Gravy is a rich and flavorful sauce that can elevate any roast dinner to a whole new level of deliciousness. While it is commonly made from the drippings of beef or chicken, there’s no reason why you can’t make a mouthwatering gravy using lamb juices. In fact, lamb gravy has a unique and robust flavor that pairs perfectly with lamb and other roasted meats. So if you’re looking to take your roast dinner to the next level, here is a simple and easy guide on how to make gravy from lamb juices.
Gather the Ingredients
Before you begin making your lamb gravy, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need the following:
– Lamb drippings: The flavorful rendered fat and juices left in the roasting pan after cooking the lamb.
– All-purpose flour: This will help thicken the gravy.
– Stock or broth: You can use lamb, beef, or vegetable stock, depending on your preference.
– Onion: Finely chop a small onion to add depth of flavor to the gravy.
– Garlic: Mince a clove or two of garlic for a subtle yet wonderful taste.
– Herbs: Choose herbs that complement lamb, such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
– Salt and pepper: To season the gravy to your taste.
Prepare the Lamb Drippings
To make a flavorful gravy, you first need to collect the lamb drippings. After roasting your lamb, carefully transfer it to a cutting board to rest. Place the roasting pan on the stove over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan and cook until softened and slightly browned. This step will infuse the lamb juices with savory flavors.
Strain the Lamb Juices
Once the onion and garlic are cooked, strain the lamb juices into a separate container. Discard the solids and set the container aside. This process will remove any small bits and maximize the flavor of the gravy.
Skim Off the Fat
If there is excess fat floating on top of the lamb juices, use a spoon or a gravy separator to skim it off. While some fat is necessary for flavor, removing the excess will prevent the gravy from becoming greasy.
Creating the Gravy
Now that you have prepared the lamb drippings, it’s time to turn them into a delicious gravy. Here’s how:
Make a Roux
In a separate saucepan, melt a knob of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add an equal amount of all-purpose flour to create a roux. Stir constantly for a couple of minutes until the mixture forms a smooth paste. This step will help thicken the gravy and give it a smooth texture.
Adding the Lamb Juices and Stock
Gradually whisk in the lamb juices you collected earlier into the roux. Make sure to whisk continuously to avoid any lumps. Once the lamb juices are well-incorporated, add the stock or broth, one cup at a time. Adjust the amount based on how thick or thin you want your gravy to be. Continue whisking until the gravy reaches the desired consistency.
Infuse Flavor with Herbs
To enhance the flavor of your lamb gravy, add a few sprigs of fresh herbs. Rosemary and thyme work particularly well, but feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs or a combination. Simmer the gravy over low heat for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Season to Perfection
Finally, taste your gravy and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference. Remember, it’s better to under-season initially and adjust later, as you can always add more seasoning if needed.
Serving and Storing Tips
Once your lamb gravy is ready, serve it warm alongside your roast lamb or any other roasted meat of your choice. Pour it generously over your meat, potatoes, and other sides to amplify the flavors of your meal.
If you have any leftovers, store the gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to three days. To reheat, simply pour the desired amount into a saucepan and warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the gravy seems too thick after refrigeration, you can thin it out with a little stock or water.
In conclusion, making gravy from lamb juices is a fantastic way to add a delicious and unique touch to your roast dinner. With just a few simple steps, you can create a rich and flavorful gravy that enhances the natural flavors of the meat. So why settle for ordinary gravy when you can indulge in the divine taste of homemade lamb gravy? Give this recipe a try, and you’ll never look back!