Sage And Red Currant Gravy
A rich, flavorful gravy combining sage and red currant jelly, perfect for turkey or chicken, with savory herbs and a hint of sweetness to elevate holiday meals.
Ingredients
- 1 celery rib ⓘ
- 1 carrot ⓘ
- 1 onion ⓘ
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 6 cups water
- reserved neck and giblets ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 8 sprigs mixed fresh herbs (such as thyme, sage, rosemary, marjoram) ⓘ
- 4 cups turkey giblet stock ⓘ
- 1/4 cup red currant jelly ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons water ⓘ
Instructions
- Make turkey giblet stock by coarsely chopping vegetables and bringing the celery rib, carrot, onion, chicken broth, water, reserved neck and giblets, bay leaf, and mixed fresh herbs to a boil.
- Skim froth from the surface, then simmer for 2 hours or until the liquid reduces to about 6 cups.
- Pour the stock through a fine sieve into a bowl and set aside.
- Combine pan juices from cooked turkey or chicken, turkey giblet stock, red currant jelly, chopped fresh sage leaves, water, and cornstarch in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until the mixture thickens and is heated through.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some white wine to the stock while it simmers. If you can't find red currant jelly, cranberry or grape jelly are good substitutes. Fresh herbs can be swapped with dried, using one-third the amount, as they are more concentrated. Remember to chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This savory gravy pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, making it a perfect companion for holiday meals. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, stuffing, or roasted vegetables for a complete feast. For a delightful twist, try it over biscuits or with Pork In Lime Cream Sauce for a different flavor profile.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain the desired consistency. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the gravy to separate.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sage And Red Currant Gravy contains roughly 547 calories, with 2g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gravy in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the gravy a day or two ahead of time. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. The flavors will deepen, making it even more delicious.
What can I do if the gravy is too thick?
If your gravy is too thick, simply whisk in a bit more chicken broth or water until you reach the desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning as necessary after adding liquid.
Is it possible to make this gravy vegetarian?
Certainly! Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the giblets. You can enhance the flavor with additional herbs and seasonings to maintain a rich taste without meat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).