Posted by Anwesha Manandhar
on September 24, 2026
Gravy brings all the elements of a good Christmas & Thanksgiving dinner together. It matters, and often has to be made just before serving. This guide helps you keep everything under control.
Follow this basic recipe for a flavourful gravy:
Gravy SOS
Use these simple tips to fix the most common gravy problems:
- Too salty: Simmer a peeled raw potato in the gravy until tender to absorb some salt. Alternatively, dilute with milk or cream, or add a little sugar.
- Lumps: Whisk continuously as the gravy comes to the boil. If lumps remain, pour it through a sieve.
- Not enough flavour: Taste and adjust repeatedly. Start with a little salt. Add acidity with orange zest or reduced red wine, or sweetness with redcurrant jelly.
Gravy for turkey or roast pork (serves 4)
- 500 ml roasting juices from turkey or pork
- 3 tbsp plain flour
- 2 tsp redcurrant jelly
- Salt and pepper
- Gravy browning, optional
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 100 g butter, diced
Strain the roasting juices into a saucepan and leave briefly. Sprinkle the flour over in a thin layer and allow it to absorb the fat. Whisk thoroughly and cook for a few minutes. Add gravy browning if desired. Season with salt, pepper, redcurrant jelly and orange zest, plus a little liquid from homemade red cabbage if available. Whisk in the butter at the end.
