Gravy is a sauce made from the natural juices of meat or vegetables. They may be combined with a liquid broth, wine, or milk, and a thickening agent such as flour or cornstarch. Gravy can either be home-made or available in can. Cooked meat can be best stored by freezing with its gravy. gravies are best served with rice, meatloaves, or pasta dishes.
Types of Gravy
1.) Based on Consistency:
There are mainly 2 types of Gravies on the basis of thickness/ consistency– 1. Light Gravy and 2. Thick Gravy
1. Light gravy – It is also called as simple pan gravy or reduction sauce. It is very easy to make and it requires the simple reduction of juices. A small quantity of butter is usually added in the end to for a buttery flavor and glossy feel.
2. Thick Gravy – It has a thick texture because the thickening starch, such as cornstarch or arrowroot, is added to the simple pan gravy. The butter or cream can also be added in the end to enhance the flavor and texture of the gravy.
2.) Based on Color:
On the basis of color, the gravy can be of 4 types – white, brown, red and green
White gravy - Paneer gravy and methi malai gravy are the examples of Indian white gravy. The main ingredients which impart the charateristic color to gravy can be curd, cream, grated paneer, cashewnut paste, peanut paste, poppy seeds etc.
Brown gravy - Chicken gravy and mutton gravy are the examples of Indian brown gravy. The main ingredients which give the brown color to gravy are fried onion, fried onion paste, tomato paste etc.
Red gravy - It is the Thai non-vegetarian gravy with red curry paste having red chilli as the main ingredient.
Green gravy - It is the Thai vegetarian gravy with green curry paste having green chilli as the main ingredient.
Health and Nutrition Facts
Serving size – 1 Cup (238 g)
Approximate Values per serving (Calories - 38 cal, Fat – 0.5 g, Carbohydrates – 6 g, Protein – 2.9 g, Saturated fat – 0.2 g, Cholesterol – 0 mg, Sodium – 119 mg, Potassium –192 mg)
Is Gravy Healthy or Unhealthy ?
1. Gravy can be good or bad depending on its type e.g. Chicken gravy has around 58% of our Daily Value of Sodium in one cup only.
2. Beef gravy has been shown to have heterocyclic amines, which cause cancer in humans.
