Delicious Vegetarian Gravy Recipe for the Perfect Meal
Picture this: it’s a Sunday afternoon, and you’ve got a beautifully roasted joint of meat – or perhaps some oven-roasted vegetables – ready to serve. But what’s missing? A good gravy, of course! Gravy is the quintessential finishing touch to any roast dinner. Unfortunately, for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, finding a suitable gravy recipe can be challenging. Well, fret no more, my plant-eating pals because I’m here to share with you the recipe for the most glorious vegetarian gravy you’ve ever tasted.
This gravy recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes or tofu steak- it is guaranteed to take your meal from good to amazing. So buckle up and get ready to get cooking. I promise you won’t regret it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of drab, flavorless vegetarian gravy options that leave your roast dinner feeling incomplete? Well, look no further than this glorious vegetarian gravy recipe.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also packed with amazing flavors that will add depth and richness to any meal. With ingredients like brandy, white wine, and reduced sodium soy sauce, this gravy is not your average bland vegetarian option.
But wait- what about the non-vegetarian crowd? Don’t worry! This gravy is also perfect for meat eaters looking to mix things up or who may have special dietary needs. And for those who may be dairy-free or gluten-free, fear not – this recipe can be easily modified to meet your specific requirements.
So why settle for run-of-the-mill gravy when you can elevate your Sunday roast with a delicious, satisfying and easy-to-make vegetarian option? Trust me when I say that this gravy is not only mouth-watering but also versatile enough to use on all kinds of dishes!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you need to make Glorious Vegetarian Gravy for Roast Dinners Recipe:
Ingredient List:
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup of brandy
- 1/4 cup of white wine
- 1/4 cup of red wine
- 2 tablespoons of reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 ounces of button mushrooms, sliced thin
- 1 Spanish onion, chopped small and fine.
- 3 tablespoons of butter or vegan butter.
- 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast
These ingredients are all easy to find and readily available in most grocery stores. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, make sure to check the labels of the ingredients you purchase.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all our ingredients, let’s start making the Glorious Vegetarian Gravy. This gravy is perfect for a Sunday roast with family or friends, and it is an excellent side dish that will enhance the flavors of any oven-roasted vegetables or main course.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Step 1: Sauteé garlic and onion
First, peel and chop two garlic cloves and a Spanish onion, then melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and onion until golden brown, which should take about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add mushrooms
Next up, slice 5-6 button mushrooms, add them to the saucepan, and cook for around five more minutes, stirring often.
Step 3: Add vegetable broth
Now, it’s time to add 2 cups of your chosen vegetable broth or stock to the pan, ensuring that you scrape off any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan from sautéing earlier.
Step 4: Add Brandy (optional)
Once everything is mixed thoroughly, consider adding a splash or so of brandy for good measure. It gives an additional depth to the flavor but don’t worry if you don’t have it on hand.
Step 5: Add reduced-sodium soy sauce
Next up, stir in ½ tablespoon of reduced-sodium soy sauce.
Step 6: Add Red Wine or White Wine (optional)
If you prefer red wine over white wine or vice versa, now is the perfect time to substitute one of the ingredients depending on your preference. Add around ¼ cup of either red wine or white wine to the pan.
Step 7: Whisk cornstarch and water into mixture
To thicken your gravy nicely and make it velvety smooth, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of water until fully combined in a separate bowl. Then slowly stream this mixture into the pot while whisking continuously.
Step 8: Simmer gravy and add nutritional yeast (optional)
Let this mixture simmer on low heat for at least ten minutes while whisking occasionally so that it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. You can also add up to 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast for that extra pop of flavor.
Step 9: Strain mixture
After approximately ten minutes has passed, remove from heat and strain the mixture through a sieve to remove any lumps or large pieces.
And voila! Your delicious Glorious Vegetarian Gravy served steaming hot ready for your roast dinner or oven-roasted vegetables!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking for ways to switch up your vegetarian gravy recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try. Here are some ideas to get you started:
– Instead of vegetable broth, you can use mushroom broth or a combination of both for an even richer flavor.
– For a boozy twist on your gravy, add a splash of brandy, white wine or red wine while cooking the mushrooms and onions. It will give a wonderful fragrance and depth to the gravy.
– If you want to keep it gluten-free, replace the regular flour in the recipe with cornstarch or your preferred gluten-free flour.
– Nutritional yeast can be added to create some desirable umami flavors, giving your gravy a rich, savory taste that complements any meatless meal.
– Swap out button mushrooms for other varieties such as shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a diverse array of tastes and textures.
– Instead of butter, use a vegan butter substitute such as Earth Balance for vegans or those with dairy intolerance to add creaminess to the gravy.
– If you prefer a thicker consistency, don’t hesitate to add more cornstarch or flour, but be sure to whisk well to avoid lumps.
Adding these variations and substitutions personalized this recipe. Satisfy all palates with these easy changes that create a distinctive twist on one classic favorite. All spare ingredients can be used as cooking components in various recipes that suit individual preferences.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made this magnificent vegetarian gravy, it’s time to decide what to serve it with. This vegan gravy recipe pairs perfectly with any roast dinner of your choice. It’s a versatile sauce that can lend its flavors to anything from oven roasted vegetables to the perfect Sunday roast.
For the ultimate roast dinner experience, ladle this delicious gravy over crispy roast potatoes and hearty slices of beef, chicken, or baked vegetables. To add a little bit of luxury to your meal, drizzle some brandy or white wine over the top of each serving. These liquids will enhance the flavor profile of the dish and create an elegant finish.
But this vegetarian gravy recipe can go beyond just the traditional Sunday roast. Its rich taste makes it a fantastic accompaniment to stir-fries or noodles. Try pouring it over Thai morning glory stir fry or pairing it with mushroom pasta for a more modern twist.
Don’t forget to pair this vegetable gravy with a glass of red wine or white wine for a full dining experience. The gravy adds something special to any dish it’s paired with and is sure to become a crowd favorite at your next dinner party.
So, whether it’s for Christmas dinner or an easy weeknight meal, this gluten-free vegetarian gravy recipe is perfect for any occasion. And don’t stop there – experiment with different dishes and discover new ways to enjoy this wonderful sauce!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to making the perfect vegetarian gravy for your roast dinner, planning ahead can go a long way. Luckily, this vegetarian gravy recipe is easy to make ahead of time and can be stored and reheated with ease.
To make things easier for yourself on the day of your roast dinner, you can prepare the gravy in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. The gravy may thicken when chilled, but don’t worry – just add some extra vegetable broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
If you’re looking to save even more time, you can also freeze the gravy in advance for up to three months. Simply allow the gravy to cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container. To thaw, let the gravy defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as usual.
It’s worth noting that while this vegetarian gravy recipe can be made ahead of time, it’s best served fresh. For optimal flavor and texture, try to use up any leftovers within three days of making. And of course, always reheat any leftover gravy thoroughly before serving.
With these make-ahead and storing tips, you can enjoy your delicious vegetarian gravy hassle-free while impressing your guests with its superb flavor and velvety texture on your next holiday or Sunday roast dinner.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, let’s dive into some tips that will guarantee your vegetarian gravy to turn out perfect.
First and foremost, make sure you whisk the cornstarch with a bit of water before adding it to the hot broth. This will prevent clumps and ensure a smooth consistency.
When sautéing the mushrooms and onions, don’t rush the process. Take your time to bring out their natural sweetness and earthy flavors. Be sure to cook them until they’re nicely browned, which can take up to 10 minutes over medium-high heat.
Speaking of heat, while cooking the gravy, be sure to keep stirring it frequently. This will prevent the bottom from burning or sticking to the pan, and also ensure an even thickness throughout.
If you’re looking for a more robust flavor, consider adding a splash of brandy or red wine towards the end. These strong flavors will pair perfectly with the umami taste of the mushroom broth.
Finally, for an extra touch of richness, feel free to add a pat of butter at the very end while it’s still hot. Swap it out for vegan butter if you’re making vegan gravy.
With these tips in mind, your vegetarian gravy is sure to turn out as delicious as ever!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or just looking for an alternative to traditional meat-based gravy, this recipe for Glorious Vegetarian Gravy is sure to satisfy. It’s easy to make, deliciously flavorful and can be tailored to suit your personal taste. With the addition of button mushrooms, Spanish onion and garlic cloves, this gravy is packed with exciting flavors that give it an extra edge.
With our simple recipe instructions and helpful tips for perfect results, you’ll be able to create a delicious and nutritious vegetarian gravy that pairs perfectly with any roast dinner or side dish. Whether you choose to make this gravy as a part of your Christmas dinner or for your next Sunday roast, it will surely impress all your guests.
Moreover, for those who are gluten-free or dairy-free, we have included substitution options so that you can enjoy this gravy too. By using cornstarch in place of flour and vegetable broth instead of beef broth, you can easily make a vegan or gluten-free version of this classic sauce without sacrificing any flavor.
So why not try making a batch of Glorious Vegetarian Gravy tonight? Not only is it super easy to make and full of healthy nutrients such as nutritional yeast and soy sauce but it’s also a go-to ingredient that will take your roast dinner from good to great. Trust us; you won’t be disappointed!
Glorious Vegetarian Gravy for Roast Dinners Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 medium Spanish onion, sliced (not diced)
- 6 button mushrooms, sliced
- 8 garlic cloves, roasted & crushed
- 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 dashes maggi seasoning, sauce
- 2/3 cup red wine
- 2/3 cup white wine
- splash brandy (perhaps 4 Tbsp., this is all to taste)
- garlic salt, ground cayenne pepper, freshly ground black pepper
- vegetable broth
- 3 teaspoons cornstarch, mixed into water
Instructions
- On medium-high or high heat, sautee the onion, mushroom and garlic in the butter, until nicely browned - do not burn, but make sure it's hot enough to really sizzle and give some nice colour.
- Season with garlic salt (or regular), cayenne and pepper.
- When the pan is beginning to brown with bits stuck to it, add in the soy sauce, Maggi sauce, wines, and brandy. The pan might hiss and spit when you pour it in; don't worry.
- Stir well, and bring to a simmer. Taste (it will be strong) and add more wine if necessary to get a good, balanced flavour.
- Add vegetable broth, tasting, frequently, until desired flavour has been reached (this is to mellow out the alcohol, and completely up to you).
- When the flavour is perfect, stir in the cornstarch already mixed with water (to avoid clumps) a little at a time until desired consistency.
- The gravy shouldn't be too thick; you want to be able to pour it out like normal roast gravy (like a jus).
- Enjoy!
Your Own Notes
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.