Mushroom Gravy (easy, from scratch, no drippings required)

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add butter and let it melt.

Step 2

Cook half mushrooms: Add half the mushrooms and cook for 2 mins. Add half the salt and pepper, then continue to cook for another 2 mins until most mushrooms are becoming golden. Then add half the garlic and cook until mushrooms are fully golden, and remove to a plate.

Step 3

Cook remaining mushrooms: Melt remaining butter, then cook remaining mushrooms per above (adding salt & pepper partway through, and garlic towards the end). Remove to a plate.

Step 4

Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter.

Step 5

Add flour and stir continuously for 1 1/2 minutes so the roux doesn't burn. Don't worry if the mixture is a bit dry and sandy, it depends how much fat is left from the mushrooms.

Step 6

While stirring, slowly pour in the beef stock. This should avoid lumps in the gravy. If there are lumps, just whisk vigorously to dissolve them.

Step 7

Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it thickens to a thin-syrup consistency. Stir every now and then at first, then more regularly as the gravy thickens so it doesn't burn on the base of the skillet.

Step 8

Stir in cooked mushrooms, cook for a further 1 minute. Taste and add more salt if needed (if using unsalted homemade stock, you will need more).

Step 9

Pour into a gravy jug and serve with everything! It's particularly great and very Aussie poured over schnitzel with a side of rosti or chips! Otherwise serve with steak, simple pan-seared chops or chicken, sprinkled with salt and pepper before cooking.