Nutritious Mushroom and Herb Gravy
This Nutritious Mushroom and Herb Gravy is a versatile and flavorful sauce that can be made with either beef or chicken broth. It's perfect for enhancing your favorite dishes while keeping them healthy. The use of fresh vegetables and herbs along with a reduction in sodium and fat makes it a guilt-free addition to any meal.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
reduced-sodium fat-free beef broth or reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth
2 cups (divided)
cornstarch
2 tablespoons (none)
pepper
1 pinch (none)
Instructions
1
Start by warming a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
2
Add the finely chopped onion, mushrooms, and parsley to the saucepan with 1/4 cup of broth.
3
Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and the onions are translucent, stirring occasionally.
4
In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch, a pinch of pepper, and 1/2 cup of broth. Stir until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
5
Pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan with the sautéed vegetables.
6
Add the remaining 1 1/4 cups of broth to the saucepan.
7
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Allow it to boil for about 2 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
8
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the gravy to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nutritious Mushroom and Herb Gravy?
It is a versatile and flavorful sauce made with fresh vegetables and herbs, designed to be a healthy addition to various meals.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the main ingredients in this gravy?
The main ingredients include onion, fresh mushrooms, fresh parsley, broth, cornstarch, and a pinch of pepper.
Can I use different types of broth for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either reduced-sodium fat-free beef broth or reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth.
Is this mushroom gravy low in fat?
Yes, it is considered low-fat as it uses fat-free broth and no added oils or butter.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-sodium diet?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for reduced-sodium broth to keep the salt content lower.
Is this gravy vegan or vegetarian?
While the recipe mentions beef or chicken broth, it can be made vegan or vegetarian by substituting with a high-quality vegetable broth.
How much onion do I need?
You will need 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh mushrooms.
How do I thicken the gravy?
The gravy is thickened using 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with a portion of the broth.
Do I need to sauté the vegetables in oil?
No, the vegetables are sautéed in 1/4 cup of broth instead of oil to keep it nutritious.
How long should I boil the gravy?
Once it reaches a gentle boil, let it cook for about 2 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
What is the preparation for the fresh parsley?
You should use 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
What temperature should I use to start the recipe?
Start by warming a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
How do I ensure there are no lumps in my gravy?
Mix the cornstarch, pepper, and 1/2 cup of broth in a separate bowl until the mixture is smooth before adding it to the saucepan.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
While fresh is recommended for flavor, you could use dried parsley, though you may need to adjust the quantity as dried herbs are more potent.
How much broth is needed in total?
The recipe requires a total of 2 cups of broth, divided for different stages of cooking.
When are the onions considered ready during the sauté process?
The onions are ready when they become tender and translucent.
Should I serve the gravy immediately after cooking?
It is recommended to remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the gravy to cool slightly before serving.
What is the purpose of the 1/4 cup of broth in the first step?
It is used to sauté the onion, mushrooms, and parsley without using added fats.
Can I add more pepper if I like it spicy?
Yes, while the recipe calls for a pinch, you can adjust the pepper to your personal taste.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Sauces.
Is the broth added all at once?
No, the broth is divided into 1/4 cup for sautéing, 1/2 cup for the cornstarch mixture, and 1 1/4 cups added at the end.
What makes this gravy guilt-free?
The reduction in sodium and fat, along with the use of fresh vegetables, makes it a healthier alternative to traditional gravies.
Can I use this gravy on roasted chicken?
Absolutely, it is perfect for enhancing roasted chicken or beef dishes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients in this recipe.
Does this recipe contain any cholesterol?
Because it uses fat-free broth and plant-based vegetables, it is naturally very low in or free of cholesterol.
Is cornstarch the only way to thicken it?
The recipe specifies cornstarch, which is a common gluten-free way to thicken sauces while keeping them clear and smooth.
What size saucepan should I use?
A medium-sized saucepan is recommended for this recipe.
Can I prepare the vegetables in advance?
Yes, finely chopping the onions, mushrooms, and parsley ahead of time can make the cooking process much faster.