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Gravy made with cornflour

(71 Posts)
Puzzlelove Tue 12-Dec-23 13:00:25

Growing up in the 60’s/70’s my mum made gravy with cornflour, something I’ve also done for the past 43 years of marriage. I’m thinking of using instant gravy granules instead. Anyone else still use cornflour?

newnanny Fri 15-Dec-23 13:11:10

I use strained vegetable water and meat juices then add milk, gravy granules and wine. Everyone loves it.

Quizzer Fri 15-Dec-23 13:01:52

Never used cornflour. I make a roux with the meat juices ans plain wheat flour. Then add stock or vegetable cooking water with a stock cube. Cornflour gives a weird texture.

Bella23 Fri 15-Dec-23 12:40:33

I was taught never to use cornflour as it makes too much of a glaze. We take most of the fat from the meat juices then a little plain flour working it in with a whisk, and add wine and some of the starchy water from the boiled potatoes for roasts. If it needs a bit of a kick a good splash of Worcester sauce or if chicken a dash of single cream.
I have resorted to bought gravy or gravy salts when pushed midweek.

Fairycakes Fri 15-Dec-23 12:38:30

I only make gravy with cornflour at Christmas. The rest of the time I use gravy granules, which I mix up with the stock from the vegetables. If making Yorkshire puds, I also add a couple of tbsp to the gravy while it's on the stove, to thicken it. A little trick my nan taught me. And she was a Yorkshire woman, so knew a thing or two about cooking delicious meals 😋😊

Anniel Fri 15-Dec-23 12:33:56

I use cornflour for gravy. I generally
Use water with the flour but i will now have a go with alcohol. I have always made the gravy but som does all the cooking. Cornflour makes the gravy shine.

Calendargirl Fri 15-Dec-23 12:16:13

We use Bisto powder, my mum used Burdalls Gravy Salt, it was just dark brown caramellised salt really.

We do have gravy granules, which are a quick gravy with sausages say, but not keen on them.

I freeze left over ‘proper’ gravy and use it when needed.

Mary Berry always says her DH is a ‘gravy man’. I know what she means. My DH likes lots of gravy, hates meals being ‘dry’.

grannybuy Fri 15-Dec-23 12:12:35

I use marmite and cornflour, sometimes along with juices of meat. For some beef dishes, I sometimes add a spoonful of tomato purée and a couple of squares of dark chocolate.

EmilyHarburn Fri 15-Dec-23 12:12:04

I use the cold tea left in the pot for colouring gravy

FannyD Fri 15-Dec-23 11:51:44

I do for a roast or when there are meat juices. For more everyday meals, I’m using granules. I also use vegetable water whichever way I make the gravy.

Mamasperspective Fri 15-Dec-23 11:44:09

I always use cornflour, gravy granules just don't taste the same as 'proper' gravy.

Liz46 Fri 15-Dec-23 11:35:05

Reading through this thread has brought back a memory. My cholesterol was a bit high so I was sent to the nurse for a lesson in what to eat.
She wasn't just fat, she was obese. My BMI is on the high side of normal and I found it hard to not stare at her stomach.
She asked my how I make my gravy and when I said 'with the meat juices', she pursed her lips disapprovingly. I just could not take her seriously unfortunately.

N4nna Fri 15-Dec-23 11:34:28

I use Bisto Best Gravy Granules (they do a 25% less salt one) it’s brilliant, tasty and so quick. Christmas though (I cook the turkey Phil Vickery’s way, basically boiled and steamed turkey on top of root vegetables covered with foil brought to the boil, then put in the oven - I even have to cook the turkey when we go to DiL for Christmas) I then make my own turkey gravy (no colouring) using cornflour and it’s amazing…

Philippa111 Fri 15-Dec-23 11:34:27

I find the old fashioned Bisto powder, not granules work well. It has no flavour as such but adds a nice colour and richness.

hazel93 Fri 15-Dec-23 11:31:37

I use arrowroot to thicken if needed. Have never used cornflour, maybe wrong but would think gravy would loose the shine, or am I wrong ?

allsortsofbags Fri 15-Dec-23 11:27:46

Sometimes I make gravy with plain flour in the roasting tin or with corn flour and sometimes I just use Gravy Granules.

Do what works for you at the time. If I'm using granules I do tend to add something to lift them.

I alway add any meat juices if I have them or use veg water. If I don't have that I'll add a drop of wine, Worcestershire sauce, may be a few bits of dried sage if it's to go with chicken, port or sausages but at a push they are OK on their own.

cc Fri 15-Dec-23 11:23:03

Georgesgran

It’s not the end of the World to take short cuts. I believe Bisto Best granules are made with meat juices. Some recommend adding meat juices to the granule gravy, and make it with the vegetable water. I always use granules, for vegetarian gravy for myself.

I use the Bisto Best Gravy granules if I'm rushing, the lamb is particularly nice but a bit salty so I often add veg water and meat juice, and thicken it if necessary with plain flour or potato flour.
Personally I don't much like the texture of cornflour gravy, but a lot of people do I know.
If I'm cooking something that gives out a lot of liquid, like turkey, I boil it down to reduce it whilst the meat is resting and then thicken it with one of the flours mentioned. Of course there are giblets too so I make the stock from these the day before and add this too, though I don't put the liver in.
I use gravy browning too, though I had trouble finding it last time I ran out.

Cossy Fri 15-Dec-23 11:16:27

Nope! Use gravy granules and add a drop of wine to them Try and use the veg water and do it in a saucepan Tastes great x

icanhandthemback Fri 15-Dec-23 11:11:06

I use gravy granules and add the meat juices or wine. It is simple and tasty.

Septimia Wed 13-Dec-23 14:20:34

I don't like gravy (it makes things soggy!) so seldom make it except for casseroles. I usually thicken things with peasemeal these days; it makes an interesting variation.

Patsy70 Wed 13-Dec-23 14:02:10

Flour, meat juices, stockpot, water from vegetables, seasoning, plus a generous glug of red wine cooked on the hob in the meat dish. My Mum used Bisto gravy powder instead of flour/cornflour. Gravy granules have been around for 30+ years, in my estimation. On Christmas Day I make it as you do Witzend, plus the wine! 🍷

MayBee70 Wed 13-Dec-23 13:34:28

I’ve always used Bisto but I hate cooking and do everything for an easy life. I do make it with the water I’ve boiled the vegetables in, though.

Witzend Wed 13-Dec-23 10:10:24

For Christmas Day, though, the gravy is made with stock made from simmering the giblets the day before, with onion, celery, a sage leaf or two, etc.

And then made in the roasting tin with flour, and a little Bisto powder. It’s one reason I’d always prefer a small turkey to a crown with no giblets.

Tenko Tue 12-Dec-23 21:31:57

I use cornflour with the meat juices for gravy . If the ac are around for lunch I add bisto as they prefer it .

Esmay Tue 12-Dec-23 20:36:52

I prefer to use cornflour to thicken gravy .
I'm not keen on gravy granules as the result is too salty for me .

Nannytopsy Tue 12-Dec-23 19:13:47

Cornflour and the odd drop of gravy browning, added to meat juices. Cook for a minute then add vegetable water.