Gravy is an essential component of many holiday meals adding richness and moisture to dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing and turkey. While store-bought gravy is convenient, homemade gravy made with turkey necks takes the flavor to the next level.
Why Use Turkey Necks for Gravy?
Turkey necks contain a high ratio of bone, skin, and connective tissue. When simmered, these elements release gelatin, collagen, and flavorful fats into the cooking liquid. The result is a rich, silky gravy with intense turkey flavor.
Turkey necks are often included with a whole turkey or can be purchased separately. They are inexpensive and make use of the entire bird. If you happen to have extra turkey wings, backs, or giblets on hand, add those too for even more flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making gravy with turkey necks is simple. Here’s how it’s done:
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs turkey necks (about 4-6 necks)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
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In a large stockpot, heat 1 Tbsp oil over medium-high heat. Add turkey necks and cook turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes total.
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Add onion, carrots, celery, bay leaves, thyme, and peppercorns. Pour in broth. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes.
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Remove from heat and strain liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing on solids to extract liquid. Discard solids.
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in 2 cups turkey broth until smooth.
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Whisk in remaining broth 1 cup at a time until incorporated. Simmer 15 minutes until thickened to desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
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For extra richness, stir in pan drippings from roasted turkey before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
That’s all there is to it! With simmered turkey necks, you’ll have the most flavorful and velvety smooth gravy to complement your holiday meal.
Turkey Neck Gravy Tips
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For convenience, the turkey neck broth can be made 1-2 days in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
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Leftover gravy will keep up to 5 days refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen. Reheat gently before serving.
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For a smoother gravy, use a blender to puree a portion of the strained broth before adding to the roux.
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Customize the gravy flavor with different herbs like rosemary, sage, or marjoram. Add them to the broth or use just for garnish.
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For extra richness, add sautéed mushrooms, roasted garlic, orMadeira wine.
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Thin the gravy with additional broth or water if it becomes too thick upon standing.
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To reduce sodium, use unsalted broth and add salt to taste at the end.
With this easy technique, you’ll be able to make gourmet-quality gravy using flavorful turkey necks. Your holiday meals will be taken to new heights with this simple, yet impressive gravy.
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FAQ
Can you make gravy with turkey neck?
Simmering turkey necks with veggies and savory seasonings makes a richly flavored broth that’s whisked into delicious velvety gravy!Nov 1, 2023
What is the secret ingredient for good gravy?
- A splash of acid: A small amount of lemon juice, vinegar, or even a splash of wine can brighten the flavor profile.
- A touch of sweetness: A little bit of honey or brown sugar can balance the richness of the gravy.
- Soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor and can also help darken the color slightly.
- Herbs and spices: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can add complexity.
- Worcestershire sauce: A small amount can add a rich, savory depth.
How to make gravy using turkey giblets?
Place the giblets in a saucepan and cover with 1.2 litres/2 pints water. Add the bay leaf, thyme, peppercorns and onion. Bring to the boil and skim off any scum. Reduce the heat and then simmer for 45 minutes.
How to make broth from turkey neck?
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pot over medium heat, and add the turkey neck, heart and liver. (Discard the kidneys.) …
- Cover with chicken broth and 1 cup water. Simmer gently until the broth tastes like you’ve simmered it all day from scratch, about 30 minutes.
Can you make turkey gravy with a turkey neck?
The turkey neck makes a wonderful stock to make your turkey gravy with. The giblets are more of an acquired taste, but are a tradition to add to many family’s holiday turkey gravy. If you use the giblets also, add them to the pot with the turkey neck and proceed with the recipe.
Why is Turkey Neck good for gravy?
The turkey neck is full of flavor. It contains more collagen than many other parts of the turkey which helps thicken the gravy. Slow-cooking the neck also draws out flavors from the bones, skin, cartilage and fat. This produces a hearty savory broth that makes an incredibly tasty gravy.
What is inside a turkey neck?
Usually, you’ll find a sealed packet inside one of the neck cavity of a defrosted or fresh turkey. That packet includes a raw turkey neck as well as some giblets. The turkey neck makes a wonderful stock to make your turkey gravy with. The giblets are more of an acquired taste, but are a tradition to add to many family’s holiday turkey gravy.
How do you thicken Turkey Neck gravy?
For a thicker gravy, combine 2 Tbsp cornstarch with 2 Tbsp cold water. Stir into the simmering gravy until thickened. For smooth gravy, pour through a fine mesh strainer after cooking. Keep the gravy warm in a double boiler or insulated carafe until ready to serve. A rich, savory turkey neck gravy deserves the perfect pairing.
How do you make turkey gravy from Food Network kitchen?
This simple homemade turkey gravy from Food Network Kitchen starts off with store-bought chicken stock enhanced with some giblets and vegetables. Then finish the gravy off while your turkey rests and everyone will be coming back for seconds.
How to make turkey neck gravy in Instant Pot?
Whisk in soy sauce, marmite or vegemite, and a small dash of pepper. Bring the stock to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for an hour. Cover the pot for part of the cooking time to alter thickness of the developing gravy. Taste and add salt and pepper if desired. Remove turkey neck before serving. Can You Make Turkey Neck Gravy in an Instant Pot?