taste.