Simple Vegan Gravy Recipe

Olive oil: A healthy fat used to sauté the onions and garlic, providing a rich base for the gravy.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked until translucent.

Garlic: Enhances the savory profile of the gravy with its aromatic qualities.

All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent to give the gravy its desired consistency.

Vegetable broth: The liquid base that brings all the flavors together, making the gravy smooth and rich.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the gravy.

Thyme: A dried herb that adds a subtle earthy flavor.

Sage: Another dried herb that contributes a slightly peppery and aromatic note.

Salt: Used to season the gravy to taste.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and enhances the other flavors.

When making this vegan gravy, ensure to cook the flour thoroughly after adding it to the onion and garlic. This step, known as making a roux, helps to eliminate the raw taste of the flour and creates a smooth, rich base for the gravy. Stir constantly to prevent burning and to achieve a golden-brown color before adding the vegetable broth.

• Olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and can add a subtle, pleasant flavor to the gravy.

• Onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder taste and can add a slightly sweet and delicate flavor to the gravy.

• Garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available, providing a similar flavor profile.

• All-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch is a gluten-free thickening agent that can be used to achieve a similar consistency in the gravy.

• Vegetable broth - Substitute with mushroom broth: Mushroom broth adds a rich, umami flavor that enhances the depth of the gravy.

• Soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and provides a similar savory flavor.

• Thyme - Substitute with rosemary: Rosemary offers a robust and aromatic flavor that complements the other herbs in the gravy.

• Sage - Substitute with marjoram: Marjoram has a mild, sweet flavor that can be used as a substitute for sage in the gravy.

• Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct substitute for regular salt, providing a similar level of seasoning.

• Pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder taste and can be used to add a subtle heat without altering the color of the gravy.

• Allow the gravy to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to a watery texture.

• Transfer the cooled gravy to an airtight container. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal for preserving flavor and preventing leaks.

• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. Vegan gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the gravy. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space at the top as the gravy will expand when frozen.

• If using freezer bags, lay them flat in the freezer to save space and ensure even freezing. Once frozen, you can stack them to maximize freezer space.

• To reheat refrigerated gravy, transfer it to a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the gravy has thickened too much, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

• For frozen gravy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat as you would refrigerated gravy. If you're in a hurry, you can thaw it in a microwave-safe container using the defrost setting, then reheat on the stove.

• If the gravy separates or becomes grainy after freezing, whisk it vigorously while reheating to restore its smooth texture. Adding a bit more vegetable broth can also help achieve the right consistency.

• Avoid reheating gravy multiple times, as this can affect its flavor and texture. Only reheat the amount you plan to use immediately.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Pour the leftover gravy into a saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
  4. Continue to heat until the gravy is warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the gravy to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. If the gravy is too thick, stir in a bit of vegetable broth or water.
  5. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until the gravy is hot.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Pour the gravy into an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water and stir well before serving.

• Double Boiler Method:

  1. Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place the gravy in the top pot of the double boiler.
  3. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
  4. Heat until the gravy is warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
  5. If the gravy is too thick, add a bit of vegetable broth or water to adjust the consistency.

• Saucepan: A medium-sized saucepan is essential for cooking the gravy over medium heat.

• Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the onions, garlic, and flour to prevent sticking and burning.

• Whisk: A whisk is necessary for smoothly incorporating the vegetable broth into the flour mixture.

• Measuring spoons: Accurate measuring spoons are needed to measure out the olive oil, flour, soy sauce, thyme, and sage.

• Measuring cup: A measuring cup is used to measure the vegetable broth.

• Chef's knife: A chef's knife is required for finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Cutting board: A cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Ladle: A ladle is useful for serving the gravy warm.

• Stove: A stove is necessary for heating and cooking the ingredients.

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the onion and mince garlic in advance to save time during cooking.

Use a whisk: A whisk helps blend the flour and vegetable broth smoothly, reducing lumps and speeding up the process.

Measure spices beforehand: Pre-measure the thyme, sage, salt, and pepper to streamline the cooking process.

Simmer while multitasking: Let the gravy simmer while you prepare other dishes, making efficient use of your time.