Basic Beef Gravy

Ingredients

• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup dry red wine
• 1/2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp butter, chilled and cubed
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

1. Heat broth to simmering; keep warm. Meanwhile, melt 2 tbsp butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until bubbly. Add flour and cook, stirring, until flour mixture is browned, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. Whisk in wine until blended. Return to medium heat and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add 2/3 cup hot broth and cook, stirring, until smooth. Add remaining 1 1/3 cups hot broth, 2/3 cup at a time, cooking and stirring, until smooth. Stir in thyme and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 15 – 20 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Add 1 tbsp butter and whisk until melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper.