Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Roast the turkey and vegetables
- Preheat oven to 425°F, then toss turkey wings or drumsticks, quartered large onion, chopped carrots, and chopped celery stalks with olive oil. Roast for 45 minutes, until deeply browned with caramelized edges.
Simmer and strain the stock
- Transfer the roasted turkey and vegetables to a pot, then add chicken broth and apple cider. Simmer for 30 minutes, then strain and keep the strained stock.
Make the sage cider gravy base
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add chopped fresh sage and fresh thyme leaves and cook for 1 minute to bloom the herbs. Stir until fragrant and glossy.
Build a golden roux
- Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, stirring constantly. The mixture should look smooth and lightly nutty.
Thicken the gravy
- Gradually whisk the reserved stock into the roux, then bring to a simmer. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, whisking often, until thick and smooth.
Season and finish
- Stir in apple cider vinegar, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust until balanced and savory.
Cool, refrigerate, and reheat
- Cool the gravy completely, then refrigerate for up to 3 days in a covered container. Reheat over medium heat, whisking until smooth, and stir in pan drippings if you have them.
Notes
Pro tip: straining after the 30-minute simmer gives a smoother gravy texture, and whisking while reheating prevents lumps. Refrigerate up to 3 days; freeze is not recommended for best texture. For a lighter option, use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt to keep the flavor balanced.
