Homemade Vegetarian Gravy: Comfort in a Bowl
For many people, gravy is an essential component of any hearty meal. It adds flavor, texture, and a touch of indulgence that transforms plain food into something special. However, many gravy recipes call for meat drippings or stock, making them unsuitable for vegetarians or vegans. This is where my vegetarian gravy recipe comes in – perfect for those looking to make vegetarian-friendly gravy that tastes just as good as the traditional meat-based version.
Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to reduce your meat intake, this recipe will have you covered. With flavorful ingredients like mushrooms, onions, and vegetable broth, plus a few unexpected additions like soy sauce and nutritional yeast, this easy vegan gravy will impress even the staunchest meat-eaters.
But why stop at just accommodating dietary restrictions? This vegetarian gravy recipe is so delicious it can stand on its own merits as a fantastic addition to any meal. So let’s get started on making this savory and satisfying plant-based recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of bland and boring vegetarian meals? Look no further than this easy vegetarian gravy recipe that will transform any dish into a savory masterpiece.
Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
Firstly, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re pouring it over mashed potatoes, stuffing or roasted vegetables, this vegetarian gravy will take your meal to the next level. Plus, the recipe can easily be adjusted to make a vegan version by swapping butter with vegan butter and using vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef flavored broth mix.
Secondly, the gravy ingredients are simple and budget-friendly. You’ll need only a few pantry staples like all-purpose flour, olive oil or vegetable oil, onions and mushrooms along with some specialty items such as vegetarian beef and chicken broth mixes. You can also add depth of flavor by using soy sauce instead of salt.
Lastly, this recipe is foolproof and easy to make even for beginner cooks. By following these simple steps written below you can create creamy, flavorful vegetarian gravy in no time.
In sum, whether you’re cooking up an easy weekday meal or trying to make a special family dinner more festive, this vegetarian gravy is just what you need!
Ingredient List
Here are the vegetarian gravy recipe ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious plant-based recipe:
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter or margarine
- 1 cup finely chopped onions
- 3 cups shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Kitchen Bouquet (optional)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the broth mix option:
- 1 cup vegetarian chicken-flavored broth mix (or vegetarian beef-flavored broth mix)
- 6 cups water
Note: For an easy vegan gravy, substitute the butter with olive oil and use either vegetable stock or water.
The Recipe How-To
Now for the best part – actually making the vegetarian gravy. It’s easier than you might think! Here are the step-by-step instructions:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. margarine or vegan butter
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped mushrooms
- 1 ½ cups diced yellow onions
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Kitchen Bouquet or gravy mix (optional)
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
-
In a pot over medium heat, add olive oil and margarine, then wait until the margarine is melted.
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Add chopped mushrooms and onions and cook until soft, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes.
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Reduce heat to low-medium and add flour. Mix well with vegetables and cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown.
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Slowly pour in vegetable broth while continuously whisking with a fork or a whisk to avoid lumps forming.
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Add soy sauce, nutritional yeast, Kitchen Bouquet or gravy mix (if using any), salt, and pepper then stir well.
6.Season according to your taste preference.
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Leave simmering over low heat for approximately 20 minutes or until the gravy thickens, stir every few minutes to make sure that it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot..
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
With these simple steps, you’ve just made your very own homemade vegetarian gravy! Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients of your choosing such as adding coconut milk to make it creamier.
For an even richer flavor, try using shiitake mushrooms instead of regular white button mushrooms, as they have an umami flavor that will give your gravy a distinct taste.
Now that you have mastered how to make easy vegetarian gravy recipe like this one, you can enjoy it in so many ways – on top of mashed potatoes, stuffing or even use it as a dip for roasted vegetables!
Get those pots ready and start cooking – time to make some delicious vegetarian gravy!
Substitutions and Variations
This vegetarian gravy recipe is already a delicious and flexible option for your plant-based meals. But, if you’re looking for some substitutions and variations to try out, here are a few options.
Firstly, if you don’t have Kitchen Bouquet or vegan butter, you can substitute them with vegetable oil or olive oil respectively. Also, you can use margarine in place of the vegan butter. This change won’t significantly alter the taste of the gravy.
For the broth mix, you can replace the vegetarian chicken flavored or beef broth mix with vegetable broth mix to make it entirely plant-based. You can also substitute the water with mushroom broth for an earthy flavor or soy sauce for an umami taste.
If you’re a fan of mushrooms, add more mushrooms to this recipe, such as shiitake or porcini mushrooms. You can use finely chopped mushrooms to replace some of the flour in the recipe.
For those who prefer a creamier texture to their gravy, add coconut milk instead of water in the recipe about 1/4 cup at a time until you achieve your desired texture.
Finally, you can add nutritional yeast for an extra boost of vitamins and minerals. Nutritional yeast has a cheesy and nutty flavor that complements the savory taste of this gravy perfectly.
By experimenting with these substitutions and variations, you can create different flavors and textures that still meet your dietary restrictions.
Serving and Pairing
The vegetarian gravy recipe is a versatile condiment that can be served with a variety of dishes, from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables. It’s the perfect finishing touch that brings out the flavors of every dish.
For a classic serving suggestion, pour the gravy over mashed potatoes and serve alongside your favorite vegetarian or vegan protein source, such as lentil loaf or tofu cutlets. You can also use it as a dip for bread or roasted vegetables.
If you’re looking to get creative with pairing options, try using the gravy as a sauce for veggie burgers or savory pies. It can even be used as a substitute for tomato sauce in pizzas, adding a unique umami flavor to the dish.
For those who love to experiment with flavors, add a dash of soy sauce or coconut milk to the gravy for an Asian-inspired twist. The possibilities are endless when it comes to making this vegetarian gravy recipe your own.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this easy vegetarian gravy is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this vegetarian gravy recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, stored, and reheated with ease. This makes it a perfect dish for holiday meals, gatherings, and busy weeknights.
To make-ahead, simply prepare the gravy as directed in the recipe. Once it’s done, let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. The gravy can be placed in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat the gravy, gently warm it up in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth if necessary to loosen the consistency. Stir occasionally and avoid boiling as it may change the texture.
If you’re serving this gravy at a party, you can transfer it to a crockpot on warm setting to keep it hot and ready for guests to pour over mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Overall, this easy vegetarian gravy recipe is perfect for those who are looking to save time and reduce last-minute cooking stress. Its versatility makes it the perfect addition to any meal planning routine.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure the perfect vegetarian gravy every time, here are some handy tips to keep in mind:
Firstly, be careful not to overcook the gravy. Overcooking can result in burning or scorching, which will ruin the flavor and texture of the gravy.
Secondly, it’s important to use the right fat for your gravy. Margarine, vegan butter, or olive oil all work well, but make sure not to use too much or your gravy will be greasy.
Thirdly, use a quality broth mix that is specifically designed for vegetarian or vegan cooking. The vegetarian chicken or beef flavored broth mix will give your gravy that savory flavor you desire.
Fourthly, when it comes to thickening the gravy, avoid adding too much flour. This can lead to clumping and a gritty texture. Instead, add just enough flour to achieve your desired thickness.
Fifthly, try adding some nutritional yeast to your gravy for added flavor and nutrition. This ingredient adds a cheesy, nutty taste that enhances the overall richness of the gravy.
Lastly, if you find your gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a slurry of flour and water or by simmering it on low heat until it reaches the desired consistency.
By following these tips and incorporating them into this easy vegetarian gravy recipe with mushroom and onions; you will have a plant-based and delicious gravy that will impress both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike at any gathering.
FAQ
As a culinary explorer, I know that every recipe can come with its own set of questions and uncertainties. That’s why, in this section of the article, I provide answers to some frequently asked questions that you may have about making this vegetarian gravy. From ingredient substitutions to common mistakes to avoid, I’ve got you covered. So before you begin your gravy-making adventure, take a look at these FAQs to ensure smooth sailing in the kitchen.
What is vegetarian gravy made of?
Discover a delectable gravy recipe that is perfect for vegetarians! This savory and flavorful gravy utilizes onions, garlic, vegetable broth, and nutritional yeast to create a mouthwatering dish.
Is gravy from KFC vegetarian?
When examining the ingredient list of KFC’s gravy, one may notice that chicken fat is prominently featured as the fourth ingredient. Unfortunately, this means that KFC’s gravy is not compatible with a vegetarian or vegan diet, as chicken fat is derived from an animal product.
Is brown gravy mix vegetarian?
Knorr Brown Gravy Mix is a quick and easy solution for busy chefs who want to add classic flavor to their dishes. Made with vegetarian and plant-based ingredients, this gravy base is a delicious blend of vegetables and seasoning that creates a rich and savory taste that will leave your guests thinking you spent hours cooking.
Is Campbell’s mushroom gravy vegetarian?
Initially, I had some doubts about Campbell’s Mushroom Gravy being listed as a vegan option. I suspected the presence of animal-based stock in the ingredients but to my surprise, it was not there. Upon tasting it, I can confirm that not only is it vegan, but also quite flavorful.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this vegetarian gravy recipe is a game-changer for all plant-based eaters out there who miss the rich and flavorful taste of traditional gravy. With easily accessible ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is a great addition to any meal or holiday feast. By using alternatives such as nutritional yeast and Kitchen Bouquet, you can also make this recipe vegan-friendly without losing its taste and quality.
I highly recommend trying out this recipe, whether you are a vegetarian or not. It’s perfect for those looking to take a break from meat, reduce their carbon footprint or simply looking to diversify their meals.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to customize your gravy to your liking. One thing is for sure; your taste buds and guests will thank you for taking the initiative to make a delicious vegetarian gravy made from scratch.
So go ahead and give it a try, I’m confident that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen in no time. And who knows, maybe it’ll even convert some meat-eaters into vegetarians!
Vegetarian Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons vegetarian chicken flavored broth mix or 2 teaspoons vegetarian beef broth mix (see note)
- 1/4 1/4 cup butter or 1/4 cup margarine
- 2 tablespoons very finely minced onions
- 3 tablespoons finely diced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Gravy Master or 1 teaspoon Kitchen Bouquet (gravy seasoning and browning sauce)
- salt & freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Boil the water and add the 2 tsp.
- of broth mix.
- Stir to dissolve and set aside.
- Heat the butter, margarine or oil in a small saucepan with the onions and saute until the onions just barely begin to brown.
- (Add the mushrooms with the onions if using) Add the flour and with a whisk, stir until you get a smooth paste and keep whisking and stirring constantly until the mixture turns a nice light to medium golden brown.
- Pour in the broth and whisk vigorously until the flour mixture is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Then continue cooking and stirring and whisking very often until the mixture starts to bubble and becomes thick, at which point you should be stirring pretty much constantly.
- Serve over whatever you like.
- This works just as well with or without the mushrooms.
- Depends on your personal taste.
- NOTE: Kosher broth mix is usually sold as a powder in jars in the kosher food section of the supermarket.
- Two popular brands are Carmel Kosher and Manischewitz; None of them contain any animal products, even the beef and chicken flavors.
- They are even vegan (I checked the ingredients with a vegan website).
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Meet Mishra Vikas
Mishra Vikas has been programming for many years and has developed a number of successful online businesses. He is passionate about helping others to use technology to make their lives easier and more enjoyable. He has created a number of tutorials and articles on his website to help teach people how to make money online, travel on a budget and cook delicious meals. He hopes to inspire others to take advantage of the amazing opportunities that technology can offer.