Savory Sage White Wine Turkey Gravy
This Savory Sage White Wine Turkey Gravy elevates your holiday meals with a rich, deep flavor profile. First published in the October 2007 issue of Good Housekeeping Magazine, this recipe is a refined version of the beloved 'Best Do-Ahead Turkey Gravy.' By roasting turkey wings and simmering them with aromatic vegetables, fresh sage, and a splash of dry white wine, you create a luscious gravy that can be made ahead of time. Perfect for holiday feasts or family gatherings, this gravy can be customized with pan drippings from your roasted turkey for an added burst of flavor. Prepare it in advance and simply reheat before serving, making your holiday cooking a breeze.
N/A
Servings
81
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
turkey wings
2 lbs (cut apart at joints (about 3 wings))
red onion
1 small (cut into wedges (about 8 ounces))
celery
2 stalks (cut into 2-inch pieces)
carrots
2 (cut into 2-inch pieces)
turkey broth
1 (32 ounce) carton (or 1 quart homemade broth)
water
4 1/2 cups (divided)
fresh sage leaves
3 large
dry white wine
2 cups (such as chardonnay or pinot grigio)
cornstarch
1/3 cup
turkey drippings
to taste (from roasted turkey or additional broth)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
2. In a large jelly-roll pan (approximately 15 1/2 inches x 10 1/2 inches), arrange the turkey wings, red onion wedges, celery sticks, and carrot pieces in a single layer.
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3. Roast in the preheated oven for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the turkey wings are richly golden brown and the vegetables are tender.
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4. Transfer the roasted turkey wings and vegetables to a 6-quart saucepan. Pour in 1 quart of turkey broth, add 4 cups of water, and tuck in the fresh sage leaves. Set aside.
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5. Place the roasting pan over two burners on medium-high heat. Carefully pour in the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the wine reduces by half.
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6. Add the reduced wine mixture to the saucepan with the turkey wings and vegetables. Bring this to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
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7. After cooking, strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into an 8-cup measuring cup. Discard the solids (wings and vegetables) and skim off any fat that rises to the surface.
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8. If the resulting liquid is less than 4 cups, add enough water to bring it to 4 cups. If you have more than 4 cups, return it to the saucepan, boil, and reduce until it measures 4 cups.
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9. With the broth back in the saucepan, bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
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10. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of cold water with the cornstarch, stirring until well mixed. Gradually whisk the cornstarch mixture into the boiling broth and cook for an additional minute until thickened.
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11. Allow the gravy to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
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12. To finalize the gravy after roasting your turkey, add any strained pan juices or additional broth for desired consistency. Heat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition Information
1.5g
Fat
6g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Sage White Wine Turkey Gravy?
This is a rich, deep-flavored gravy made by roasting turkey wings and aromatic vegetables, then simmering them with broth, fresh sage, and dry white wine.
How many calories are in a serving of this gravy?
There are approximately 81 calories per serving.
What are the main ingredients for this gravy base?
The main ingredients include turkey wings, red onion, celery, carrots, turkey broth, fresh sage, dry white wine, and cornstarch.
At what temperature should I roast the turkey wings and vegetables?
You should roast them at 425°F (220°C).
How long do the turkey wings and vegetables need to roast?
They should roast for 1 to 1.5 hours until the wings are golden brown and vegetables are tender.
Which vegetables are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a small red onion cut into wedges, two stalks of celery, and two carrots.
Can this turkey gravy be made ahead of time?
Yes, it is designed as a do-ahead gravy that can be stored and reheated when needed.
How long can I store this gravy in the refrigerator?
It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze Savory Sage White Wine Turkey Gravy?
Yes, you can freeze this gravy for up to 1 month.
What type of white wine is best for this recipe?
Dry white wines such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio are recommended.
How do I deglaze the roasting pan?
Place the pan over burners on medium-high heat, add the wine, and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
How much should the wine be reduced?
The wine should be simmered until it reduces by half, which takes about 10 minutes.
What is the total simmering time for the broth?
The broth should simmer uncovered for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
How much liquid should I have after straining the broth?
You should aim for exactly 4 cups of liquid.
What if I have less than 4 cups of liquid after straining?
If the volume is low, add enough water to bring the total to 4 cups.
What if I have more than 4 cups of liquid after straining?
If you have extra liquid, return it to the saucepan and boil it until it reduces to 4 cups.
How is the gravy thickened?
It is thickened using a mixture of 1/3 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup cold water whisked into the boiling broth.
Do I keep the turkey wings in the final gravy?
No, the turkey wings and vegetables are strained out and discarded after the simmering process.
What should I do with the fat in the broth?
After straining the broth, you should skim off any fat that rises to the surface.
How much turkey broth is required?
The recipe requires one 32-ounce carton (1 quart) of turkey broth.
When do I add the fresh sage leaves?
Add the sage leaves to the saucepan along with the broth and water before simmering.
Can I add pan drippings from my roasted turkey?
Yes, adding strained pan juices from your roasted turkey before serving enhances the flavor.
What is the fat content of this gravy?
The gravy contains approximately 1.5g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
The recipe provides about 12.5g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 6g of carbohydrates per serving.
What size roasting pan is recommended?
A large jelly-roll pan, approximately 15 1/2 inches by 10 1/2 inches, is ideal.
What size saucepan is needed for simmering?
A 6-quart saucepan is recommended.
How much water is used in total for the base and the slurry?
A total of 4 1/2 cups of water is used, divided between the simmering stage and the cornstarch mixture.
How many turkey wings are needed?
You need 2 lbs of turkey wings, which is usually about 3 wings cut apart at the joints.
How do I reheat the gravy for serving?
Heat the gravy thoroughly, adding additional broth or pan juices if needed to reach your desired consistency.