Gravy, a universal sauce that elevates dishes from simple to sublime, is often a staple in comforting meals. However, traditional gravy recipes are laden with carbs from flour or cornstarch, making them unsuitable for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. This article explores various keto white gravy recipes, offering options for different preferences and dietary needs, ensuring you don't have to sacrifice flavor or texture while staying true to your low-carb lifestyle.
What Makes Gravy Keto-Friendly?
The key to a keto-friendly gravy lies in replacing high-carb thickeners with low-carb alternatives. Instead of flour or cornstarch, keto gravy recipes utilize ingredients like xanthan gum, almond flour, or cream cheese to achieve the desired consistency. Additionally, using heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk instead of regular dairy milk helps to further reduce the carb content.
Key Ingredients for Keto White Gravy
- Thickening Agents:
- Xanthan Gum: A popular choice for keto gravies, xanthan gum is a powerful thickener with virtually zero net carbs. It's essential to mix it with oil or melted butter before adding it to the liquid to prevent clumping.
- Almond Flour: A nutty-flavored alternative, almond flour can be used to thicken gravy, but it's crucial to use finely ground almond flour for the best results.
- Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and thickness to gravy, while also providing a tangy flavor.
- Guar Gum: Another option for thickening, but it should be used sparingly to avoid a slimy texture.
- Liquid Base:
- Heavy Cream: Provides a rich and creamy base for white gravy, while keeping the carb count low.
- Chicken Broth: Adds flavor and thins the gravy to the desired consistency.
- Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk can be used as a lower-calorie alternative to heavy cream.
- Fats:
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the gravy. Can be substituted with bacon fat or pan drippings for a more savory flavor.
- Olive Oil/Avocado Oil: Used to mix with xanthan gum to prevent clumping.
- Seasonings:
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing the flavor of the gravy.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
- Onion Powder: Provides a savory depth of flavor.
- Ground Thyme: Adds an earthy and aromatic note.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds complexity to the gravy.
- Cayenne Pepper: Optional, for a touch of heat.
- Chipotle in Adobo: Optional, for a smoky and spicy flavor.
Basic Keto White Gravy Recipe
This recipe is designed for when you don’t have pan drippings.
Ingredients:
- 3 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1 Cup Chicken Broth
- ¾ tsp. Xanthan Gum
- 1 tsp. Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Or Melted Butter
- ¼ tsp. Sea Salt - or to taste
- ¼ Ground Black Pepper - or to taste
- ¼ tsp. Garlic Powder
- ¼ tsp. Ground Thyme
- ¼ tsp. Cayenne Pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, stir together the xanthan gum and oil or melted butter. Set aside.
- Add butter to a medium to large-sized skillet and melt over medium heat.
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Allow to gently simmer for 6 to 8 minutes.
- Give the xanthan gum mixture another quick stir. Then, add it to the skillet and briskly whisk until it reaches a soft boil and begins to thicken (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, ground thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Serve immediately.
Keto Sausage Gravy Recipe
For those who prefer a heartier gravy, sausage gravy is an excellent choice. This recipe substitutes wheat flour with almond flour to keep it keto-friendly.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground sausage (Jimmy Dean sage sausage recommended)
- 2 Tbsp. Butter
- 2 Tbsp. Almond flour
- ¾ cup Heavy cream
- ½ cup Water (or more, as needed)
- ½ Tsp. Salt
- ½ Tsp. Pepper or White Pepper
Instructions:
- Start by browning the ground sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the sausage into small pieces as it browns.
- When the meat is cooked through, add the butter and almond flour to the pan and whisk it.
- Add the heavy cream and whisk constantly until well combined. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Turn the heat down to medium low, add the water as needed to thin out the gravy, and whisk.
- Simmer for a few minutes to get everything fully integrated and then take off the heat.
Keto Country Gravy Recipe
This recipe is a simple and versatile option that can be customized to your liking.
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Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons cream (half and half)
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon bacon fat
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon chipotle in adobo, mashed (optional)
- Pepper
- Salt, as needed
Instructions:
- Heat the cream and cream cheese up with the bacon fat, whisking until smooth.
- Add a little water as needed to get the right consistency.
- Stir in a little mashed chipotle in adobo if desired.
- Taste and adjust salt.
- Add a liberal amount of fresh ground black pepper.
Tips for Perfect Keto Gravy
- Preventing Lumps: When using xanthan gum, mix it with oil or melted butter before adding it to the liquid to prevent clumping.
- Thickening Issues: If the gravy is not thickening, ensure you are using full-fat cream and finely ground almond flour. You can also add a bit more xanthan gum or almond flour, but do so gradually.
- Thinning Gravy: If the gravy becomes too thick, thin it with hot broth or water.
- Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remember that the flavor will intensify as the gravy simmers.
- Storage: Leftover gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months. Reheat gently, adding broth or water to thin as needed.
- Choosing Fats: Experiment with different fats like butter, bacon fat, or pan drippings to find your preferred flavor profile.
- Dairy Alternatives: If you're dairy-free, unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk can be used as a substitute for heavy cream, but be aware that this may affect the flavor and texture of the gravy.
Troubleshooting Common Gravy Problems
- Gravy is Too Thick: Thin with hot broth or water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Gravy is Too Thin: Add a bit more xanthan gum mixed with oil or melted butter, or simmer the gravy for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken naturally.
- Gravy is Oversalted: Make another batch of gravy without salt and combine it with the oversalted batch. Taste and adjust the salt as needed.
- Gravy is Lumpy: Ensure that the thickening agent is properly mixed before adding it to the liquid. If lumps do form, use an immersion blender to smooth out the gravy.
Serving Suggestions
Keto white gravy is a versatile sauce that can be served with a variety of dishes, including:
- Keto Biscuits: A classic pairing for breakfast or brunch.
- Mashed Cauliflower: A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
- Roasted Meats: Perfect with turkey, chicken, pork, or beef.
- Keto Chicken Fried Steak: A comforting and indulgent meal.
- Eggs: Adds a creamy and flavorful touch to scrambled or fried eggs.
- Keto Bread: Use it as a dip for keto bread or rolls.
- Keto French Fries: For a unique and satisfying snack.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information for keto white gravy will vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used. However, a typical serving of keto white gravy made with heavy cream and xanthan gum will be very low in carbs, with a high fat content. Always use a recipe calculator like My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit to determine the exact nutritional values for your specific recipe.
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