If you would like to make a homemade gravy this year but are not really fond of gravies made with giblets why not try a nice flavorful mushroom gravy?
Mushroom Gravy
1 tablespoon butter
1 ½ oz of finely chopped mushrooms
1 small finely chopped onion
2 tbsp. Corn starch
1 can broth from 1 can of beef broth (low sodium if you like) chicken broth is fine too
2 tbsp. Chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp. dry sherry
Over a medium heat warm the butter in a sauce pan for a moment and then add the mushrooms to the pan, gently stir and then add in the onion. Saute until the mushrooms and onions are tender. This should take about 10 minutes. Stir frequently.
In a separate bowl combine the cornstarch and ¼ cup of the broth. Stir until smooth. Add it to the mushroom mixture and add n the parsley, dry sherry and remaining broth.
Heat all of the ingredients to a boiling while stirring constantly. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for an additional minute.
Note: if you don’t have dry sherry and don’t want to buy it you can use port wine, and if you prefer not to use alcohol use your favorite steak sauce such as A-1 or worcestershire sauce or if you don’t have either of those soy sauce will add in its own distinct flavor but it will do the trick.
If you don’t want to buy fresh parsley due to budgetary reasons you can use dried just use 2 1/2 tablespoon instead of 2.
Tips for any homemade Gravy
To enhance the color allow the gravy to simmer a bit longer or add a carrot, celery, and onion to the broth allow it to simmer for a few minutes then strain out the veggies. This will enhance the color and the flavor.
To get rid of lumps beat vigorously with a wire whisk. If it is still lumpy try pouring it in the blender for a minute or two.
To thicken add 2 teaspoons of cornstarch for each cup of gravy to your gravy as it simmers. Or you can add in 1 ½ tablespoons of flour per cup of gravy.
Don’t have a gravy boat? If you don’t have a gravy boat you can use a glass measuring cup with spout at the top. Not really fancy but it will be easier to pour than anything else. I usually put a gravy boat on the serving table and the measuring cup full of gravy on the serving table for those that want to pour the gravy on their food right away.
