Are you craving a comforting, low-carb gravy? Whether you're following a ketogenic diet or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional gravy, several delicious options are available. This article explores various keto-friendly gravy recipes, focusing on the creamy goodness of cream cheese-based gravies and other innovative thickening methods.
Why Keto Gravy?
Traditional gravy, often served with biscuits or roasted meats, typically relies on flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent. These ingredients are high in carbohydrates, making them unsuitable for a ketogenic diet. Fortunately, keto gravy recipes replace these high-carb ingredients with low-carb alternatives, allowing you to enjoy the rich, savory flavor of gravy without derailing your diet.
The Allure of Cream Cheese in Keto Gravy
Cream cheese adds a velvety texture and subtle tang to keto gravy, making it an excellent substitute for flour-based thickening agents. It's also a good source of fat, which is a key component of the ketogenic diet.
Easy Keto Sausage Gravy Recipe
This recipe is a quick and satisfying way to enjoy a classic Southern breakfast while staying within your carb limits.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 lb pork sausage (breakfast, hot, or sweet)
- Cream cheese (full-fat, preferably Philadelphia brand)
- Heavy cream
- Butter (any type)
- Chicken broth (low salt or regular)
- Garlic powder
- Pepper
- Onion powder (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces. Drain off any excess grease.
- Reduce heat to low. Cut up the butter and cream cheese and add them to the skillet with the sausage.
- Add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the cream cheese and butter are melted and the mixture begins to simmer.
- Simmer uncovered on the stove until the gravy reduces and thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- If a thicker gravy is desired, sprinkle in a small amount of xanthan gum (start with 1/4 tsp) and stir until dissolved. Be patient, as xanthan gum can make the gravy slimy if too much is added. Simmering the gravy longer on low heat will also help to thicken it.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and onion powder (if using) to taste.
- Serve hot over keto biscuits, scrambled eggs, keto waffles, or your favorite low-carb bread.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Sausage Gravy
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the cream cheese and heavy cream to come to room temperature before adding them to the skillet for smoother incorporation.
- Simmering is Key: The gravy thickens as it simmers on the stove, reducing the liquid content.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk (or non-dairy milk of choice) and use a keto-friendly thickening agent like xanthan gum or glucomannan root.
- Smooth Gravy: For a smooth gravy, blend the finished product in a blender or Vitamix for a few seconds.
Other Keto Gravy Thickening Methods
While cream cheese is a popular choice, other low-carb thickening agents can be used to create delicious keto gravy.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is a powerful thickening agent that requires only a small amount to achieve the desired consistency. However, it's important to use it sparingly, as too much can result in a slimy texture. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more gradually until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.
Glucomannan Powder
Glucomannan is a fiber extracted from the konjac root and is an excellent thickening agent for keto gravies. It doesn't clump as easily as xanthan gum and creates a thick, rich texture without any sliminess. A general guideline is to use 1/4 teaspoon of glucomannan powder per 1 cup of liquid.
Almond Flour or Coconut Flour
Almond flour and coconut flour can be used to create a low-carb roux, similar to traditional gravy. However, these flours thicken more quickly than all-purpose flour, so use them sparingly.
Simmering to Reduce
One of the easiest ways to thicken gravy is to simply simmer it over low heat, allowing the liquid to evaporate and the sauce to reduce naturally. This method requires patience but results in a flavorful and naturally thickened gravy.
Keto Gravy Variations
The basic keto gravy recipe can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
- Turkey Gravy: Use turkey broth and drippings from roasted turkey for a classic Thanksgiving gravy.
- Chicken Gravy: Use chicken broth and pan juices from roasted chicken for a savory chicken gravy.
- Beef Gravy: Use beef broth for a richer, more robust flavor.
- Mushroom Gravy: Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy and flavorful twist.
- Onion Gravy: Sauté chopped onions in butter until caramelized, then add them to the gravy for a sweet and savory flavor.
Storing and Reheating Keto Gravy
Keto gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the gravy is too thick, add a little broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
Is Gravy Keto-Friendly?
Traditional gravy is often high in carbs due to the use of flour or cornstarch as thickening agents. However, keto gravy made with low-carb alternatives like cream cheese, xanthan gum, glucomannan, or almond flour is perfectly suitable for a ketogenic diet.
Troubleshooting Common Gravy Problems
- Gravy is too thick: Thin with hot broth or water, adding a couple of tablespoons at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Gravy is too thin: Simmer longer to reduce the liquid, or add a small amount of xanthan gum or glucomannan powder.
- Gravy is lumpy: Strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
- Gravy is separating: This can happen when reheating gravy made with dairy. Whisk the gravy thoroughly while reheating to restore its smoothness.
Serving Suggestions
Keto gravy is a versatile condiment that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
- Biscuits and Gravy: Serve over keto biscuits for a classic Southern breakfast.
- Roasted Meats: Drizzle over roasted turkey, chicken, beef, or pork.
- Mashed Cauliflower: Top mashed cauliflower with gravy for a comforting and satisfying side dish.
- Scrambled Eggs: Add a spoonful of gravy to scrambled eggs for extra flavor and creaminess.
- Keto Waffles: Serve over keto waffles for a savory breakfast or brunch.
- Low Carb Bread: Spoon over low carb biscuits or bread
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