Keto Gravy: Choosing The Right Flour For Your Needs

Gravy is a sauce typically made from rendered fat and flour, but when you're on the keto diet, only one of those ingredients is acceptable. While you can use alternative flours like coconut or almond, they can make your gravy gritty and grainy. So, what's the best keto-friendly option?

Well, there are several possible solutions, including xanthan gum, glucomannan, guar gum, gelatin, and egg yolks. Each has its pros and cons, but all will help you thicken your gravy without the carbs. For example, xanthan gum is a common food additive and emulsifier, but it can be tricky to use and may make your gravy gummy if you add too much. On the other hand, glucomannan powder is a great option as it doesn't clump up and gives your gravy a rich, thick consistency.

So, if you're looking to make a delicious keto gravy, it's best to experiment with these low-carb thickeners and find the one that suits your taste and texture preferences.

Using coconut flour or almond flour

While it is possible to use coconut flour or almond flour as a thickening agent for keto gravy, there are some downsides to using these ingredients.

Coconut flour has a slight sweetness to it and is not a completely neutral taste. It can also result in a clumpy texture, so you have to be careful with the amount you add. However, it does absorb liquid, creating a thicker sauce. If you decide to use coconut flour, add a small amount at a time (a teaspoon is recommended) and give it time to settle before judging the consistency.

Almond flour can give a slightly nutty flavor that may not taste right, and it doesn't mix as smoothly into a liquid as coconut flour. It tends to be more grainy. If you use almond flour, only add a small amount at a time to avoid making the gravy too heavy, and taste during the process. Also, make sure to use a finely ground almond flour to avoid a gritty texture.

If you don't mind the potential issues with using coconut flour or almond flour, you can experiment and give it a try.

Using xanthan gum

To use xanthan gum to make keto gravy, start by bringing your broth to a boil. You can use any type of broth you like, including store-bought, bullion, or homemade. Just make sure it's flavorful, as this will affect the taste of your gravy. Once your broth is boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until it has reduced by about half. This concentrates the flavour.

Now it's time to add the xanthan gum. Be careful not to add too much, as it can cause your gravy to become slimy and gel-like. Start by whisking in 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum and let it sit for a couple of minutes. If your gravy is still too thin, add another 1/4 teaspoon. You can also mix the xanthan gum with a small amount of cold water first to create a slurry, which can be easily incorporated without clumping.

Finally, season your gravy with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you like. And that's it! You've made a delicious, keto-friendly gravy that's sure to impress.

Xanthan gum is a great choice for keto gravy, but it's not the only option. Other low-carb thickeners include guar gum, glucomannan, agar-agar powder, and gelatin. However, these alternatives may not create as creamy a sauce as xanthan gum, so it's worth experimenting to find the best option for you.

Using egg yolks

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pan drippings and water or meat stock
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup butter-flavored coconut oil or butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: finely chopped onions, garlic, and your favorite seasonings

Instructions:

• Start by straining the pan drippings and adding enough water or stock to make 2 cups of liquid. Place this in a pot and boil it down for about 10 minutes to reduce the liquid and thicken the gravy.
• If you're using onions, add them to the liquid and puree using a stick blender or high-speed blender. Cooking the onions for a few minutes will further reduce the liquid.
• Remove the pot from the heat and slowly add about 1/4 cup of the hot liquid to the egg yolks, whisking continuously. This process is called "tempering" and ensures that the eggs don't cook too fast.
• Gently pour the egg yolk mixture back into the pot with the rest of the hot gravy liquid, whisking as you pour.
• Add butter or coconut oil to the gravy and stir until smooth. You can simmer the gravy, but it will continue to thicken as it cools.
• Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips:

• If you prefer a zero-carb gravy, you can leave out the onions. However, they add flavor to the gravy, and only a small amount is needed.
• If the gravy is too thin, you can add additional low-carb thickeners such as glucomannan, gelatin, coconut flour, or xanthan gum.
• Be careful not to add too much thickener, as it can cause the gravy to become too thick and pudding-like.
• This keto gravy can be served with roasted meats such as pork, turkey, chicken, or steak.

Using glucomannan powder

Glucomannan powder is a great thickening agent for keto gravy. It is a type of vegetable fibre extracted from the konjac root, which is also used to make shirataki noodles. Glucomannan powder is often sold as a dietary supplement, so make sure you purchase the loose powder and not the capsules.

Glucomannan powder is a useful ingredient to have in your pantry as it is a great thickener and a little goes a long way. For keto gravy, it is recommended to use about 1/4 teaspoon of glucomannan powder per 1 cup of liquid. One of the advantages of using glucomannan powder over other thickeners like xanthan gum is that it doesn't clump up as soon as it hits the warm liquid, giving you more time to work.

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

Start by preparing the broth for your keto gravy. You can use chicken broth or the juices and drippings from a roasted turkey or chicken. If using a roasted bird, place the neck, giblets, and chopped vegetables (such as onions and celery) in a saucepan with some butter and sauté until browned. Then, add the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the neck and giblets.

Step 2: Add the Drippings

Once your turkey or chicken is done roasting, add all the juices and drippings from the roasting pan into the broth. Make sure to scrape up all the browned bits from the pan, as this adds a lot of flavour to your gravy.

Step 3: Reduce the Broth

Bring the pan of broth and juices to a boil again and cook until the liquid is reduced by about one-quarter. Then, use a sieve to strain out all the solids. Return the strained liquid to the pan.

Step 4: Thicken with Glucomannan

Now it's time to thicken your keto gravy with glucomannan powder. Whisk in about 1/2 teaspoon of glucomannan powder and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to thicken. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add more glucomannan, but be careful not to overdo it as the gravy will continue to thicken as it cools. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Serve or Store

Your keto gravy is now ready to serve! Simply spoon it over roast turkey, chicken, or mashed cauliflower. If you have any leftover gravy, you can store it in the fridge for several days or freeze it for later use. To reheat, simply place the gravy in a saucepan over low heat and whisk in a little broth if it becomes too thick.

Using no thickening agent

If you don't want to use a thickening agent, you can still make a keto-friendly gravy, it just won't be as thick and creamy.

Using Pan Drippings

If you have pan drippings from cooking meat, you can use these as the base for your gravy. Simply combine the drippings with butter, broth, and any seasonings you like, and bring to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer until it reaches your desired consistency. This method will result in a thinner, more watery gravy, but it will still be packed with flavour.

Using Broth

If you don't have any pan drippings, you can make a keto-friendly gravy using broth. Start by heating butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then, slowly whisk in broth and any desired seasonings. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until it reaches your desired consistency. This method will result in a looser "jus" rather than a thick gravy, but it will still be tasty and keto-friendly.

Tips for a Good Gravy

• Use a combination of different fats, broths, and seasonings to find your perfect flavour profile.
• If your gravy is too thin, try adding more butter or broth to thicken it up.
• If you're not satisfied with the consistency of your gravy, you can always add a thickening agent later.
• Gravy is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of meats and sides, so feel free to experiment!

Frequently asked questions