Vegan Herb Gravy Recipe

Olive oil: Provides a rich base and helps sauté the onions and garlic.

Onions: Adds sweetness and depth to the gravy.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its pungent aroma.

All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent for the gravy.

Vegetable broth: The liquid base that brings all the flavors together.

Dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthy flavor.

Dried rosemary: Provides a fragrant, pine-like aroma.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and warmth.

When adding the flour to the sautéed onions and garlic, make sure to cook it for the full 2 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps to eliminate the raw taste of the flour and allows it to blend seamlessly with the vegetable broth, resulting in a smoother, more flavorful gravy.

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

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking.

• chopped onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweeter flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the gravy.

• chopped onions - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a delicate onion flavor and can add a unique twist to the gravy.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic for convenience and a similar flavor profile.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can add a mild garlic-like flavor and additional depth to the gravy.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent and is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with rice flour: Rice flour is a gluten-free alternative that can also thicken the gravy effectively.

• vegetable broth - Substitute with mushroom broth: Mushroom broth adds a rich, umami flavor that complements the herbs in the gravy.

• vegetable broth - Substitute with white wine: White wine can add a depth of flavor and a slight acidity that enhances the overall taste of the gravy.

• dried thyme - Substitute with fresh thyme: Fresh thyme can provide a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to dried thyme.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano offers a different but complementary herbal note that works well in the gravy.

• dried rosemary - Substitute with fresh rosemary: Fresh rosemary can impart a more intense and fragrant flavor to the gravy.

• dried rosemary - Substitute with dried sage: Dried sage provides a warm, earthy flavor that pairs nicely with the other herbs.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the gravy.

• salt - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that also adds a rich, savory flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder, slightly different heat that can add a subtle complexity to the gravy.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat and spice, giving the gravy a unique kick.

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

• Transfer the gravy to an airtight container. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal for preserving the flavor and preventing any odors from seeping in.

• For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The gravy will keep well for up to 4-5 days.

• If you plan to store the gravy for a longer period, consider freezing it. Pour the gravy into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion as it freezes.

• Alternatively, you can use freezer bags. Lay the bags flat in the freezer to save space and ensure even freezing.

• When ready to use, thaw the gravy in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• Reheat the gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan. If the gravy appears too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

• For added freshness, consider adding a pinch of freshly chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary just before serving.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Pour the leftover vegan herb gravy into a saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. If the gravy has thickened too much, 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 a microwave-safe plate to prevent splatters.
  3. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  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.

• Double Boiler Method:

  1. Fill the bottom part of a double boiler with water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place the vegan herb gravy in the top part of the double boiler.
  3. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
  4. Heat until the gravy is warmed through, adding a bit of vegetable broth or water if it becomes too thick.

• Oven Method:

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

• Saucepan: A medium-sized saucepan is essential for cooking the onions, garlic, and for simmering the gravy.

• Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the onions, garlic, and flour without scratching your cookware.

• Whisk: A whisk is necessary for gradually incorporating the vegetable broth into the flour mixture to ensure a smooth, lump-free gravy.

• Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to accurately measure the olive oil, flour, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.

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

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

• Chef's knife: A sharp chef's knife is essential for efficiently chopping the onions and mincing the garlic.

• Garlic press: A garlic press can be used to quickly and easily mince the garlic cloves.

• Ladle: A ladle is useful for serving the gravy once it is ready.

• Stove: A stove is necessary to provide the heat needed for cooking the gravy.

Pre-chop ingredients: Chop the onions and garlic ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Use a whisk: A whisk helps to quickly blend the flour into the vegetable broth without lumps.

Measure spices in advance: Pre-measure the thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to save time during cooking.

Simmer with a lid: Cover the saucepan to speed up the thickening process of the gravy.

Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of gravy and freeze portions for future use.