Gluten Free Gravy

Josh G. (Q&A ID 18548)

I will be making your 2 hour turkey recipe for thanksgiving. Any suggestions for a gluten free gravy to pair with it? Thanks!

Lynn C. (Q&A ID 662)

Hi Josh -

While any gluten-free flour *can* work in a roux-based gravy recipe, one type provides the best results - sweet rice flour aka glutinous rice flour (despite the name, it contains no gluten). Sweet rice flour is made from ground sticky rice and is not actually sweet. It's often used in Japanese desserts, like mochi, which is why it has "sweet" in the name. The same properties that give mochi its signature bounciness are what make for such a great gluten-free gravy. Sweet rice flour has a high ratio of amylopectin (one of the elements that make up starch), which adds body and texture to a gravy without it being too thick or congealing too quickly. Most versions of all-purpose gluten-free flour blends will make a pretty good gravy but, because they usually contain xanthan gum, congeal almost immediately after cooking. If this happens, it’s easy enough to whisk in a little extra warm stock, but it’s not the ideal situation when you’ve got other things to try to get to the holiday table. You can usually find sweet rice flour in the International aisle of some grocery stores or in any Asian market. It's also pretty easy to order online too.

Best,

The Milk Street Cooking Team