This Easy Vegan Gravy is rich, flavorful, and perfect for all your comfort food favorites like mashed potatoes, biscuits, and veggie loaf. With the savory depth of dried porcini mushrooms, fresh herbs, and a velvety texture, this vegan gravy will elevate any meal. It’s simple to make and can be customized for your preferred thickness.
Ingredients:
For the Gravy:
2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil (or water if avoiding oil)
3/4 cup diced yellow or white onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons cornstarch (or allpurpose flour or arrowroot starch)
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme (or use dried thyme)
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary (or use dried rosemary)
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup unsweetened plain almond milk (optional)
1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms (or substitute with 2 cups chopped cremini or shiitake mushrooms)
2 1/2 to 3 cups vegetable broth (or storebought; we recommend Imagine brand)
For Serving (Optional):
Mashed potatoes
Fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Rehydrate the Mushrooms:
In a large saucepan or pot, rehydrate the dried porcini mushrooms by adding them to the vegetable broth. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Once it starts to bubble, remove from heat, cover, and let rest to allow the mushrooms to soften and release their flavors.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
While the mushrooms are rehydrating, heat a large rimmed pan over medium heat. Add the avocado or olive oil (or water for an oilfree version). Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 23 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
3. Thicken the Gravy:
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the onions and garlic and stir to coat evenly. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes to remove any raw flour flavor.
Add the rehydrated mushrooms along with their broth (reserve a bit of the broth for adjusting the thickness later). Stir to combine. Add the fresh thyme and rosemary, and let the mixture cook for another 23 minutes.
4. Blend the Gravy:
Transfer the gravy to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pan. Blend until smooth and creamy. If you prefer more texture, leave some of the onions or mushrooms unblended.
Return the gravy to the pan and warm over low heat for another 23 minutes.
5. Adjust the Texture:
If you like a thinner gravy, add the reserved vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, whisk in 1 to 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with a little of the gravy and stir it back into the pan. Continue to adjust until the gravy reaches your preferred thickness.
6. Finish and Serve:
Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If desired, add a splash of almond milk to lighten the color and flavor, though this is optional.
Serve the gravy with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or any other dish of your choice. Top with fresh parsley for a colorful garnish.
7. Storage:
Store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in a saucepan, adding more vegetable broth to thin as needed.
Recipe Details:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 46 servings
Tips for Success:
Mushroom Variations: You can substitute the dried porcini mushrooms with other dried mushrooms for different flavor profiles, or use fresh cremini or shiitake mushrooms if you prefer.
Thicker Gravy: If you like a thicker gravy, reduce the vegetable broth slightly or add a little more cornstarch or flour. Make sure to whisk it in thoroughly to avoid clumping.
Flavor Adjustments: Adjust the amount of thyme, rosemary, and garlic based on your taste preferences. You can also add a dash of soy sauce or tamari for added umami flavor.
This Easy Vegan Gravy is the perfect addition to your favorite comfort foods. Whether it’s drizzled over mashed potatoes or served with a savory veggie loaf, this hearty gravy is sure to be a hit at any meal. Enjoy the rich, earthy flavors and smooth texture that will keep everyone coming back for more!
