When it comes to Thanksgiving, the star of the show is often the turkey-but what truly elevates the feast to another level? The gravy. A rich, flavorful sauce that ties everything together, from mashed potatoes to stuffing, making every bite something to savor. But what if you’re looking for a vegetarian option? No problem! You can still enjoy a delicious, savory gravy that doesn’t rely on animal products.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just trying to create a more inclusive holiday meal, this vegetarian gravy recipe is here to show you that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor. Packed with umami-rich ingredients, this vegetarian gravy will rival any meat-based version, offering a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the recipe, break down the science of the ingredients, share expert tips, and even explore some fun variations to suit your tastes. Let’s dive in!
Thanksgiving Gravy Vegetarian Recipe
Ingredients Needed
A great vegetarian gravy is all about building layers of flavor, and this recipe brings together the perfect balance of savory, earthy, and umami-rich components. Here’s what you’ll need:
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1/4 Cup Olive Oil
The base fat that will carry the flavor. Olive oil is a great choice for its rich taste and healthy fats.
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1 Medium Onion, Finely Chopped
Onion is essential for sweetness and depth. When caramelized, it adds complexity to the gravy.
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2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
Garlic brings in that aromatic, savory punch that balances the richness.
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1/4 Cup Flour
This is the thickening agent. It helps transform the broth into a luscious, velvety gravy.
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2 Cups Vegetable Broth
The foundation of the gravy’s flavor. A good-quality vegetable broth adds depth and a subtle earthiness.
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1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce Or Tamari
This is where the magic happens! Soy sauce adds an umami kick that mimics the depth of meat-based gravies.
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1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
A herb that offers a gentle floral and slightly earthy note to complement the richness.
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1 Teaspoon Dried Rosemary
Rosemary’s piney aroma is the perfect pairing with the hearty vegetable broth.
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1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
This adds a touch of acidity to cut through the richness and enhance the other flavors.
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Salt And Pepper To Taste
Season to your liking, adjusting the salt for the broth’s sodium levels and the pepper for added zing.
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1/4 Cup Plant-based Milk (optional)
For a creamy finish, add a bit of plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. It makes the gravy smoother and adds a hint of richness.
Cooking Instructions
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry-this process is easy and quick, but it’s all about building layers of flavor.
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Prepare The Base
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden and soft. You want the onion to caramelize a little to bring out its natural sweetness. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Make The Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux (a thick paste). This step ensures the gravy will have a smooth, lump-free texture.
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Add The Broth And Seasoning
Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Once the broth is fully incorporated, add the soy sauce, thyme, rosemary, and balsamic vinegar. Continue whisking to blend everything together.
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Simmer And Thicken
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. If it gets too thick, feel free to add more vegetable broth or a splash of plant-based milk for a creamier texture.
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Season To Taste
Taste your gravy and add salt and pepper as needed. The soy sauce already adds some saltiness, but you may need to adjust based on your broth’s sodium content.
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Final Touches
Once the gravy has thickened and the flavors have melded together, remove from heat. Serve hot over your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Each ingredient in this vegetarian gravy recipe serves a specific purpose, contributing to both the flavor and the texture. Let’s take a closer look at how they work together:
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is full of healthy fats, which help carry the flavor and create the right mouthfeel. It also adds a rich, slightly peppery taste to the gravy, enhancing the umami flavors.
- Flour: Flour acts as a thickening agent. When combined with fat, it forms a roux that helps to thicken the gravy, giving it that velvety texture without the need for meat drippings.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is packed with umami, the savory “fifth taste” that adds depth and complexity. This makes it an essential ingredient in creating a flavorful vegetarian gravy.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A little acidity goes a long way! The balsamic vinegar helps balance the richness of the olive oil and soy sauce, cutting through the heaviness and enhancing the overall flavor.
- Herbs (Thyme and Rosemary): These herbs add aromatic complexity. Thyme brings earthiness, while rosemary provides a piney, slightly citrusy note that brightens the gravy’s deep flavors.
Expert Tips
- Caramelize the Onions: Don’t rush this step! The longer you cook the onions, the more sweetness and depth they’ll develop. This adds a natural richness to the gravy without relying on meat.
- Whisk Constantly: When adding the broth to the roux, whisk constantly to ensure the flour doesn’t clump. This will ensure a silky, smooth texture without lumps.
- Adjust Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, just add more broth or plant-based milk. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer to reduce and thicken.
- Use High-Quality Broth: The flavor of your vegetable broth will play a huge role in the final outcome. Opt for a rich, homemade broth or a high-quality store-bought version.
- Make It Ahead: Gravy can be made ahead of time! Just reheat it gently on the stovetop and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Recipe Variations
While this recipe is perfect as is, there are a few easy ways to customize it for your tastes or dietary needs:
- Add Mushrooms: For a more earthy, hearty flavor, add some sautéed mushrooms to the gravy. They add texture and extra umami, making the gravy even more satisfying.
- Spicy Gravy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small diced chili pepper to the onion and garlic mix to give your gravy a spicy kick.
- Coconut Cream: If you prefer a richer, creamier gravy, substitute the plant-based milk with coconut cream. This adds a subtle sweetness and makes the gravy even more indulgent.
- Herb Variations: Swap the rosemary and thyme for other herbs like sage, marjoram, or bay leaves to change the flavor profile to suit your preferences.
- Add Wine: A splash of white or red wine can add an additional layer of complexity and richness to the gravy.
Final Words
Vegetarian gravy isn’t just for Thanksgiving-it’s a versatile addition to many plant-based meals, from veggie burgers to mashed potatoes, stuffing, and roasted vegetables. With its savory base and rich flavors, this vegetarian gravy has the power to elevate even the simplest of meals into something truly spectacular.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For A Vegetarian Thanksgiving Gravy?
To make a vegetarian Thanksgiving gravy, you’ll need vegetable broth, unsalted butter or olive oil, flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free option), soy sauce or tamari for umami flavor, herbs such as thyme and sage, and seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Optional ingredients include nutritional yeast for added flavor depth.
Can I Make Vegetarian Gravy Without Vegetable Broth?
Yes, if you don’t have vegetable broth, you can use water mixed with bouillon cubes or a stock base as an alternative. You can also make your own broth by simmering vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and garlic with herbs in water for about an hour.
How Do I Make A Thick Vegetarian Gravy?
To thicken your vegetarian gravy, you can use a roux made from equal parts butter (or olive oil) and flour. Cook the roux for a couple of minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, then gradually add your broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
Is Vegetarian Gravy Dairy-free?
Not always. While many vegetarian gravies use butter, you can easily make it dairy-free by substituting with plant-based butter, olive oil, or coconut oil. Ensure that your vegetable broth is also free from dairy ingredients.
Can I Make A Vegetarian Gravy Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare vegetarian gravy in advance. Make the gravy up to a few days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Before serving, simply reheat the gravy on the stove, adding a bit more vegetable broth or water if it has thickened too much during storage.
How Can I Make My Vegetarian Gravy More Flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your vegetarian gravy, use a variety of seasonings like fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage), soy sauce, tamari, or a splash of wine for depth. You can also add a tablespoon of miso paste or nutritional yeast for an umami boost.
Is There A Vegan Version Of Vegetarian Gravy?
Yes, a vegan version of vegetarian gravy is possible. Simply replace the butter with plant-based butter or oil, and make sure your vegetable broth is free from any animal-derived ingredients. Additionally, check for any non-vegan seasonings, such as Worcestershire sauce, and substitute with vegan-friendly alternatives.
Can I Use Store-bought Gravy For My Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dinner?
While some store-bought gravies are vegetarian, it’s essential to read the labels carefully. Many pre-made gravies contain animal products like chicken or beef broth, and even dairy. If you need a quick option, look for specifically labeled vegetarian or vegan gravies, or make your own at home for better control over the ingredients.
What Can I Substitute For Flour In A Vegetarian Gravy For A Gluten-free Version?
For a gluten-free vegetarian gravy, you can substitute flour with cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or potato starch. To use these alternatives, mix them with cold vegetable broth before adding to the hot pan to prevent clumping. You’ll need about half the amount of cornstarch compared to flour to achieve the same thickness.
Can I Add Mushrooms To My Vegetarian Gravy?
Yes, mushrooms are an excellent addition to vegetarian gravy for a rich, earthy flavor. You can sauté mushrooms (such as cremini or shiitake) and add them to your gravy base along with the broth. This will give your gravy more depth and a savory, umami taste.