The Convenience and Versatility of Using Pre-Made Bulk Gravy

The Versatility of Bulk Gravy

Gravy is a staple in many cuisines around the world. This savory sauce adds moisture and flavor to dishes like mashed potatoes, meat, rice, biscuits, and more. For restaurants and food service operations, offering tasty gravy is essential. However, making gravy from scratch in large batches can be time and labor intensive. This is where bulk gravy comes in handy.

What is Bulk Gravy?

Bulk gravy is pre-made gravy that comes in large containers or bags. It allows kitchens to skip the lengthy process of preparing gravy from scratch. Most bulk gravy contains a gravy base or concentrate that simply needs to be mixed with water and optionally thickened with a starch like flour or cornstarch before serving. It saves cooks valuable prep time.

Benefits of Using Bulk Gravy

There are several advantages to using pre-made bulk gravy mixes in professional kitchens:

• Saves time - No need to make roux, stock and spend hours simmering gravy from scratch
• Consistency - Uniform flavor and texture batch after batch
• Convenience - Easy to store and mix up as needed
• Cost effective - Less wasted ingredients compared to scratch cooking
• Customizable - Many brands offer different gravy varieties
• Labor saving - Allows cooks to focus efforts on other tasks

Types of Bulk Gravy

Bulk gravy is available in different styles to suit varying menus:

• Brown gravy - Richly flavored with roasted meat drippings and aromatics
• Turkey gravy - Lighter gravy enhanced with turkey stock and seasonings
• Sausage gravy - Studded with crumbled pork sausage
• Mushroom gravy - Earthy gravy with mushrooms
• Onion gravy - Savory gravy flavored with onion
• Vegetarian gravy - Meatless version made without animal products

With so many options available, kitchens can match the appropriate gravy to menu items.

How to Prepare Bulk Gravy

Working with premade bulk gravy concentrates is easy. Just follow a few simple steps:

1. Pour desired amount of gravy base into a pot and gradually whisk in cold water until smooth and lump free
2. For thinner gravy, use equal parts gravy base and water. For thicker gravy, use less water than concentrate. The package will suggest ideal mixing ratios.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently
4. If the gravy seems too thin after heating, make a slurry by mixing some cornstarch with a bit of water. Slowly stir slurry into simmering gravy to thicken to desired consistency.
5. Adjust seasonings if desired by adding more salt, pepper, herbs etc.
6. Keep warm until ready to serve over hot food, stirring occasionally

Serving Ideas for Bulk Gravy

Versatile bulk gravy elevates all kinds of savory menu items. Some tasty ideas include:

• Biscuits and sausage gravy - Flaky biscuits smothered in rich, meaty gravy
• Hot turkey sandwich - Sliced turkey drowned in craveable turkey gravy
• Mashed potatoes - Creamy, smooth potatoes topped with brown gravy
• Meatloaf - Sliced meatloaf served with mushroom gravy for added flavor
• Pot roast - Tender chunks of braised beef napped in onion gravy
• Gravy fries or chips - Crispy fries/chips/tots blanketed in hearty gravy

Storing Bulk Gravy

To safely store unused gravy base concentrate:

• Transfer any leftover concentrate from opened bags/containers into clean, airtight containers.
• Label the container with the product name and date.
• Store in the refrigerator for 5-7 days maximum or freeze for longer storage.
• Thaw frozen gravy concentrate overnight in fridge before using again.
• Discard any concentrates that smell or look spoiled.

To store prepared gravy, transfer to shallow containers allowing it to fully cool. Cover surface directly with plastic wrap before sealing the container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze in usable portions for longer keeping. Reheat gently when ready to use again.

Food Safety Tips

When handling any bulk food product like gravy base concentrates, be sure to follow food safety guidelines:

• Use clean utensils and containers to prepare and store gravy.
• Never mix new gravy with old product.
• Cook gravy thoroughly until steaming hot all the way through.
• Cool leftovers quickly before refrigerating.
• When reheating, heat gravy to 165°F or higher before serving.
• If gravy smells unpleasant or has mold, discard immediately.

The Convenience of Bulk Gravy for Food Operations

Maintaining a reliable stash of ready-to-use bulk gravy is a smart move for cafeterias, restaurants, caterers and any food service kitchen. With so many flavorful varieties available pre-made in bulk sizes, restaurants can skip the costly hassle of preparing gravy from scratch. Simply reconstitute, heat and serve delicious gravy anytime a crave-worthy recipe calls for it. Versatile bulk gravy helps busy kitchens boost productivity and ensure menu items get to the table fast and tasty!