This article provides an overview of gravy, what it tastes like, its availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make gravy substitutes.
What is Gravy?
Gravy is a sauce that is predominately made up of the juices of meats and a thickening agent such as wheat flour or corn starch. Nowadays, you can buy gravy in the form of granules that do not contain any animal product but is still meat flavored.
The term gravy is believed to have derived from the French word “gravé”, which was found in many medieval French cookbooks.
Gravy is most commonly used in the United Kingdom as a sauce for the Sunday roast and in the United States, as a sauce for thanksgiving foods and Southern-style biscuits.
What does Gravy taste like?
Gravy has a rich and meaty flavor with subtle hints of vegetables and spices. Its texture should be thick enough to form a satisfying layer over the dish, not too watery or not too thick it becomes clumpy.
Is Gravy readily available in Supermarkets?
Gravy should be readily available in many different meat flavors in most supermarkets. It is often found sold in the granulated or powdered form in the section with the spices or soups.
What are some alternative names for Gravy?
There are no common alternative names for gravy.
What is a good substitute for Gravy in recipes?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for gravy. These include gluten-free alternatives such as:
- You can easily make your own gravy with cooked meat juices and flour with some basic spices such as salt, white pepper and thyme
- If you want a meat-free substitute you could use Maggi seasonings or vegetable stock.