How to make Vegan Mushroom Gravy

Vegan mushroom gravy is a hearty and flavorful sauce that’s a plant-based alternative to traditional gravy recipes which often include meat drippings and dairy-based butter. This savory concoction uses mushrooms as the star ingredient, providing rich umami flavors that are often associated with their meat-based counterparts.

To achieve a deep and satisfying taste, a variety of mushrooms can be used, such as cremini, portobello, or shiitake, which lend their earthy tones to the gravy. The body of the gravy comes from a base typically made with vegetable broth and a thickener like flour or cornstarch, which is whisked into a roux made with vegan butter or oil. For additional depth of flavor, ingredients such as onion, garlic, soy sauce, and sometimes a splash of wine are included. Herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage add aromatic notes that complement the mushrooms’ natural flavors.

Vegan mushroom gravy is not only suitable for those following a vegan diet but also for anyone with dietary restrictions that exclude dairy or meat. It’s an excellent addition to mashed potatoes, vegan roasts, lentil loaves, and other plant-based comfort dishes, making it a staple during festive meals and family gatherings alike.

Vegan Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Vegan Mushroom Gravy

Vegan mushroom gravy is a flavorful and hearty alternative to traditional gravy that utilizes plant-based ingredients. The essence of its robust taste comes from the use of various mushrooms, such as cremini, portobello, or shiitake, which contribute an earthy and umami depth.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Sauce

Cuisine Italian

Servings 7 serving

Calories 130 kcal

Equipment

• 1 saucepan

Ingredients

  

• 2 garlic cloves finely minced
• 8 oz mushrooms properly cleaned and chopped
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp whole fennel seeds
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 6 tbsp olive oil divided
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

 

• Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat, add onion and mushroom and cook until lightly brown, for 7minutes
• Add the soy sauce to the pan, add garlic, fennel, sage, smoked paprika and pepper to the pan and let it cook until fragrant, for about 30 seconds.
• Add the flour and stir until well mixed. Add 1/4 cup of oil and continue cooking until mixture is rapidly bubbling for 4 minutes, stir frequently
• Reduce heat to medium low heat and then add the milk and salt, cook for 3 minutes or until thickened.
• Remove from the heat and let it cool, it will thicken as it cools, taste sauce and add 1pinch or 2 pinch of salt, if needed.
• Serve immediately as you want or store in an air tight container and keep in the fridge, use within a week.

Keyword garlic cloves, mushrooms, soy sauce

Cooking Tips about Vegan Mushroom Gravy

• Quality Mushrooms: Start with fresh mushrooms for the most robust flavor. Cremini, portobello, or shiitake mushrooms are great choices that offer a meaty texture and deep umami taste.
• Sautéing: Begin by sautéing your finely chopped mushrooms and onions in a bit of quality oil or vegan butter until they’re nicely browned. This caramelization process is what builds a complex base of flavors.
• Build a Roux: Create a roux by adding flour to the sautéed vegetables and let it cook for a few minutes, stirring continuously. The roux helps thicken the gravy and adds a subtle toasted note.
• Deglaze the Pan: If you have bits stuck on the pan after sautéing, deglaze with a splash of wine or vegetable broth. This step lifts those tasty bits into your sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• Slow Additions: Gradually whisk in vegetable broth to avoid lumps. Go slow and steady, ensuring each addition is well-incorporated before adding more.
• Seasoning: Adequate seasoning is crucial. In addition to salt and pepper, consider adding herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary, and ingredients such as garlic and soy sauce for complexity. A dash of Worcestershire sauce (ensure it’s a vegan brand) can also bring depth, but be mindful of its strong flavor.
• Thickness Control: Let the gravy simmer to reach the desired thickness. If it gets too thick, thin it out with more broth; if it’s too thin, cook longer, or you can mix a slurry of cornstarch and water to add in.
• Blend for Smoothness: If you prefer a smooth gravy, blend the gravy using an immersion blender or pour it into a standing blender. Always be careful when blending hot liquids and vent the lid.
• Taste Adjustments before Serving: Before serving, taste your gravy and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Don’t underestimate the power of a final splash of acid, like lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, to brighten the flavors.
• Make-Ahead Option: Vegan mushroom gravy can be made in advance and refrigerated. Reheat on the stove, adding a little extra broth to return it to the right consistency.
• Final Touches: Just before serving, stir in a pat of vegan butter for added richness and a silky finish.

Serving suggestions about Vegan Mushroom Gravy

• Over Mashed Potatoes: Drizzle the vegan mushroom gravy generously over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food pairing.
• With Vegan Roasts: Serve alongside a vegan roast or a lentil loaf as a flavorful accompaniment that adds moisture and depth to these main courses.
• As a Poutine Base: Use it in place of traditional gravy in vegan poutine, topping fries with this rich gravy and adding vegan cheese curds or shreds.
• In Shepherd’s Pie: Layer it within a vegan shepherd’s pie, using it to moisten and flavor the vegetable and legume filling before topping with mashed potatoes and baking.
• With Biscuits: Pour the mushroom gravy over freshly baked biscuits for a plant-based take on the Southern favorite “biscuits and gravy.”
• As a Pasta Sauce: Mix it with cooked pasta, perhaps adding some sautéed spinach or kale for a nourishing and earthy dish.
• Over Grain Bowls: Spoon it over a bowl filled with grains like quinoa or barley, steamed or roasted veggies, and your choice of protein such as tofu or tempeh.
• For Stuffed Produce: Use it as a sauce for stuffed bell peppers, zucchini, or squash, enhancing the vegetables and stuffing with its savory notes.
• On Toast: Serve on top of toast points or crusty bread as part of a savory breakfast or a simple yet satisfying appetizer.
• With Polenta: Pour it over soft polenta or grits for a deliciously different side dish or entrée.

Top 5 FAQs about Vegan Mushroom Gravy

• What makes a gravy vegan, specifically mushroom gravy? Vegan mushroom gravy is made without any animal products, which means it does not contain traditional gravy ingredients like beef or chicken stock, or dairy-based butter. Instead, it uses vegetable broth and plant-based butters or oils. Mushrooms provide the rich umami flavor typically provided by meat.
• Can you achieve the same depth of flavor in vegan mushroom gravy as in traditional gravy? Yes, with the right combination of mushrooms and seasonings, vegan mushroom gravy can attain a deep and savory flavor profile. Sautéing mushrooms with onions and herbs, using a good quality vegetable broth, and incorporating ingredients like soy sauce or a dash of wine can contribute to a full-bodied taste.
• What types of mushrooms work best for vegan mushroom gravy? Cremini, portobello, shiitake, or a mix of various mushrooms are great choices for vegan mushroom gravy. They each have robust flavors and textures that stand up well in the gravy.
• How do you thicken vegan mushroom gravy? A roux is typically used to thicken vegan gravy, just as with traditional gravy. Mixing flour or another starch like cornstarch or arrowroot powder with your choice of plant-based fat (oil or vegan butter), and cooking it briefly before adding liquid, will create the thick consistency associated with gravy.
• Can vegan mushroom gravy be made ahead of time? Absolutely! Vegan mushroom gravy can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove, adding a bit more vegetable broth if necessary to adjust the thickness.

Vegan mushroom gravy is a plant-based alternative to traditional gravies that often contain meat drippings, dairy, or other animal-derived products. Typically, this gravy would be made using mushrooms as the base for its umami flavor, which is often a key component in giving depth to such sauces. Mushrooms are known for their meaty texture and savory taste, which makes them an excellent choice for creating a rich and satisfying gravy without any meat.

In addition to mushrooms, a vegan gravy would normally incorporate ingredients like vegetable stock or broth, a form of fat such as olive oil or vegan butter, and a thickener like flour or cornstarch. Soy sauce or tamari, and sometimes a splash of plant-based milk, may also be added for additional flavoring and to adjust consistency.

Nutritional yeast could be another component in vegan mushroom gravy, contributing a cheese-like flavor while also providing additional nutrients like B vitamins. Aromatics such as garlic, onions, and herbs like thyme and rosemary can be included to build complexity in the flavor profile.