With Christmas fast approaching, organised households are already planning their festive menus. Getting a head start on holiday cooking is the key to avoiding a frantic rush in the kitchen on December 25th. Celebrity chef James Martin has now shared a brilliant culinary hack that promises to do just that for one of the meal's most crucial components: the gravy.
The Professional Chef's Gravy Secret
During a recent appearance on ITV's This Morning, James Martin demonstrated his remarkably simple method for creating a rich, restaurant-quality gravy. The secret, he revealed, lies in using a specific type of ready-made stock. James urged viewers to buy their stock immediately, as these products often sell out in the busy lead-up to the festive period.
He explained that professional chefs in restaurants use this technique for depth of flavour. "It's veal stock or chicken stock - that's what you want," James stated. He was clear that turkey stock alone won't achieve the same result, making the pre-made veal or chicken stock the fundamental base for his three-ingredient recipe.
How to Make the Gravy Now
The cooking process is straightforward. James begins by pouring approximately half a bottle of red wine into a saucepan, noting it doesn't need to be expensive. To this, he adds about a litre and a half of the pre-prepared stock. The final ingredient is a 'good knob' of butter, roughly equivalent to a third of a standard block.
The mixture is then gently reduced on the stovetop. James highlighted a key point for home cooks: there is no need for cornflour or any other thickener. As the sauce reduces, the butter emulsifies into the liquid, creating a classic chef-style 'jus' or sauce that thickens naturally through patience and reduction.
Freeze and Reheat for a Stress-Free Christmas Day
Once the gravy has cooled, James portions it into ice cube trays for freezing. This creates convenient, pre-measured portions. When Christmas Day arrives, he simply reheats about two ice cubes worth of gravy per person in a pan.
This make-ahead strategy eliminates the last-minute hassle of gravy-making, freeing up valuable stove space and time. By following this simple three-ingredient method and planning ahead, you can ensure a delicious, professional-grade gravy is ready in minutes, allowing you to focus on enjoying the festive celebrations with your guests.
