Gingersnap Gravy
A unique sweet and savory German-American gravy that gets its distinctive flavor and thickness from crushed gingersnap cookies. Traditionally served with Sauerbraten, it's also perfect for pouring over pork roasts, beef, or even meatballs for a touch of spiced warmth.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat
- a.Add the finely minced shallot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and fragrant, but not browned.
- 2
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer
- a.Once simmering, whisk in the crushed gingersnap cookies, raisins, red wine vinegar, and brown sugar.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookie crumbs have completely dissolved and the gravy has thickened to a smooth, coating consistency.
- 4
Remove the saucepan from the heat
- a.Let it cool for a minute. Whisk in the room-temperature sour cream until fully incorporated and the gravy is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper, taste, and adjust if necessary. Serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an extra rich flavor, use 2 tablespoons of pan drippings from your roast (like Sauerbraten or pork) instead of butter.
- 2To prevent the sour cream from curdling, ensure it's at room temperature and add it off the heat after the gravy has cooled slightly.
- 3If you prefer a perfectly smooth, velvety texture, strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve before you stir in the sour cream.
- 4Use crisp, hard gingersnaps. Softer, chewy cookies will not dissolve properly and won't thicken the gravy effectively.
- 5The gravy thickens as it cools. If it becomes too thick upon standing, whisk in a splash of warm beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice along with the gingersnaps for a warmer, more complex spice profile.
Sweeter AlternativeSweeter Alternative
Substitute the brown sugar with 1 teaspoon of maple syrup or honey for a different kind of sweetness.
Richer GravyRicher Gravy
For a richer, less tangy finish, replace the sour cream with an equal amount of heavy cream.
Poultry PairingPoultry Pairing
To serve with chicken or turkey, substitute the beef broth with a quality chicken broth.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Digestive Comfort
Ginger, the key spice in the cookies, is well-known for its natural properties that can help soothe the stomach and aid in digestion, making this a flavorful addition to a heavy meal.
Source of Antioxidants
Shallots are a good source of antioxidants, including quercetin and allicin, which help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Frequently asked questions
A standard 1/2 cup serving of this Gingersnap Gravy contains approximately 155-165 calories, depending on the specific brands of cookies and sour cream used.