1 portion of gravy contains around 163 calories. Gravy is a popular condiment that is often served alongside roast dinners, mashed potatoes, and other comfort foods. However, many people are unsure of how to make gravy or the nutritional value of this popular sauce. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about gravy, including its ingredients, types, health benefits, and more.

Gravy typically contains flour, butter or oil, and stock that is made by cooking meat, such as beef or chicken. Depending on the recipe, additional ingredients such as herbs, spices, or vegetables may also be used. The nutrition content of gravy may vary depending on the ingredients used, especially if cheese or cream is added to the recipe.

Whether you are a seasoned home cook or someone who only enjoys gravy on special occasions, this article will offer useful insights and practical tips on how to make and enjoy this comforting condiment.

How many calories are in 1 portion of gravy?

A single portion of gravy typically contains around 163 calories. However, this can vary depending on the recipe and ingredients used. Gravy that is high in fat, such as that made with cream or butter, will contain more calories than gravy that is made with a lower-fat stock. If you are trying to watch your calorie intake, you may want to limit the amount of gravy you consume or opt for a lighter version made with a vegetable stock or lower-fat ingredients. It's worth noting that while gravy does contain calories, it can also be a good source of nutrients, especially if it is made with homemade stock that contains healthy ingredients such as vegetables and herbs.

What are the ingredients in a typical gravy?

The ingredients in a typical gravy include flour, fat, and liquid. The fat may be butter, oil, or meat drippings, depending on the recipe. The liquid is typically a stock made by boiling meat, such as beef or chicken, with aromatics such as onion, garlic, celery, or carrot. To make a traditional gravy, start by making a roux, which is a mixture of flour and fat that is cooked together until it forms a paste. Then, gradually whisk in the stock and cook the gravy until it thickens. Additional ingredients such as herbs, spices, or vegetables may be added for flavor. Some alternative gravy recipes, such as vegetarian or vegan versions, may use alternative sources of fat and liquid, such as vegetable oil and vegetable stock, respectively.

What dishes are best paired with gravy?

Gravy is a versatile condiment that can be paired with a wide range of dishes, especially those that are hearty and savory. Some popular dishes that are traditionally served with gravy include roast beef, mashed potatoes, fried chicken, meatloaf, and biscuits. Gravy can also be used as a topping or dipping sauce for other comfort foods such as poutine, fries, or even sandwiches. For a healthier option, consider pairing gravy with roasted or steamed vegetables, or using it as a base for soups and stews. Experiment with different flavour combinations to find unique pairings that suit your taste preferences.

Is gravy healthy or unhealthy?

Gravy contains some nutritional benefits, such as proteins and minerals, from the boiled meat used to prepare the broth. However, traditional recipes often include ingredients high in sodium, fat, and calories, which can lead to heart problems, blood pressure issues, and weight gain when consumed in large quantities. To make gravy healthier, it is best to avoid or reduce the use of ingredients that contain high levels of trans-fats or sodium. Additionally, you can opt to reduce the serving size or find healthier alternatives such as vegetarian gravy made using vegetable stock instead of meat bases. In moderation, gravy can be part of a healthy and balanced diet, but it is best to be mindful of portion sizes and make wise ingredient choices.

Can gravy be made without using meat drippings?

Yes! Gravy can be made using vegetable stock in place of meat drippings, making it a delicious vegetarian and vegan-friendly option. To make vegetarian gravy, start by sautéing onions, celery, and carrots in olive oil. Next, add flour and mix well. Then, whisk in vegetable stock, bring the mixture to a boil, and simmer until the gravy thickens. Just like a traditional gravy, you can also use herbs and spices to add more flavour. You can also make a mushroom-based gravy, which is perfect for adding rich umami flavours to your favourite dishes.

What are the different types of gravy?

There are a variety of different types of gravy, including beef gravy, chicken gravy, turkey gravy, vegetarian gravy, and cream gravy. These different types of gravy are often made with different combinations of ingredients, such as the type of meat used to make the stock. Some gravies, such as cream gravy, are made using dairy products like cream or milk. Others, such as vegetarian gravy, are made without any meat products by using vegetable base and alternative sources of fats such as oils. Different types of gravies can be used with varying dishes depending on the taste requirements and dietary needs.

How much gravy should be consumed in one sitting?

As an accompaniment to dishes, such as the Sunday roast, a single portion of gravy (50ml) is usually enough. However, this can vary according to individual preferences, and you should eat a serving that is appropriate to your personal taste. Gravy that is high in fat or sodium should be consumed in moderation, so be mindful of your portion sizes if you're trying to maintain a balanced diet. Moreover, consider making your gravy at home, as this gives you the freedom to control and adjust the ingredient amounts to ensure the portions are appropriate to your nutritional intake requirements. As with most foods, a balanced and portioned intake is key to enjoying gravy as part of a healthy diet.

How can gravy be stored and reheated?

Gravy can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to two months. When reheating, be sure to warm it up slowly over a low heat to avoid separating oils or boiling away the moisture. If you're reheating the gravy on the stove, you may need to add a little water or stock to help with the consistency. In a microwave or oven, it may be a good idea to cover the container loosely with foil to prevent drying or crusting. Always ensure that you heat gravy thoroughly to reduce the risk of any possible food-borne illness, especially if re-heating leftovers.

What are some common variations of gravy?

Some common gravy variations include onion gravy, beef gravy, mushroom gravy, chicken gravy, and vegetarian gravy. These different variations have different flavor profiles, so experiment and try as many different combinations as you can. For example, onion gravy has a sweet flavor and contains caramelized onions, beef gravy can contain red wine or tomato paste, mushroom gravy is made with mushroom stock, and vegetarian gravy can contain vegetable stock or flour and butter. Enrich your gravy flavor experience by trying different gravy variations to find the perfect taste for your dish.

How can gravy be made more flavorful?

Gravy can be made more flavorful in many ways. A few ways to add extra depth to your gravy is to add herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, sage, bay leaves or garlic, or use different types of stock, such as chicken or beef. To add more richness to your gravy, whisk in cream or beef drippings. For people who love heat, consider adding some hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to spice it up a bit. Play around with different combinations to see what works best for you and add that extra zing to your gravy.