Food Recipes Easy, Make-Ahead Shallot Gravy 5.0 (1) 1 Review This make-ahead gravy has all the secrets to maximizing flavor and it doesn’t required waiting for the bird to roast. By Jenna Helwig Jenna Helwig Jenna is the food director at Real Simple and the author of Bare Minimum Dinners, a cookbook featuring more than 100 low-lift, high-reward recipes. Previously, Jenna was the food director at Health and Parents. She is also the founder and operator of Rosaberry, a boutique personal chef services company, and the author of four other cookbooks, including the bestselling Baby-Led Feeding. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on October 20, 2023 Rate PRINT Share Close Photo: Greg Dupree Prep Time: 32 mins Total Time: 32 mins Servings: 8 servings Jump to Nutrition Facts Save time this Thanksgiving and make the gravy ahead of time—without compromising depth of flavor. Thanks to the combination of shallots, soy sauce, and a high-quality chicken broth, the flavors meld and result in a gravy that’s rich and savory. Silky in consistency, yet studded with chopped shallots, this gravy is perfect for pouring over the Thanksgiving plate. This shallot gravy recipe makes the addition of turkey drippings optional, meaning you don’t have to wait until the bird is done roasting to make the gravy. Fresh sage and thyme are also optional but undeniably offer an inviting seasonal aroma and taste. For a smooth gravy, strain out the shallots or blend them in with an immersion blender just before serving. If you prefer gravy on the thinner side, simmer it for less time. Food Ingredients 6 Tbsp (3/4 stick) unsalted butter 1 cup finely chopped shallots (from 3 to 4 shallots) 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 3 cups warm chicken broth 2 sprigs sage (optional) 2 sprigs thyme (optional) 8 Tbsp strained turkey drippings (optional) 2 Tbsp dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio 1 Tbsp soy sauce 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper kosher salt (optional) Directions Melt butter in a large skillet over medium. Add shallots; reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring often, until very tender, 7 to 10 minutes. Increase heat to medium. Whisk flour into shallot mixture until well combined. Cook, whisking constantly, until flour mixture is bubbling and light golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Very gradually pour broth into skillet, whisking constantly. Increase heat to medium-high and bring gravy to a boil; cook, whisking often, for about 1 minute. Add sage and thyme sprigs, if using; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring often, until gravy is thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. Discard herb sprigs. Stir in drippings (if using), wine, soy sauce, and pepper. Add water 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time, if needed, until desired consistency is reached. Taste and season with salt, if using. Rate It Print Nutrition Facts (per serving) 119 Calories 9g Fat 8g Carbs 2g Protein Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label Nutrition Facts Servings Per Recipe 8 Calories 119 % Daily Value * Total Fat 9g 11% Saturated Fat 5g 27% Cholesterol 25mg 8% Sodium 460mg 20% Total Carbohydrate 8g 3% Dietary Fiber 1g 3% Total Sugars 2g Protein 2g 4% Vitamin C 2mg 2% Calcium 16mg 1% Iron 1mg 3% Potassium 104mg 2% *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.