Step into the world of gourmet vegan cuisine with the enticing flavors of our Vegan Mushroom Gravy Delight. This rich and savory gravy is made from cremini mushrooms, fragrant herbs, and a blend of unique ingredients, promising a delightful addition to your meals. Perfect for any occasion, this gravy is sure to impress both vegan and non-vegan guests alike.
For this recipe, you'll need an ingredient that you might not usually have in your kitchen: miso. Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning made by fermenting soybeans with salt and a type of fungus. You can typically find it in the international aisle of a supermarket or at a local Asian grocery store. Another unique ingredient in this recipe is cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bella or brown mushrooms. While similar to white button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms have a deeper, more earthy flavor.
Vegan Mushroom Gravy Delight Ingredients
Cremini mushrooms: These mushrooms are the star of the dish, they have an earthy flavor which adds depth to the gravy.
Onion: It gives gravy a rich, savory flavor and acts as a base.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the mushrooms and onions, it adds a mild fruity flavor.
Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the gravy.
Ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat to the gravy.
Dried thyme: Infuses the gravy with a subtle, earthy flavor.
Flour: It is used to thicken the gravy.
Unsalted vegetable stock: It adds volume to the gravy and enhances flavor.
Soy sauce: It gives the gravy a rich, umami flavor.
Miso: This fermented soybean paste adds a unique umami flavor.
One reader, Farrell Cameron says:
This vegan mushroom gravy delight is a game-changer! The rich, earthy flavors of the roasted mushrooms and onions combined with the savory miso and soy sauce create a truly indulgent experience. It's the perfect accompaniment to any dish and has become a staple in my kitchen. Highly recommend!
Key Techniques for Crafting Vegan Mushroom Gravy Delight
How to roast the mushrooms and onions: Mound the mushrooms and onions separately on a baking sheet, sprinkle with oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 450 degrees F for 20-25 minutes until deep brown.
How to make the gravy base: In a saucepan, cook the flour with the roasted mushrooms and onions, then gradually add the vegetable stock, whisking well after each addition, until 3 cups of stock are used.
How to adjust the consistency: Bring the gravy to a simmer, cook for 3 minutes, and adjust the consistency by adding more stock if needed. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
How to puree the gravy (optional): If desired, the gravy can be pureed in a blender to achieve a smoother consistency, adding more stock as needed until the desired thickness is reached.
How To Make Vegan Mushroom Gravy
Even without a single bit of meat, this vegan mushroom gravy has still got a lot of rich flavors going on, thanks to the cremini mushrooms & roasted onions.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbcremini mushrooms,sliced ¼-inch thick
- ¼medium onion,sliced ¼-inch thick
- 3tbspolive oil
- ½tspkosher salt
- ⅛tspground black pepper
- 1tspdried thyme
- ¼cupflour
- 4cupsunsalted vegetable stock,or mushroom stock
- 1½tspsoy sauce
- 2tspmiso,red, yellow, or white, optional
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
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On the baking sheet, mound the mushrooms in one pile and the onions in another, keeping the piles separate from one another. Sprinkle with the oil, salt, and pepper and toss to coat them.
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Spread into an even layer on the baking sheet, still keeping the onions and the mushrooms separate, and sprinkle with thyme.
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Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until deep brown. If the mushrooms are done before the onions, remove them from the pan, return it to the oven, and continue to bake until the onions are golden brown.
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Transfer the mushrooms and onions to a saucepan. Over medium heat, add the flour and cook while stirring for 2 to 3 minutes or until the flour browns lightly.
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Add the stock, ½ cup at a time, until 3 cups of the stock are used up. Stir well after each addition. Whisk in the soy sauce and miso (if using).
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Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 3 minutes, stirring often. Adjust the consistency by adding more stock if it is thicker than desired. Taste and add more salt and pepper to taste.
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Gravy can be served as is or pureed in a blender. The gravy will thicken slightly when pureed. After it is smooth, add more stock until the gravy reaches preferred consistency.
Nutrition
- Calories: 155.45kcal
- Fat: 10.61g
- Saturated Fat: 1.48g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.49g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.26g
- Carbohydrates: 12.88g
- Fiber: 1.39g
- Sugar: 2.57g
- Protein: 4.31g
- Sodium: 494.66mg
- Calcium: 39.58mg
- Potassium: 555.37mg
- Iron: 1.09mg
- Vitamin A: 8.49µg
- Vitamin C: 1.26mg
Expert Technique Tip for Perfecting Vegan Mushroom Gravy Delight
When roasting the mushrooms and onions, it's important to keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly. The goal is to achieve a deep brown color, which will add a rich, savory flavor to the gravy. If you notice the mushrooms are done before the onions, don't hesitate to remove them from the oven first. This will prevent them from becoming too dry or burnt. Additionally, when adding the vegetable stock to the saucepan, do it gradually. This allows the flour to fully absorb the liquid, resulting in a smooth and lump-free gravy. Lastly, if you choose to puree the gravy, remember that it will thicken slightly. Adjust the consistency by adding more stock until it reaches your preferred thickness.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Vegan Mushroom Gravy
Prep ahead: Chop the mushrooms and onions the day before and store them in airtight containers in the fridge to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-made stock: Opt for store-bought unsalted vegetable stock instead of making it from scratch to cut down on prep time.
Multi-task: While the mushrooms and onions are roasting, use that time to prepare other components of your meal to maximize efficiency.
Organize ingredients: Measure out all the ingredients in advance and arrange them in order of use to streamline the cooking process.
Invest in a good blender: If you plan to puree the gravy, invest in a high-quality blender to ensure a smooth and efficient blending process.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a large saucepan or pot to roast the mushrooms and onions directly on the stovetop to save time on transferring them from the oven.
Substitute Ingredients For Vegan Mushroom Gravy Recipe
cremini mushrooms - Substitute with portobello mushrooms: Portobello mushrooms have a similar meaty texture and rich flavor, making them a great substitute for cremini mushrooms in gravy.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a 1:1 replacement for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used as a substitute for black pepper, adding a different dimension to the gravy.
dried thyme - Substitute with dried rosemary: Dried rosemary can be used as a substitute for thyme, adding a slightly different herbal flavor to the gravy.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a gluten-free alternative to flour for thickening the gravy.
unsalted vegetable stock - Substitute with mushroom broth: Mushroom broth can enhance the mushroom flavor in the gravy, providing a rich and savory base.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, providing a similar umami flavor to the gravy.
miso - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos can be used as a soy-free alternative to miso, adding a touch of sweetness and depth to the gravy.
Presentation Tips for Vegan Mushroom Gravy
Elevate the plating: When presenting the vegan mushroom gravy delight, ensure that the plating is elegant and refined. Use a wide-rimmed bowl or a shallow serving dish to showcase the rich and velvety gravy.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crunchy element to the dish, such as a small handful of toasted pumpkin seeds or crispy shallots, to provide contrast to the smooth gravy.
Accompany with artisan bread: Serve the vegan mushroom gravy delight alongside slices of warm, crusty artisan bread or baguette to soak up every last bit of the luscious gravy.
Use elegant serving utensils: Opt for sleek and modern serving utensils that complement the sophistication of the dish, such as a polished stainless steel ladle or a stylish wooden spoon.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Vegan Mushroom Gravy Delight
Food processor: A food processor can be used to finely chop the mushrooms and onions for the gravy, making the process quick and efficient.
Rimmed baking sheet: A rimmed baking sheet is essential for roasting the mushrooms and onions in the oven, allowing for even cooking and easy cleanup.
Saucepan: A saucepan is used to combine and cook the ingredients for the gravy, allowing for even heating and thorough mixing.
Whisk: A whisk is essential for stirring and incorporating the ingredients in the saucepan, ensuring a smooth and well-mixed gravy.
Blender: A blender can be used to puree the gravy to a smooth consistency if desired, providing a velvety texture to the final dish.
Storing and Freezing Vegan Mushroom Gravy
To store leftover vegan mushroom gravy, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Seal the container tightly and place it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
When reheating the refrigerated gravy, pour it into a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. If the gravy has thickened during storage, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of vegetable stock or water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
For longer storage, you can freeze the vegan mushroom gravy for up to 3 months. To do this, allow the gravy to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. If using a bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
When you're ready to use the frozen gravy, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat the gravy in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through and reaches your desired consistency. If needed, add a small amount of vegetable stock or water to thin out the gravy.
To maintain the best quality and flavor, consume the frozen vegan mushroom gravy within 3 months of freezing. Be sure to label the container or bag with the date of freezing to help you keep track of its freshness.
Reheating Leftover Vegan Mushroom Gravy
The best way to reheat leftover vegan mushroom gravy is to transfer it to a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method ensures that the gravy heats evenly and doesn't burn or stick to the bottom of the pan.
If the gravy has thickened up in the refrigerator, you can add a splash of vegetable stock or water to thin it out while reheating. Stir well to incorporate the liquid and achieve a smooth consistency.
Another option is to reheat the gravy in the microwave. Transfer the gravy to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through. Be careful not to overheat the gravy, as it can cause it to splatter or become too thick.
If you have a lot of leftover gravy, you can also reheat it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer the gravy to an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat it for 15-20 minutes, or until it's heated through. Stir the gravy halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving. You may need to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices to brighten up the flavors after reheating.
Interesting Trivia About Vegan Mushroom Gravy Delight
The vegan mushroom gravy delight is a versatile and flavorful sauce that can be used to enhance a variety of dishes. It is a great source of umami flavor and can be a delicious addition to mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even as a topping for veggie burgers. This gravy is also a fantastic option for those following a plant-based diet, as it provides a rich and satisfying alternative to traditional meat-based gravies. Additionally, mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making this gravy not only delicious but also nutritious.
Budget-Friendly Vegan Mushroom Gravy for Home Cooks
This vegan mushroom gravy delight recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredient, cremini mushrooms, is affordable and versatile. With simple pantry staples like olive oil, flour, and soy sauce, this recipe offers great value. The estimated cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $10, making it a budget-friendly option. The rich flavors and versatility of this gravy earn it a solid 9/10 rating.
Is This Vegan Mushroom Gravy Recipe Healthy?
This vegan mushroom gravy recipe is relatively healthy, as it incorporates several nutritious ingredients:
- Cremini mushrooms are low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Onions provide flavor and contain beneficial compounds like quercetin
- Olive oil is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats
- Vegetable stock is a low-calorie, low-fat alternative to meat-based stocks
- Miso and soy sauce add depth of flavor and provide beneficial probiotics and isoflavones
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of oil, which can increase the calorie content
- The use of flour as a thickener may not be ideal for those following a gluten-free or low-carb diet
- The sodium content from the added salt, soy sauce, and miso might be a concern for individuals watching their salt intake
To further enhance the nutritional value of this gravy, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of oil used in the recipe or opt for a lighter cooking spray to minimize added fats
- Experiment with alternative thickeners like arrowroot powder, cornstarch, or pureed vegetables to make the gravy gluten-free and lower in carbs
- Adjust the seasoning by reducing the added salt and using low-sodium soy sauce and miso to control sodium levels
- Incorporate additional vegetables, such as carrots or celery, to boost the fiber and nutrient content of the gravy
- Use a variety of mushrooms, like shiitake or oyster, to introduce different textures and beneficial compounds
By making these minor adjustments, you can create a delicious and nourishing vegan mushroom gravy that complements a wide range of dishes while supporting your overall health and well-being.
The Editor's Take on This Vegan Mushroom Gravy Recipe
The vegan mushroom gravy delight recipe is a delightful and flavorful option for those seeking a plant-based alternative to traditional gravy. The combination of roasted cremini mushrooms, onions, and savory seasonings creates a rich and satisfying umami flavor. The addition of soy sauce and miso adds depth and complexity to the gravy, making it a versatile and delicious accompaniment to a variety of dishes. The roasting process enhances the natural flavors of the mushrooms and onions, resulting in a robust and hearty gravy that is sure to impress vegans and non-vegans alike.
Enhance Your Vegan Mushroom Gravy Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Vegan Mushroom Gravy Delight
Why trust this Vegan Mushroom Gravy Recipe:
This recipe for Vegan Mushroom Gravy Delight is a must-try for anyone seeking a flavorful and wholesome alternative to traditional gravy. The combination of roasted cremini mushrooms and onions creates a rich, earthy flavor profile, while the addition of soy sauce and miso adds depth and complexity. The use of unsalted vegetable stock ensures a pure and natural taste, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. With its simple yet effective cooking techniques, this recipe promises to deliver a satisfying and comforting gravy that will elevate any dish it accompanies.
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