Easy Juniper Berry Gravy

Easy Gravy Without Drippings, flavored with Juniper Berries, isn't just some fancy gravy that you find at Whole Foods. It's an easy gravy recipe that I make on Thanksgiving or Christmas. Especially when I make a Deep Fried Turkey, I don't have fat drippings, so this recipe works perfectly.

Some people don't like the fat content in traditional Gravy, but still want to eat gravy. Using store bought Gravy Powder is very convenient, isn't your only choice to make Gravy. I know you're thinking that a Gravy recipe is pretty basic, and you're right. This Gravy recipe has added exotic-ness of Juniper Berries.

Ingredients

• Dried Juniper Berries
• Whole Peppercorns
• Roux - Butter and Flour (for thickening)
• Vegetable Stock - or Beef Stock or Chicken Stock
• Tomato Paste
• Sherry - or Dry White Wine optional
• Bay Leaves
• Fresh Thyme
• Salt

How to Make Juniper Berry Gravy

1. Grind - place 5 dried Juniper Berries and 15 Whole Peppercorns in Pestle and Mortar and grind together until it resembles coarse Ground Pepper. Set aside.
2. Make Roux - melt Butter in a Saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the Flour and mix together. It will have a grainy texture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden. This will thicken your gravy. Stir in Sherry.
3. Prepare Stock - make the Vegetable Stock according to instructions (or from scratch). Slowly whisk in the Vegetable Stock to the Roux, constantly mixing.
4. Season - Add Tomato Paste, Bay Leaves, Thyme, Juniper Berry mixture and Salt.
5. Cook - turn up the heat to medium-high and cook until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
6. Strain - for a smooth Gravy, pour through a sieve to remove out any lumps.
7. Taste - adjust seasonings if necessary, pour into a Gravy Dish and enjoy with your favorite roast meat,

What Can I Use Juniper Berries For?

Juniper Berries can be used fresh or dried, whole or crushed, to spice up your recipes. Add them to Sauces, Stuffings, and with any Gamier Meats such as Venison, Grouse, Pheasant or just regular Roast Beef. Not all Juniper Berries are edible, so use the right ones. Don't go to your back yard and pick some Juniper Berries, unless you know what you are doing. I buy dried juniper berries from a store.

Juniper Berries add such a unique flavor, almost a piney-citrus, which changes regular Gravy into something special. Smashing the Juniper Berries together with the Peppercorns in a pestle and mortar is almost therapeutic. And that peppery juniper smell fills the room. Growing up on the West Coast of Canada, Juniper Trees with berries seem to grow everywhere, and this gravy reminds me of going home at Christmas.

Is this Gravy healthy?

I think this Juniper Berries recipe is more healthy compared to traditional Drippings Gravy, due to the lower fat content, but still full of flavor from the stock. Usually fat equals flavor, but this is no natural fat drippings in this recipe. This recipe uses Vegetable Stock to make a tasty Vegetarian Gravy, but you could use Beef or Chicken stock depending on what you are serving it with. A perfect calorie conscious gravy.

Gravy Serving Suggestions

• Oven Roasted Turkey
• Smoked Turkey
• Roasted Lamb Leg
• Juicy Roast Chicken
• Roasted Greek Goat
• Smoked Lamb
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Stovetop Stuffing
• Traditional Shepherd's Pie

This Juniper Berries Gravy recipe makes a great tasting Gravy with lower fat content, a healthier way to eat Gravy. Poured over your favorite Meats, Vegetables or Stuffings, your family will love this Pepper Gravy recipe! Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!

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