Carnivore Gravy: The Ultimate Turkey Neck Delight

"Miei cari, nella cucina non ci si butta mai via niente. Ogni parte del tacchino, ogni goccia di sugo, è una ricchezza. Non fate mai scappare l'occasione di fare una salsa ricca e piena di sapore!”

("My dears, in the kitchen, we never waste anything. Every part of the turkey, every drop of drippings, is a treasure. Never miss the chance to make a rich and flavorful gravy!") – Nonna

Introduction

Ciao, miei amori! Nonna is here with a recipe that takes full advantage of what many consider "leftovers." When you cook a turkey, especially for a big meal, don’t forget about the turkey neck and all the drippings that get left behind. That’s where the magic happens! We’re going to make a delicious carnivore gravy that is perfect for any meal. It’s rich, savory, and seasoned just right with white pepper—a true Italian touch.

We’ll be using the turkey neck, the flavor-packed drippings, and a few secret ingredients to make this gravy a standout. And, if you're feeling adventurous, I’ll tell you how you can add bacon or sausage for an extra boost of flavor!

Ingredients

For the Gravy:

• 1 turkey neck (you can use the giblets too if you like)
• 1 ½ cups turkey drippings (from the roasted turkey)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (or water, if you prefer)
• 1 tbsp white pepper (feel free to adjust, but we love it heavy on the pepper)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp butter (optional, for added richness)
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for a creamier texture)

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon (for extra smokiness)
• 1/2 lb cooked sausage, crumbled (Italian sausage works beautifully)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Broth

1. First, take the turkey neck and place it in a pot with enough water to cover it. Simmer for about 2 hours, until it’s cooked and full of flavor. You can add the giblets here too if you’re using them.
2. Once it’s done, remove the turkey neck and strain the broth. Discard any bits or bones.
3. Keep this rich turkey broth aside for the gravy.

Step 2: Prepare the Gravy

1. In a saucepan, pour the turkey drippings from your roasted turkey. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Slowly add the turkey broth you made earlier, and let it cook together for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Season generously with white pepper, and add salt to taste. You want this gravy to have that nice spicy kick from the white pepper—don’t be shy!
4. If you're using it, add the butter and cream here for extra richness. Stir until combined.
5. For an even richer gravy, you can crumble in some bacon or sausage. Let it simmer together for 5–10 minutes until the flavors meld.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the gravy is too thick, add a little more broth.

Step 3: Serve

1. Pour the finished gravy into a serving dish or over your meat of choice. Serve with your carnivore feast—whether that’s a juicy steak, roasted chicken, or some crispy pork belly.
2. This gravy pairs beautifully with any of your carnivore dishes and adds that special touch to your meals.

Macros and Serving Suggestions

Yield

• Serves: 4-6
• Total weight after preparation: ~2 cups of gravy

Macros (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~150
• Protein: ~5g
• Fat: ~14g
• Carbs: ~1g (depending on whether you add cream or bacon)

Fat-to-Protein Ratio

• ~2.8:1

Serving Ideas

• With Roast Turkey: Pour this gravy over your perfectly roasted turkey for the ultimate carnivore experience.
• With Steak: A rich drizzle of this gravy can elevate even the simplest of steaks.
• On Pork Belly: The richness of the gravy pairs perfectly with the crispy goodness of pork belly.
• As a Dip: Serve it as a dipping sauce alongside your carnivore snacks or roasted veggies for a delightful treat.

“Ricordate, cari, che ogni piccolo ingrediente ha il suo valore. In cucina, come nella vita, bisogna saper apprezzare ogni cosa che ci viene donata. E ora, lascia un commento, Nonna è curiosa di sapere come ti è venuta questa salsa!”

("Remember, my dears, that every small ingredient has its value. In the kitchen, as in life, you must learn to appreciate everything that is given to you. Now, leave a comment, Nonna is curious to know how your gravy turned out!")

If you tried this Carnivore Gravy, I want to hear all about it! Did you use any secret ingredients or tweaks? Share your thoughts in the comments below!