Luscious Vegetarian Gravy
This rich and flavorful vegetarian gravy is a delightful alternative to traditional gravies, offering a depth of taste that will surprise even the most die-hard meat lovers. Made with wholesome ingredients, it boasts lower saturated fat and zero cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice for your meals. The key to an exceptional gravy lies in your selection of broth or bouillon, so don’t hesitate to experiment to discover your preferred flavor profile. Perfect over creamy mashed potatoes, crispy roasted vegetables, or served alongside a hearty Tofurkey, this gravy elevates any dish. Plus, it's versatile enough to serve as a flavorful stew base—just add your favorite vegetables and stir in the cornstarch at the end. Simple to prepare and freezer-friendly, you can whip up a large batch and have delicious gravy ready to go at a moment's notice. When reheating, a quick blend or a few pulses with an immersion blender restores its creamy consistency beautifully.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
2 tablespoons (Any kind (all-purpose flour is fine))
margarine
2 tablespoons (Choose a quality brand, such as Smart Balance)
water or vegetable broth
2 cups (Broth is preferred for richer flavor)
vegetable bouillon cube
1 (Optional; omit if using broth)
tamari
1 tablespoon (Use for better flavor; soy sauce may also be used)
thyme
1 pinch (Dried thyme preferred)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (Add during cooking process)
cornstarch
1 1/2 tablespoons (For thickening)
cold water for cornstarch
2 tablespoons (To dissolve cornstarch)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, heat the margarine over low heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes golden and begins to smell nutty. This step creates the foundation for a rich flavor.
2
Gradually add in the 2 cups of water or vegetable broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. If you're using the vegetable bouillon cube, add it here as well. Stir in the tamari, thyme, and freshly ground black pepper to incorporate all the flavors.
3
Increase the heat to bring the gravy to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to maintain a smooth texture.
4
Lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, mixing well to eliminate any lumps. With the gravy still whisking, pour this cornstarch mixture into the saucepan to thicken the gravy further.
6
Continue to whisk vigorously until the gravy returns to a boil and thickens to your desired consistency, then remove from heat and serve immediately or allow to cool for storing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Luscious Vegetarian Gravy?
It is a rich and flavorful plant-based sauce designed as a heart-healthy alternative to traditional meat-based gravies.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, by using plant-based margarine and vegetable broth, this recipe is entirely vegan.
How can I make this gravy gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure your tamari or soy sauce is certified gluten-free.
Does this gravy contain cholesterol?
No, this vegetarian gravy is made with wholesome plant-based ingredients and contains zero cholesterol.
What is the best way to prevent lumps in the gravy?
Gradually add the liquid while whisking constantly to ensure the flour and margarine mixture incorporates smoothly.
Why should I whisk the margarine and flour for 3-5 minutes?
This creates a roux that develops a nutty aroma and a deeper flavor foundation for the gravy.
What type of margarine is recommended?
A quality brand like Smart Balance is recommended for the best flavor and nutritional profile.
Can I use water instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, you can use water, though vegetable broth is preferred for a significantly richer and more robust flavor.
When should I use a vegetable bouillon cube?
A bouillon cube is optional and best used if you are using water as your base instead of pre-made vegetable broth.
What is tamari and can I substitute it?
Tamari is a type of soy sauce that offers a better flavor profile; you can substitute regular soy sauce if necessary.
What kind of thyme is best for this recipe?
Dried thyme is preferred to provide a consistent and savory herbal note to the gravy.
How do I use cornstarch to thicken the gravy?
Mix the cornstarch with cold water first to create a slurry, then whisk it into the hot gravy to avoid clumping.
Why must cornstarch be mixed with cold water?
Mixing it with cold water eliminates lumps before it hits the hot liquid, ensuring a smooth consistency.
What dishes go well with this gravy?
It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or as a side for a festive Tofurkey.
Can I use this recipe as a base for other meals?
Yes, it is highly versatile and can serve as a flavorful base for a vegetable stew.
How do I turn this gravy into a stew?
Simply add your favorite vegetables to the liquid and stir in the cornstarch thickening slurry at the end of the cooking process.
Is this gravy freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can make a large batch and freeze it for future use.
How should I reheat frozen or refrigerated gravy?
Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, using an immersion blender if needed to restore its creamy texture.
Why use an immersion blender when reheating?
An immersion blender helps re-emulsify the ingredients and ensures the gravy returns to its original smooth consistency.
Can I adjust the amount of black pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding freshly ground black pepper to taste during the cooking process.
Does this gravy have high saturated fat?
No, it is designed to be lower in saturated fat compared to traditional meat-based gravies.
How long does the gravy need to simmer?
After bringing it to a boil, let it simmer gently for about 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What should the flour and margarine mixture smell like?
It should begin to smell nutty once it has been whisked over low heat for several minutes.
Can I make a large batch of this gravy?
Yes, the recipe is simple to double or triple if you are preparing for a large gathering or for meal prep.
What is the role of tamari in this recipe?
Tamari adds a savory, 'umami' depth that mimics the richness usually found in meat gravies.
Can I use all-purpose flour?
Yes, any kind of flour is fine, but all-purpose flour is the standard choice for this recipe.
How do I know when the gravy is thick enough?
Continue whisking until it returns to a boil after adding the cornstarch; it will thicken as it heats.
Can I add other herbs like rosemary?
While thyme is suggested, you can experiment with other herbs like rosemary or sage to suit your taste preferences.
Is it necessary to use freshly ground black pepper?
Freshly ground pepper provides the best flavor, but pre-ground pepper can be used in a pinch.
Should the gravy be served immediately?
It can be served immediately while hot, or allowed to cool for storage in the refrigerator or freezer.