Using Cornflour For Allspice Gravy

Our answer

Nigella's Allspice Gravy (from NIGELLA CHRISTMAS) is a good accompaniment to turkey at Thanksgiving and Christmas or at any time of the year. The gravy uses a slightly spiced home-made stock (broth) that is then thickened with plain (all-purpose) flour. It is possible to use cornflour (cornstarch) as a gluten-free alternative but we would suggest slightly changing the method.

Make the stock as described in the recipe and we suggest making the stock in advance so that it can be cooled and chilled. In a small bowl mix 2 tablespoons of cornflour with 2 tablespoons of the cold stock. If the stock has become very thick and almost gel-like, or if the stock is hot, then use cold water instead. Put the 2 tablespoons of turkey juices in a saucepan and whisk in the remaining stock, then heat until just boiling. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of the cornflour paste and let the mixture simmer again. Keep adding cornflour paste 1 teaspoon at a time until the gravy reaches the thickness that you want, then simmer for a couple of minutes to cook out any floury taste. Cornflour usually has twice the thickening quality of plain flour so you may not need all of the cornflour paste. For other Thanksgiving ideas we also suggest looking at Nigella's Thanksgiving Recipe Collection and the Thanksgiving 2018 Latest.