Veganism has become more popular than ever, and its followers are searching for delicious alternatives to traditional meat-based dishes. One such dish is gravy, a staple accompaniment to many hearty meals. Fortunately, vegan gravy recipes are plentiful and surprisingly easy to make. With a little creativity and the right ingredients, you can create rich, flavorful gravies that are 100% plant-based. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best vegan gravy recipes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests.
What Is Vegan Gravy
Vegan gravy is a type of savory sauce made without using any animal products or by-products. Unlike traditional gravy that uses meat drippings or broth, vegan gravy is typically made with vegetable stock, plant-based milk, and flavorful seasonings and herbs.
The Ingredients of Vegan Gravy
The main components of vegan gravy are plant-based substitutes for traditional meat drippings and broth. Vegetable stock, either store-bought or homemade, is commonly used as a base for vegan gravy.
Mushrooms are an excellent substitute for meaty flavor in vegan gravy. They add umami taste, nutrition, and texture to the sauce. Nutritional yeast, miso paste, soy sauce, and tamari are also popular ingredients that contribute to a meaty and umami flavor.
- Vegetable Stock: Vegetable stock is the base of vegan gravy. You can either buy it or make it at home. Homemade vegetable stock is a healthier option, and it has a rich taste, but it is time-consuming to make. Store-bought vegetable stock is also a reliable option. Look for a low-sodium and organic brand to prevent added synthetic flavorings or preservatives.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms are a popular ingredient in vegan gravy as they have a meaty flavor and can add texture to the sauce. Portobello, shiitake, cremini, and porcini are some of the best mushroom types for making vegan gravy. Finely chop or blend mushrooms to incorporate them into the sauce fully.
- Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast is a popular ingredient in the vegan community. It adds a cheesy and nutty flavor to the gravy and is high in vitamins, minerals, and protein. You can buy nutritional yeast in flakes or powder form, and it is available in most health food stores or online.
- Miso Paste: Miso paste is a fermented soybean paste that adds a salty and savory flavor to the sauce. It is also rich in probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. White, yellow, and red miso are the most common types of miso paste available in stores.
- Soy Sauce or Tamari: Soy sauce and tamari are both fermented soybean sauces that add an umami flavor to the gravy. Tamari is similar to soy sauce, but it is gluten-free and milder in flavor. They both contain salt, so use them sparingly.
The Benefits of Vegan Gravy
Vegan gravy is a healthier alternative to traditional gravy as it contains fewer calories, less saturated fat, and no cholesterol. Additionally, vegan gravy is cruelty-free and eco-friendly as it does not use any animal products or by-products. You can enjoy delicious and guilt-free gravy without harming any animals or the environment.
Ingredients for Vegan Gravy Recipes
Vegan gravy is a delicious addition to any plant-based meal. It’s the perfect way to bring some extra flavor and moisture to dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or seitan. Making vegan gravy can be easy and inexpensive, as long as you have the right ingredients. Here are some of the key components of vegan gravy recipes.
Plant-Based Milk
One of the main ingredients in vegan gravy is plant-based milk. This can be any type of non-dairy milk that you like, such as almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk. The milk helps to make the gravy creamy and thick, without adding any animal products. Some recipes call for unsweetened milk, while others suggest using sweetened milk for a slightly sweeter gravy.
Flour
Flour is used as a thickener in vegan gravy recipes. You can use regular flour or a gluten-free flour substitute, such as cornstarch or arrowroot powder. The key is to create a roux, which is a mixture of flour and fat (such as oil or vegan butter) that is cooked over low heat until it forms a paste. The roux is then gradually whisked into the milk and broth to thicken the gravy.
Vegetable Broth or Bouillon
Vegan gravy also typically includes some type of savory liquid, such as vegetable broth or bouillon. This adds flavor and depth to the gravy, so be sure to choose a broth that you enjoy the taste of. You can make your own broth by simmering vegetables, herbs, and spices in water for a few hours, or you can use store-bought broth or bouillon cubes.
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is a popular ingredient in vegan cooking, as it adds a cheesy flavor and nutritional benefits. It’s often used in vegan gravy recipes to create a richer, more savory taste. Nutritional yeast is a type of inactive yeast that’s high in protein and B vitamins. It can be found in most health food stores and online.
Spices
Finally, don’t forget to add some spices to your vegan gravy for extra flavor. Some common spices used in vegan gravy recipes include garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, sage, and black pepper. You can adjust the spices to your liking, or try adding some additional ingredients like mushrooms, miso paste, or even a splash of vegan Worcestershire sauce.
Types of Vegan Gravy
Vegan gravy is a great addition to any meal and can even make a simple dish extraordinary. It is a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional gravy that is packed with animal fats and oils. There are several types of vegan gravy that you can make at home, and we will discuss some of the most popular options below.
Mushroom Gravy
Mushroom gravy is a savory and delicious vegan gravy that is easy to make. It is perfect for adding flavor to mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and vegan meat substitutes. To make mushroom gravy, you will need mushrooms, vegetable broth, flour, soy sauce, olive oil, and garlic.
- Start by heating olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add minced garlic.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook until they release their liquid and become tender.
- Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir well for a few minutes.
- Gradually add vegetable broth and soy sauce to the pan while stirring continuously.
- Allow the gravy to simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Lentil Gravy
Lentil gravy is another delicious vegan gravy that is high in protein and fiber. It is perfect for adding to vegan meatballs, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables. To make lentil gravy, you will need lentils, vegetable broth, garlic, onion, and flour.
- In a pot, cook the lentils in vegetable broth until they are soft and tender.
- In a separate pan, sauté garlic and onions until they are soft and translucent.
- Sprinkle flour over the garlic and onions and stir well for a few minutes.
- Add the cooked lentils to the pan and stir well.
- Add vegetable broth to the pan gradually while stirring continuously.
- Simmer the gravy until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cashew Gravy
Cashew gravy is a rich and creamy vegan gravy that is perfect for adding to mashed potatoes, vegan meat substitutes, and roasted veggies. It requires minimal ingredients, and it’s quite simple to make. To make cashew gravy, you will need cashews, vegetable broth, garlic, onion, and nutritional yeast.
- Soak cashews in water for a few hours, then drain them and reserve the water.
- In a pan, sauté garlic and onion until they are soft and tender.
- Add the soaked cashews, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, and the reserved cashew water to a blender.
- Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour the cashew mixture into the pan with garlic and onion, and simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
There you have it, three popular types of vegan gravy that are simple to make and packed with flavor. Try making one or all of them at home to elevate your next meal.
How to Make Vegan Gravy
Vegan gravy is a delicious alternative to traditional gravy for those who are vegan or vegetarian. You can use a variety of ingredients to make vegan gravy, including mushrooms, onions, lentils, or cashews. Making vegan gravy is also fairly simple and can be done in just a few steps.
Ingredients
The first step in making vegan gravy is to gather all of the necessary ingredients. Depending on the recipe you’re following, some common ingredients include:
- 1 cup vegetable broth or stock
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
- 1 onion or shallot, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour or cornstarch
- 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Once you’ve gathered all of the necessary ingredients, you can start making vegan gravy. Here are the basic steps:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil or vegan butter over medium heat. Add the onion or shallot and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour or cornstarch over the onion and garlic, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is lightly browned.
- Slowly pour in the vegetable broth or stock, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the soy sauce or tamari and continue whisking until the mixture comes to a low boil.
Blending and Seasoning
Once the mixture has come to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should thicken and become smooth as it cooks.
Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, using an immersion blender or regular blender, blend the mixture until it is smooth and creamy.
Taste the gravy and season with salt and pepper, if necessary. You can also add additional herbs or spices to customize the flavor, such as thyme, sage, or rosemary.
Once you’re happy with the flavor and consistency of your vegan gravy, you can serve it hot over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite plant-based protein. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Vegan Gravy Recipe Ideas
Vegan food is becoming more and more popular, and even traditional dishes are being adapted to make them meat-free. One classic dish that is often thought of as a meat-based recipe is gravy. However, with a little creativity, it’s easy to create delicious vegan gravy recipes that are just as tasty as their non-vegan counterparts. Here are some tasty vegan gravy recipe ideas to try:
Vegan Sausage Gravy
If you’re missing the flavour of traditional sausage gravy, this vegan version is sure to hit the spot. It’s made with vegan sausage, soya milk, and vegetable stock, flavoured with garlic, onion powder, and thyme. Simply cook the sausage in a large pan, add in the other ingredients, and simmer until thickened. This gravy is perfect for serving over vegan biscuits or mashed potatoes.
Mashed Potato Gravy
Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, and adding some delicious vegan gravy makes them even better. To make this recipe, you’ll need some basic ingredients like vegetable broth, flour, and vegan butter. Simply cook the flour and butter together to make a roux, then gradually whisk in the veggie broth until the gravy is thick and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like, and serve over mashed potatoes.
Vegan Biscuits and Gravy
Biscuits and gravy is a classic southern dish that is typically made with sausage gravy. But this vegan version is just as tasty and comforting. To make the gravy, you’ll need vegan sausage, onions, garlic, flour, non-dairy milk, and vegetable stock. Start by cooking the sausage and onions together, then whisk in the flour and gradually add in the liquid until the gravy is thick and creamy. Serve over vegan biscuits for a delicious breakfast or brunch.
Mushroom Gravy
If you’re looking for a delicious vegan gravy that’s packed with flavour, try this mushroom gravy recipe. It’s made with mushrooms, onion, garlic, and a few other simple ingredients, and it goes well with just about anything. To make it, simply sauté the mushrooms and onions until they’re soft, then add in the flour and gradually whisk in the liquid until the gravy is thick and smooth. Season with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage, and enjoy!
Red Wine Gravy
This vegan gravy recipe is perfect for special occasions when you want something a little fancier. It’s made with red wine, vegetable broth, and a few other flavourful ingredients, and it’s perfect for serving with holiday roasts or other hearty dishes. To make it, simply sauté some onions and garlic, then whisk in the flour and gradually add in the liquid until the gravy is thick and velvety. Add the red wine and cook for a few minutes until the alcohol has burned off, then season with salt and pepper and serve.
FAQs about Vegan Gravy
If you are looking for a tasty gravy recipe that does not contain animal products, then vegan gravy is the perfect choice for you. Here are some of the frequently asked questions about vegan gravy:
Can vegan gravy be made gluten-free?
Yes, vegan gravy can be made gluten-free. Most traditional gravies are made with flour, which contains gluten, but there are many gluten-free flour alternatives that can be used instead. Some popular options include cornstarch, tapioca starch, and rice flour. Simply substitute the flour in your gravy recipe with one of these gluten-free options and continue with the recipe as directed.
What can I use if I don’t have nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast is a common ingredient in vegan gravy recipes and gives it a cheesy, umami flavor. If you don’t have nutritional yeast, there are a few alternatives that you can use instead. One option is to add some miso paste to your gravy, which will give it a similar savory flavor. Another option is to add some soy sauce or tamari for a slightly different flavor profile. You can also add some dried herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to give your vegan gravy some extra flavor.
How long does vegan gravy last in the fridge?
Vegan gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you have leftovers, simply let the gravy cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge. When you are ready to use the gravy, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it is hot. If the gravy has thickened in the fridge, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or water to thin it out.
What are some other vegan gravy recipe ideas?
- Mushroom Gravy: Saute chopped mushrooms and onions in a saucepan. Add vegetable broth, soy sauce, thyme, and garlic powder. Whisk in cornstarch to thicken.
- Cashew Gravy: Soak cashews in water for a few hours. Blend the soaked cashews with vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, and garlic powder until smooth. Heat the mixture in a saucepan and whisk in cornstarch to thicken.
- Miso Gravy: Whisk together miso paste, vegetable broth, tomato paste, and soy sauce in a saucepan. Heat until hot and serve.
Let’s Dig In to These Delicious Vegan Gravy Recipes!
Thanks for reading and joining me in exploring the world of vegan food. I hope these gravy recipes have inspired you to create your own versions or to try them out in your next plant-based meal. Remember, there are endless possibilities when it comes to vegan cooking, and I can’t wait to continue sharing them with you. So, keep an eye out for more tasty recipes in the future and happy cooking!