The Best Thickeners For Keto Gravy

There are a variety of keto-friendly thickeners that can be used as alternatives to flour and cornstarch to make gravy. These include xanthan gum, glucomannan, guar gum, gelatin, agar agar, and dairy products such as cheese, heavy cream, cream cheese, and sour cream.

Using egg yolks and onions

To make keto gravy with egg yolks and onions, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Pan drippings and water or meat stock
• Onion
• Egg yolks
• Butter-flavoured coconut oil or butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

First, strain your pan drippings and add enough water or stock to make 2 cups of liquid. Place this in a pot and reduce the liquid by boiling it down for about 10 minutes to thicken it.

Next, add the onion to the liquid and finely puree it using a stick blender or high-speed blender. Cook the onion for a few minutes to further reduce the liquid.

Remove the pot from the heat and slowly pour about 1/4 cup of the hot liquid into the egg yolks while whisking continuously. This process is called tempering, and it's important to do it slowly to avoid cooking the egg yolks too quickly. Once the egg yolks are tempered, gently pour the mixture back into the pot with the rest of the hot gravy liquid, whisking as you pour.

Finally, add the butter-flavoured coconut oil or butter and stir until smooth. You can continue to simmer the gravy until it starts to thicken, but it will also continue to thicken as it cools.

Adding dairy products like cheese, cream, or sour cream

Dairy products such as cheese, cream, or sour cream can be used to thicken keto gravy while adding flavour and richness.

When making keto gravy, you can use a combination of butter, heavy cream, and cheese to achieve the desired consistency. For example, you can add butter to your gravy, which will help to thicken it while adding a creamy texture and a rich flavour. Similarly, heavy cream can be added to your keto gravy to make it thicker and richer. You can also use cream cheese as a thickening agent, adding a tangy flavour to your gravy.

Another option is to use sour cream to thicken your keto gravy. Sour cream has a higher fat content than regular cream, making it ideal for creating a rich and creamy gravy. It also has a tangy flavour that can enhance the taste of your dish.

When adding dairy products to thicken your keto gravy, it is important to do so gradually and stir continuously to ensure that the ingredients are well combined and there are no lumps. Additionally, it is worth noting that dairy-based thickeners may not be suitable for those following a dairy-free keto diet.

Using vegetable gums like xanthan gum or guar gum

Vegetable gums like xanthan gum and guar gum are excellent thickeners for keto gravy. They impart a creamy texture to the gravy without adding any carbs.

Xanthan gum is a common food additive and emulsifier, especially in gluten-free products. It is available online and a little goes a long way. You only need about half a teaspoon of xanthan gum to thicken 3 cups of gravy. It is important to note that xanthan gum should be added in small amounts as it can make the gravy gummy or slimy. It is best to start with a quarter of a teaspoon at a time and add more until the desired consistency is reached.

Guar gum, derived from the guar plant, is another effective thickening agent with zero net carbs. It is used in commercial baking and ice cream to improve texture and increase shelf life. Guar gum is a potent thickener, with eight times the thickening power of cornstarch, so a little goes a long way. It is perfect for keto gravy and can be added in small amounts until the desired consistency is achieved.

Using plant fibres like glucomannan (konjac) or agar agar

Using Plant Fibres to Thicken Keto Gravy

Glucomannan (Konjac)

Glucomannan is a soluble plant fibre extracted from the konjac plant root, also known as the elephant yam. It is often sold as a dietary supplement, but it can also be purchased as a loose powder for cooking. It is a highly dense vegetable fibre that absorbs liquid, making it an excellent thickening agent for keto gravy.

To use glucomannan to thicken keto gravy, simply mix a small amount with cold water and add it to your gravy once it has finished cooking. Be sparing with the amount you use, as a little goes a long way, and the gravy will continue to thicken as it cools. You can always add more if needed, but it is difficult to reverse if you add too much.

Agar Agar

Agar agar is a plant-based substitute for gelatin, derived from seaweed. It is most commonly used in cold applications like desserts, gelatins, and sauces but can also be used to thicken soups and gravies.

To use agar agar as a thickening agent, dissolve it in water and add it towards the end of your cooking time, allowing it to cool to thicken fully. Agar agar can be purchased as flakes or powder and has a net carb content of about 0.5 grams per tablespoon.

Tips for Using Plant Fibres to Thicken Keto Gravy

• When using plant fibres like glucomannan or agar agar to thicken keto gravy, it is important to add them gradually and sparingly, as they are highly effective thickeners.
• Both glucomannan and agar agar will continue to thicken your gravy as it cools, so be sure to account for this when adding them to your recipe.
• If your gravy becomes too thick, you can easily thin it out by adding a small amount of broth or water and warming it over low heat.
• For best results, use a whisk to thoroughly combine your thickening agent with the rest of your gravy.
• If you're looking for a truly flavourful keto gravy, be sure to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of your turkey pan and add them directly to your gravy. These browned bits are flavour gold!

Using gelatin or agar agar

Gelatin and agar agar are excellent thickening agents for keto gravy. They are low-carb alternatives to traditional thickeners such as flour, starch, and cornstarch. Here's a detailed guide on using gelatin or agar agar to make the perfect keto gravy.

Gelatin is an animal-based thickener derived from collagen, the protein that gives structure to our bodies. It is often used in desserts and sauces to create a gel-like consistency. Agar agar, on the other hand, is a plant-based substitute for gelatin. Derived from seaweed, it is commonly used in cold applications like desserts, gelatins, and puddings, but it can also be used to thicken soups and sauces.

How to Use Gelatin or Agar Agar in Keto Gravy

When using gelatin or agar agar to thicken keto gravy, it's important to start with a small amount and gradually increase as needed. Both ingredients have strong thickening properties, and using too much can result in a gravy that is too thick or gummy.

To use gelatin or agar agar, first dissolve it in water. For gelatin, use cold water and let it swell before adding it to your gravy. For agar agar, you can use hot water to dissolve it, and then add it to your gravy. Both ingredients will take some time to thicken the gravy, so be patient and adjust the amount as needed.

Advantages of Using Gelatin or Agar Agar

Gelatin and agar agar are ideal for keto diets because they contain minimal to zero carbs. They are also versatile and can be used in various dishes, including desserts, sauces, and gravies. Additionally, gelatin provides the added benefit of collagen, which is essential for healthy hair, skin, and joints.

Tips for Making Keto Gravy with Gelatin or Agar Agar

• Always dissolve gelatin in cold water first and let it swell before adding it to your gravy.
• Agar agar can be dissolved in hot water and added directly to your gravy.
• Start with a small amount of either gelatin or agar agar and adjust as needed.
• Both ingredients take time to thicken, so don't be tempted to add too much too quickly.
• For a smoother consistency, continuously whisk your gravy while it's on the heat.
• If your gravy becomes too thick, simply add a little water or broth to thin it out.

By following these tips and using gelatin or agar agar, you can create a delicious, thick, and keto-friendly gravy to accompany your favourite dishes. Enjoy experimenting and find the perfect thickness for your gravy!

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