Olivia Carter
Gravy is a delicious and versatile sauce that can elevate any dish. Traditionally, gravy is made by combining pan drippings with flour, stock, and seasonings on the stovetop. However, did you know that you can also make gravy in a slow cooker?
The slow cooker is a convenient kitchen appliance that allows you to cook food slowly over a long period of time. It’s commonly used for dishes like stews, soups, and roasts. But it can also be used to make gravy!
Making gravy in the slow cooker is incredibly easy. All you need are a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time. Simply combine your pan drippings, broth, flour, and seasonings in the slow cooker and let it cook on low heat for several hours. The slow cooker will help to blend the flavors and thicken the gravy, resulting in a rich and flavorful sauce.
The beauty of making gravy in the slow cooker is that it allows you to prepare the sauce ahead of time, freeing up precious stovetop space during your holiday meal preparation. Additionally, the slow cooker’s low and gentle heat ensures that your gravy won’t scorch or burn. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just trying to simplify your weeknight meals, making gravy in the slow cooker is a game-changer.
Is It Possible to Prepare Gravy in a Crock Pot?
Many people are familiar with using slow cookers, also known as crock pots, for making soups, stews, and even roasts. But what about gravy? Can you prepare this classic sauce in a crock pot? The answer is a resounding yes!
Cooking gravy in a crock pot can be a great option, especially when you have limited stove or oven space. It’s also a fantastic way to keep the gravy warm and ready for serving during a holiday meal or dinner party.
Advantages of Using a Crock Pot for Gravy:
- Ease of Preparation: Making gravy in a crock pot is incredibly easy. You can simply add all the ingredients, give it a good stir, and let the slow cooker do its magic.
- No Lumps: One of the most common issues when making gravy on the stove is getting lumps. With a crock pot, you can eliminate this problem by using a whisk or immersion blender to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Hands-Free Cooking: Once you’ve added the ingredients and set the crock pot to the desired temperature, you can leave it unattended and focus on other tasks.
How to Prepare Gravy in a Crock Pot:
Making gravy in a crock pot follows a similar process as making it on the stove, but with a few adjustments. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
- Start by heating the crock pot on the low or high setting, depending on your time constraints.
- In a separate bowl, mix together your thickening agent, such as flour or cornstarch, with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. This will help prevent lumps in the gravy.
- Pour your desired liquid, such as broth or pan drippings, into the crock pot and add any seasonings or herbs you prefer.
- Slowly whisk the slurry into the liquid in the crock pot, ensuring it is well incorporated.
- Cover the crock pot and let the gravy cook for several hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the gravy has reached your desired thickness, you can adjust the seasonings if necessary.
And that’s it! Making gravy in a crock pot is as simple as that. Just be sure to taste and adjust the flavors as needed before serving.
So, if you ever find yourself in need of a convenient and hassle-free way to prepare gravy, don’t hesitate to give your crock pot a try. You’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious it can be!
How to Make Tasty Slow Cooker Gravy
Using a slow cooker to make gravy is a great way to save time and create deliciously rich flavors. Here’s a simple recipe to help you make tasty slow cooker gravy:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until well combined. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Transfer the mixture into the slow cooker. Slowly whisk in the broth and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the gravy. Cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until thickened.
- Once the gravy has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the slow cooker and strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
Note: You can also add extra flavor to your slow cooker gravy by adding herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, or by caramelizing onions before adding them to the slow cooker.
Now you have a delicious and flavorful slow cooker gravy to serve with your favorite dishes. Enjoy!
Questions and answers
What is a slow cooker?
A slow cooker, also known as a crock-pot, is a kitchen appliance used for cooking food at a low temperature for a long period of time, allowing the flavours to meld together and resulting in tender and flavorful dishes.
Can you make gravy in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely make gravy in a slow cooker. It’s a convenient and hands-off method that allows the flavors to develop slowly and results in a rich and flavorful gravy.
How do you make gravy in a slow cooker?
To make gravy in a slow cooker, you can start by cooking your meat or poultry in the slow cooker as usual. Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and pour the pan drippings into a saucepan. Add flour to the drippings to create a roux, then slowly whisk in broth or stock. Transfer the mixture back to the slow cooker and cook on low until the gravy thickens.
What are the advantages of making gravy in a slow cooker?
Making gravy in a slow cooker has several advantages. Firstly, it allows the flavors to develop slowly, resulting in a rich and flavorful gravy. It also frees up your stovetop and oven for other dishes, as the slow cooker does all the work. Additionally, the slow cooker keeps the gravy warm and ready to serve, making it perfect for gatherings or holiday meals.
