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This Thanksgiving Side Dish is a Must for Andrew Zimmern
Thanksgiving is a time when families come together to share a delicious meal and create lasting memories. When it comes to the Thanksgiving table, everyone has their favorite dishes that they look forward to enjoying. From savory stuffing to fluffy mashed potatoes, there are certain side dishes that are considered essential to a traditional Thanksgiving feast.
In a recent Insider article, they ranked the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes based on people’s preferences. While some dishes like cranberry sauce, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potato casserole made the list of universally beloved sides, there was one side dish that was conspicuously missing from the roundup: gravy.
Gravy: Andrew Zimmern’s Essential Side Dish
Chef Andrew Zimmern, known for his show “Bizarre Foods,” recently shared on his Instagram page that gravy is his “essential” side dish for the Thanksgiving holiday feast, as well as for meals throughout the year. According to Zimmern, he always makes extra gravy after roasting poultry and freezes the leftovers in large containers. This allows him to accent different dishes, from pork chops to roast chicken to his unique turkey roll-ups.
Speaking of turkey roll-ups, Zimmern describes this dish as thick slices of roast turkey rolled up with a stuffing filling. And, of course, homemade gravy is poured over the top, adding a delicious touch to this creative leftover creation. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving long after the main feast is over.
Andrew Zimmern’s Pan Gravy Recipe
If you’re intrigued by Zimmern’s love of gravy and want to make your own, he generously shares his Pan Gravy recipe on his official website. This recipe starts with a rich and potent homemade stock made by slowly roasting poultry bones with vegetables in the oven. The roasted bones are then combined with broth and simmered in a stockpot to create a flavorful base.
Next, butter and flour are added to the stock, creating a thick and rich gravy. Zimmern emphasizes that the time invested in this recipe is well worth it, as it yields two quarts of intensely flavored stock that can be frozen and used in a variety of dishes. One of those uses, of course, is to make plenty of homemade gravy for Thanksgiving and all the days of leftovers that follow.
The Importance of Gravy at Thanksgiving
While some may not think of gravy as a traditional side dish, it holds a special place in many households during the Thanksgiving holiday. Gravy has the power to bring all the flavors together on the plate, enhancing the flavor of roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and more. Its rich and savory nature adds depth and a touch of indulgence to the meal, making it a must-have for those who appreciate the finer details of a Thanksgiving feast.
So this Thanksgiving, take a cue from Chef Andrew Zimmern and make sure you have plenty of homemade gravy on your table. Whether you follow his Pan Gravy recipe or put your own spin on it, the addition of gravy will elevate your Thanksgiving meal to new heights and create a dining experience that your family and friends will savor for years to come.
Remember, Thanksgiving is not just about the turkey and sides; it’s about the love, warmth and gratitude we share with our loved ones. And what better way to express that than with a delicious meal that includes a generous drizzle of flavorful, homemade gravy?
FAQS
What makes gravy Andrew Zimmern’s go-to side dish for Thanksgiving?
Gravy is Andrew Zimmern’s go-to side dish because it adds richness and flavor to the Thanksgiving meal. It complements roasted turkey, stuffing and other traditional dishes, enhancing their flavor and bringing all the flavors together.
Why did Insider’s ranking of popular Thanksgiving side dishes exclude gravy?
Insider’s ranking of popular Thanksgiving side dishes may have excluded gravy because it is often thought of as a sauce or condiment rather than a side dish in its own right. However, Andrew Zimmern believes that gravy is an essential part of the Thanksgiving feast.
What are some creative ways to use leftover gravy?
One creative way to use leftover gravy is to make Andrew Zimmern’s turkey roll-ups. Thick slices of roast turkey are rolled up with a stuffing filling and topped with homemade gravy. Leftover gravy can also be used to accent other dishes, such as pork chops or roast chicken.
Can I make Andrew Zimmern’s Pan Gravy recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Andrew Zimmern’s Pan Gravy recipe ahead of time. The recipe makes two quarts of stock, which can be frozen and saved for future use. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the stock and follow the remaining steps to make the gravy.
What other dishes does Andrew Zimmern recommend for Thanksgiving?
While Andrew Zimmern stresses the importance of gravy, he also enjoys other classic Thanksgiving dishes. Some of his recommendations include savory stuffing, fluffy mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potato casserole.
Why is gravy considered an important part of the Thanksgiving meal?
Gravy is considered an important part of the Thanksgiving meal because it adds richness, depth, and a touch of indulgence to the feast. It enhances the flavors of the roasted turkey and other dishes, adding a savory element that elevates the overall dining experience.