Soup Terrine: Gravy's New Best Friend?

A soup terrine is a type of container used to serve soup, often with a ladle, and sometimes with a lid to keep the soup warm. Gravy, on the other hand, is a sauce made from meat juices, stock, or milk and is typically served as a condiment or side dish. While a soup terrine could technically be used to serve gravy, it is not the intended purpose of this container. The gravy may not stay warm for an extended period in a soup terrine, as it is designed for soup, which is typically served at a higher temperature. Additionally, the gravy may not be as easy to access or pour from a soup terrine, especially if it has a narrow opening or a lid. In conclusion, while it is possible to use a soup terrine for gravy, it may not be the most practical or effective choice.

Can you keep soup hot in a soup terrine?

Keeping soup hot in a soup terrine can be challenging, especially if you're serving a large group or grazing for an extended period. Here are some tips to help you keep your soup warm:

• Use an electric hot plate: Set it to the lowest temperature, and remember to stir the soup from the bottom of the terrine as that will be the warmest part.
• Preheat the terrine: Before adding the soup, fill the terrine with scalding hot water, let it stand for a few minutes, then drain and add your soup. This technique will help retain heat for longer.
• Replenish the soup: If you're serving soup for a long time, consider only filling the terrine halfway initially. Keep a pot of hot soup on the stove and replenish the terrine as needed. This ensures that the soup stays hot throughout the meal.
• Use a warming tray: While its effectiveness may vary, placing the terrine on a cloth-covered warming tray could help keep the soup warm.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of these methods may depend on the material of your soup terrine and the duration for which you aim to keep the soup hot. For extended periods, you may need to explore other options, such as serving the soup in something else and using the terrine for a different purpose, like a punch bowl.

Additionally, when serving hot soup, always use warmed bowls to help the soup stay hot for longer. Conversely, cold soups should be served in chilled bowls.

What are some gravy soup base recipes?

Gravy can be used as a soup base, and there are many gravy soup base recipes. Here are some ideas for gravy soup base recipes:

Chef Tess's Gluten-Free Gravy Mix

This gravy mix is designed to be a base for soups and can be used for beef stew. It can be made with either water or milk and cooked on the stove. The recipe yields 4 cups of gravy.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup cornstarch or Ultra gel
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon beef or chicken stock granules (MSG-free and gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon onion powder or freeze-dried onions
• 1 teaspoon Chef Tess All-Purpose seasoning
• 1 bay leaf

Cook's Delight Mushroom Gravy

This gravy is made with Cook's Delight® Simply Mushroom Flavor Concentrate and can be served with grilled or roasted meats, poultry, or potato dishes.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 2 1/2 tablespoons Cook’s Delight® Simply Mushroom Flavor Concentrate
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Ground pepper (optional)

Simple Beef-Flavored Gravy

This gravy is perfect for serving over mashed potatoes. It is made with beef bouillon, flour, onion, and butter.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons beef bouillon
• Butter
• Onion
• Water

Gravy Soup

This recipe includes croutons and Swiss cheese, making it a hearty and tasty meal.

Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup buttered croutons
• 1/4 cup grated Swiss cheese
• Flour
• Stock

Can you freeze leftover gravy?

Yes, you can freeze leftover gravy!

Gravy is typically made from flour, fat, milk, cream, and chicken stock. These ingredients keep well in the fridge but go bad quickly when combined into a sauce. In fact, gravy that has been left sitting at room temperature for two hours is no longer safe to consume. When left in the fridge, homemade gravy will last for about two days.

To prevent your leftover gravy from going to waste, it is important to store it properly. Before freezing, boil the gravy for three minutes to kill any bacteria that could shorten its lifespan. Then, let the gravy cool completely to room temperature to prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can cause bacteria growth and freezer burn.

Next, portion the gravy into freezer bags, airtight containers, or ice cube trays for single servings. Leave about one to two inches of space in each container to allow the sauce to expand. Seal the containers tightly and, if using freezer bags, squeeze out as much air as possible. Label each container with the date, then place them in the freezer.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen gravy, defrost it by transferring it from the freezer to the fridge and leaving it to thaw overnight. Once defrosted, the ingredients may separate, especially for cream-based or milk-based gravies. Give the gravy a good stir, then reheat it slowly in a saucepan over medium-low heat, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. You can add a bit of water or stock if the gravy is too thick or has separated.

Gravy made with a flour base freezes exceptionally well and can be stored in an airtight container for up to four to six months without a noticeable loss in quality. However, gravy made with cream or milk may experience texture changes when frozen and thawed, as the fat in the cream may separate, causing the gravy to become grainy or separate. To minimize this, gently stir or whisk the gravy while reheating and add a little extra cream or milk to restore its consistency.

Now you can make a big batch of gravy without worrying about leftovers going to waste!

What are some gravy recipes that use soup mixes?

There are several gravy recipes that use soup mixes. Here are some options:

Using a Soup Mix

If you have a soup mix, you can make gravy by adding water or milk and cooking it on the stove. This is a simple and cost-effective way to make gravy, and you can adjust the consistency by adding more or less liquid.

Using a Store-Bought Gravy Mix

You can also find gravy mixes at your local grocery store or online. These typically cost around 70 cents per packet and can be prepared by adding water or milk and simmering on the stove.

Cook's Delight Soup Bases and Flavor Concentrates

Another option is to use Cook's Delight Soup Bases and Flavor Concentrates. Bring four cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan, then add the soup base or flavor concentrate and whisk to incorporate. Reduce the heat to a simmer and prepare a slurry by whisking together cornstarch and cold water in a separate bowl. Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan, stirring continuously until the gravy thickens.

Chef Tess' Gluten-Free Gravy Mix

For a gluten-free option, Chef Tess offers a recipe that includes cornstarch or Ultra gel, beef or chicken stock granules, onion powder or freeze-dried onions, bay leaf, and seasoning. Place all the ingredients in a sealable jar, and when you're ready to make the gravy, just add water or milk and simmer on the stove.

Gravy Soup

Finally, you can also make a gravy soup by melting butter in a deep saucepan, adding flour and stirring well, then gradually adding stock. Simmer for about 1-2 hours, then top with croutons and grated cheese.

There are plenty of ways to make gravy using soup mixes, so feel free to experiment and find the recipe that works best for you!

What are some gravy recipes that use soup sachets?

There are several gravy recipes that use soup sachets. Here are some options:

Basic Gravy

This recipe can be made with any soup base or flavour concentrate. Don't limit yourself to the standard flavours of chicken, beef, and turkey. Try combining some flavours together, such as chipotle chicken or garlic beef.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 2 1/2 tbsp soup base or flavour concentrate
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 2-3 tbsp corn starch
• Ground pepper (optional)

Instructions:

• Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan.
• Add the soup base or flavour concentrate to the boiling water and whisk to incorporate.
• In a small bowl, whisk together corn starch and cold water to make a slurry.
• Reduce the heat to a simmer and slowly add the corn starch slurry to the saucepan. Continually stir until the gravy thickens, which should take approximately 2-3 minutes.

Mushroom Gravy

This recipe is great when you're short on time but still want a tasty gravy!

Ingredients:

• 1 can of condensed mushroom soup (Campbell's is recommended)
• Up to 1 ounce of water (optional)
• Up to 1 ounce of milk (optional)
• Up to 1 ounce of sour cream (optional)
• 2 ounces of canned and drained or sauteed mushroom pieces (optional)
• Chives (optional)
• Soy sauce or powdered beef base (optional)

Instructions:

• Place the contents of one can of mushroom soup in a pot and heat until it is thoroughly heated.
• Once you can see how thick or thin the condensed soup is, add however much water, milk, and sour cream that suits your tastes.
• Taste test the gravy and, if needed, add a dash of soy sauce or a light sprinkle of powdered beef base to enhance the flavour.
• If desired, add chives and/or mushrooms. If you are using fresh mushrooms, sauté them in advance; if using canned mushrooms, drain them before adding.

Chef Tess' Basic Gluten-Free Gravy Mix

This recipe yields 4 cups of gravy and costs just a few pennies to make.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup cornstarch or Ultra gel
• 1 tbsp plus 1 tsp beef or chicken stock granules, MSG-free and gluten-free
• 1 tbsp onion powder or freeze-dried onions
• 1 tsp Chef Tess All-Purpose seasoning
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

Whisk the mix with 4 cups of milk or water (or broth/stock if you omit the bouillon) and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes.

Yankee Beef Pot Roast Gravy

This recipe yields about 4 cups of gravy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups freeze-dried diced beef
• 1/4 cup ultra gel or cornstarch
• 1/4 cup freeze-dried mushrooms
• 1/3 cup dehydrated onion
• 2 tsp beef bouillon/stock granules
• 1 tsp dehydrated minced garlic
• 1 tsp Chef Tess All-Purpose seasoning

Instructions:

• Pour the gravy mixture into a 2-quart pot and add 4 cups of very hot water. Whisk well.
• Place on a stove and bring to a simmer for 15-20 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and leave covered for an additional 5 minutes before serving.

You can use these gravy recipes as a base and get creative by adding your own ingredients and spices!

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