Introduction
Comfort food holds a special place in our hearts, evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia. It’s the kind of food that wraps you in a cozy embrace, making you feel at home, no matter the occasion. Among the many comforts, few dishes can rival the heartwarming combination of flaky biscuits smothered in rich, savory gravy.
Introducing Cozy Turkey Gravy Drenched Biscuits, a delightful recipe that combines the tender texture of freshly baked biscuits with the robust flavors of homemade turkey gravy. Perfect for family gatherings or a quiet dinner at home, this dish is sure to bring everyone to the table. The marriage of buttery biscuits and rich turkey gravy is not only satisfying but also a wonderful way to savor leftovers, especially during the holiday season.
As you prepare to make this dish, you’ll find that the process is as rewarding as the final result. Each bite will transport you back to cherished moments, making this recipe a staple in your cooking repertoire.
Recipe Overview
– Total Time: 1 hour
– Servings: 6
– Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
– 4 tablespoons butter (for gravy)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup flour (for gravy)
– 2 cups turkey broth
– 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
3. Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut it into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and fold it over a few times to create layers. Pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
6. Cut out biscuits using a round cutter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. While the biscuits are baking, melt the butter for the gravy in a saucepan over medium heat.
9. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
10. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute to form a roux.
11. Gradually whisk in the turkey broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
12. Add the shredded turkey and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the gravy thickens.
13. Serve the biscuits warm, drenched in turkey gravy, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Understanding the Ingredients
Biscuits: The Foundation of Comfort
– The key ingredients for biscuits include all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, butter, and buttermilk.
– Cold butter and buttermilk are crucial for creating flaky, tender biscuits, as they promote steam during baking.
Turkey Gravy: Enhancing Flavor and Texture
– The ingredients for turkey gravy consist of butter, onion, garlic, flour, turkey broth, cooked turkey, and seasonings.
– Using homemade or quality store-bought turkey broth is essential for adding depth of flavor to the gravy.
Shaping and Cutting the Biscuits
When it comes to creating perfectly shaped biscuits, technique is key. Start by lightly flouring your work surface to prevent sticking. After mixing your biscuit dough, transfer it to the floured surface and gently knead it about 5 to 6 times. Be careful not to over-knead, as this can lead to tough biscuits.
Once the dough is ready, roll it out to about 1-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out the biscuits, ensuring you apply even pressure to maintain uniform shapes. Gather any scraps of dough and re-roll them to cut additional biscuits. This method ensures that your biscuits will rise equally and have a beautiful appearance when baked.
Baking the Biscuits
To achieve golden brown tops and soft interiors, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are close but not touching, as this will help them rise beautifully. Bake the biscuits for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on top. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. Once they are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before drenching them in your homemade turkey gravy.
Crafting the Turkey Gravy
Sautéing Aromatics
The foundation of a flavorful gravy begins with sautéing aromatics. Start by heating a tablespoon of oil or butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become translucent and fragrant, usually about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it builds the flavor profile of your gravy.
Creating the Roux
Next, it’s time to create the roux, which is essential for thickening your gravy. Sprinkle in equal parts of flour and butter into the sautéed aromatics, stirring continuously for about a minute. This cooking process helps to eliminate the raw flour taste and gives the gravy a rich, velvety texture.
Incorporating the Broth
Once your roux is ready, gradually whisk in your turkey broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. For a richer flavor, consider using homemade broth or a high-quality store-bought version. Allow the gravy to simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Adding Turkey and Seasoning
To enhance the flavor, fold in your cooked turkey pieces. Taste your gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or even a touch of sage or thyme for added depth. This is where you can personalize your gravy to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Assembling the Dish
To serve your cozy turkey gravy drenched biscuits, start by placing a warm biscuit on a plate and generously ladle the turkey gravy over the top. The visual appeal of the gravy cascading over the fluffy biscuit creates an inviting and comforting dish.
Pairing Recommendations
To elevate your meal, consider pairing your turkey gravy biscuits with sides like steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a vibrant cranberry sauce. These additions not only enhance the flavor profile but also contribute to a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Cozy Turkey Gravy Drenched Biscuits are the epitome of comfort food, perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a simple weeknight dinner. This dish encapsulates warmth and nostalgia, making it an ideal choice for various occasions.
We encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy it brings to your table. Its versatility allows you to adapt it for leftovers or special occasions, solidifying its place as a beloved comfort food. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction that comes with every bite of this hearty dish.
Cozy Turkey Gravy Drenched Biscuits
Ingredients
- 2.0 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.0 tablespoon baking powder
- 1.0 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 cups unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1.0 cups buttermilk
- 2.0 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 0.25 cups onion, finely chopped
- 2.0 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.0 cups turkey broth
- 1.0 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 1.0 teaspoon dried thyme or sage
- 1.0 to taste salt
- 1.0 to taste pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the buttermilk gradually, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it 3-4 times until it holds together. Pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick.
- Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out rounds, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the turkey broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken, stirring occasionally.
- Once the gravy has thickened, add the cooked turkey and season with salt, pepper, and thyme or sage if using. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Split the warm biscuits in half and generously drizzle or spoon the turkey gravy over the tops.