I have always loved gravy. Whether it’s drizzled over mashed potatoes, poured onto a hot roast, or used as a dipping sauce for crispy fried chicken, gravy adds that extra touch of flavor that takes a dish from good to amazing. However, making gravy can be a time-consuming process that requires patience and skill. That is, until I discovered a quick and easy way to make delicious gravy in the microwave. Yes, you read that right – the microwave. In this article, I will share with you my secret recipe for making gravy in no time at all.
The Magic of Microwaving
Why Microwave?
You might be wondering why on earth anyone would make gravy in the microwave. After all, isn’t the stovetop the traditional method? While the stovetop method certainly has its merits, using the microwave is a game-changer for those of us who want to save time and effort in the kitchen. The microwave allows you to skip the laborious process of constantly whisking the gravy on the stovetop to prevent it from burning. With the microwave, you can achieve the same great taste with minimal effort and in a fraction of the time.
The Ingredients
Now that you’re convinced of the microwave’s magical powers, let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need to make this quick and easy gravy:
– 2 tablespoons of butter (unsalted or salted, your choice)
– 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
– 1 cup of beef or chicken broth (homemade or store-bought, whichever you prefer)
– Salt and pepper to taste (optional, depending on the saltiness of your broth)
– Any additional seasonings you desire (thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, etc.)
The Method
1. First, you’ll want to melt the butter in a microwavable bowl. This usually takes around 30 seconds, but keep an eye on it to prevent it from splattering or overheating.
2. Once the butter has melted, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and slowly whisk in the flour. This creates a roux, which serves as the base for your gravy. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture before moving on to the next step.
3. Now it’s time to add the broth. Slowly pour it into the bowl while continuously whisking to combine the ingredients. This will help prevent any lumps from forming.
4. At this point, you can also add any additional seasonings you desire. I like to keep it simple with just a pinch of salt and pepper, but feel free to get creative with herbs and spices.
5. Once everything is well combined, place the bowl back in the microwave and cook on high for 2 minutes.
6. After 2 minutes, carefully remove the bowl and give the gravy a good stir. You’ll notice that it has thickened slightly.
7. Place the bowl back in the microwave and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Remember to stir it every 30 seconds to ensure even cooking.
8. Once your gravy is thick and creamy, remove it from the microwave and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow it to thicken further and develop its flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making gravy in the microwave, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:
– Pour the gravy over a piping hot roast for a classic and comforting meal.
– Serve it alongside mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food combination.
– Drizzle it over your favorite fried chicken or biscuits for a Southern-inspired treat.
– Use it as a dipping sauce for crispy French fries or roasted vegetables.
– Jazz it up with some mushrooms or caramelized onions for an extra flavor boost.
Conclusion
Making gravy in the microwave is a game-changer for busy cooks who don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes in the microwave, you can have homemade gravy that is just as delicious as the traditional stovetop version. So next time you’re in the mood for some gravy, don’t hesitate to give this quick and easy microwave method a try. You won’t be disappointed!