How to Make Gravy for Biscuits and Gravy from Scratch
Biscuits and gravy – a classic Southern breakfast dish that never fails to satisfy. The combination of flaky, buttery biscuits and rich, savory gravy is a match made in heaven. While store-bought gravy can be convenient, making it from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and ensure that your gravy is made with love and care. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making gravy for biscuits and gravy from scratch.
Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Equipment
Before you start, make sure you have the following ingredients and equipment:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 4 tablespoons of butter or lard
- 2 cups of milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of pan drippings (from cooking sausage or bacon)
- 2 cups of chicken or turkey broth
- 2 tablespoons of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives)
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough
To make the biscuit dough, you’ll need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup of buttermilk
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the buttermilk and stir the mixture with a fork until it forms a shaggy dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times until it comes together.
- Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1 inch and use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out the biscuits.
Step 3: Bake the Biscuits
Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
To make the gravy, you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons of butter or lard
- 2 cups of pan drippings (from cooking sausage or bacon)
- 2 cups of chicken or turkey broth
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives)
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter or lard over medium heat.
- Add the pan drippings and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle the flour over the pan drippings and whisk to combine.
- Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden and has a nutty aroma.
- Gradually add the broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
- Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and chopped herbs.
Step 5: Assemble the Biscuits and Gravy
To assemble the biscuits and gravy, place a biscuit on a plate and spoon the gravy over the top. You can also add some chopped herbs or chives on top of the gravy for extra flavor.
Tips and Variations
- Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh herbs and real butter, to ensure that your gravy is rich and flavorful.
- Don’t overmix the biscuit dough, as this can lead to tough biscuits.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
- You can also add some diced vegetables, such as onions or bell peppers, to the gravy for added flavor.
- For a more intense gravy, you can use more broth or add some tomato paste.
Table: Ingredients and Equipment Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Butter or lard | 4 tablespoons |
| Milk or heavy cream | 2 cups |
| Pan drippings | 2 cups |
| Chicken or turkey broth | 2 cups |
| Black pepper | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh herbs | 2 tablespoons |
| Biscuit cutter or glass | 1 |
Table: Equipment Needed
| Equipment | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Large mixing bowl | 1 |
| Pastry blender or fingers | 1 |
| Floured surface | 1 |
| Baking sheet | 1 |
| Parchment paper | 1 |
| Biscuit cutter or glass | 1 |
| Saucepan | 1 |
| Whisk | 1 |
| Measuring cups and spoons | 1 |
Conclusion
Making gravy for biscuits and gravy from scratch is a simple and rewarding process that requires just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills. By following these steps and tips, you can create a rich and flavorful gravy that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So next time you’re in the mood for biscuits and gravy, give it a try and see how delicious it is made from scratch.