Description
Master the art of creating rich and flavourful onion gravy with this simple recipe, perfect for elevating your favourite comfort foods.
Ingredients
Units
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- 4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 large red onions, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 1/4 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme (optional)
- 2 1/4 cups beef broth
- 1 1/4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dark balsamic vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons redcurrant jelly
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 1/4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Caramelizing the Onions: Melt 4½ tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the 3 large red onions and 2¼ teaspoons of sugar. Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized. The slow caramelization is crucial for a richly flavored gravy.
- Deglazing with Wine: Pour in ½ cup of dry red wine and add 2 sprigs of fresh thyme. Increase the heat to bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then lower the heat to maintain a simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce and intensify the flavor.
- Making the Gravy: Stir in 2¼ cups of beef broth and 1¼ teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover and let it simmer for 20 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld into a savory base.
- Thickening the Sauce: Remove the thyme sprigs. Prepare a slurry by combining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of water. Whisk in 1½ tablespoons of dark balsamic vinegar and 1½ teaspoons of redcurrant jelly into the gravy. Stir in the cornstarch slurry. Continue simmering for another 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the gravy thickens to a silky consistency.
- Finishing: Take the saucepan off the heat and whisk in 2¼ tablespoons of cold unsalted butter until the gravy is smooth and has a glossy finish.
- Seasoning: Finally, season the gravy with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, keeping in mind the gravy's rich flavors when pairing with your main dish.
Notes
- Caramelization is Key: Taking the time to properly caramelize the onions is crucial for developing the deep, sweet flavor that makes this gravy stand out. Don't rush this step; the onions should be a rich golden brown for the best taste.
- Whisking in Cornstarch: To avoid lumps in your gravy, ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in water before adding it to the gravy. Whisk continuously while pouring it in.
- Finishing with Butter: Adding cold butter at the end and whisking until dissolved gives the gravy a luxurious, glossy finish. This technique, known as "monter au beurre," helps thicken the gravy and enrich its flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: British