by Sandra Pavelik

Created on: January 01, 2011

Gravy should traditionally be runny as it is designed to be served with roast meat, roast potatoes and mashed potato.  It should be of a pouring consistency so as to be poured over meat and potatoes.  It is especially good if runny for mashed potato as it can be more easily blended than if it is thick.  It is important however that while the gravy is runny it is not watery in taste.  A good tasting gravy will enhance a meal.  A runny gravy should be smooth in texture.  There is nothing worse than gravy which is lumpy or curdles.

Whether gravy is thick or runny is a personal preference but what matters is that a good quality gravy mix is selected or that it is well mixed if it is homemade.  Adding some diced onions, herbs or spices can further enhance the gravy and give it an exotic taste if it is served with special occasion meals.  In fact it is not difficult to be creative in the kitchen and turn a humble gravy into something special whether to impress important guests or to add a twist to everyday family meals.  Runny though is the way to go.  Food needs to absorb the gravy rather than the gravy to be of such consistency that it resembles jelly on a plate.

Experimentation and experience preparing a gravy can enable the right consistency and taste to be achieved.  If a runny gravy is preferred by family members or guests then one knows they must be doing something right.  Gravy can be seen as icing on the cake when it comes to savoury meals.  No matter how well the meat has been roasted or the potatoes mashed, if the gravy isn't prepared well it will not complete the meal.  Both flavour and consistency are important in turning even everyday meals into something that the family will want to go for seconds.

There is nothing more satisfying than swirling food into the gravy or mopping it up with a piece of crusty bread.  Gravy which is thick in texture is not designed for such simple pleasures.  Only a runny gravy can be properly incorporated into solid food.  The best proof of this is to try a runny gravy with the next meal.  It is sure to satisfy.

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