Thanksgiving is such a special time of year, and I can’t help but get excited about all the delicious food! One dish that really brings everything together is my vegetarian gravy. It’s rich, savory, and oh-so-flavorful—perfect for drenching your mashed potatoes or smothering your veggie loaf. Trust me, even non-vegetarians will love it! I remember the first time I made this vegetarian gravy recipe for Thanksgiving; my family was blown away by how tasty it was. It’s amazing how a simple combination of fresh herbs, vegetables, and broth can create such a comforting sauce that elevates every dish on the table. So, if you’re looking to impress your guests with a scrumptious vegetarian gravy this holiday season, you’ve come to the right place!
Ingredients List
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. You want it nice and warm, but be careful not to let it smoke!
- Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re soft and the onions turn a lovely golden color. Oh, the smell is divine!
- Now, pour in the vegetable broth and soy sauce. Give it a good stir and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the flavors start to meld beautifully.
- Add the fresh thyme and rosemary, stirring them in to release their aromatic goodness. Let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing those herbs to infuse the gravy with their delicious flavors.
- Next, mix the cornstarch with a splash of water in a small bowl until smooth. This will help thicken your gravy. Stir this mixture into the simmering gravy and watch it transform into a luscious, velvety sauce.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last stir and serve it warm over your favorite Thanksgiving dishes. Trust me, it’ll be the star of the show!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for my delicious vegetarian gravy recipe! Each serving is estimated to be quite healthy, making it a guilt-free addition to your Thanksgiving feast. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 60
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This vegetarian gravy is not only tasty but also a great way to add some flavor without the heaviness. Perfect for draping over your mashed potatoes or roasted veggies without any guilt! Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make – Whip up this gravy in just 30 minutes!
- Full of flavor – Fresh herbs and vegetables create a rich, savory taste.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving – Elevates your holiday meal and impresses guests.
- Vegetarian-friendly – A delicious option for everyone at the table.
- Easy to prepare ahead of time – Make it in advance and simply reheat before serving.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your vegetarian gravy turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to elevate your gravy game:
- Adjust the thickness: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix a bit more cornstarch with cold water and stir it in gradually while the gravy simmers. Start with a teaspoon at a time to get your desired consistency.
- Flavor boost: Don’t be shy with the herbs! If you love a more pronounced flavor, feel free to add extra thyme or rosemary. You can also experiment with other herbs like sage or parsley for a twist.
- Umami richness: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of nutritional yeast. It adds a delightful richness that makes your gravy sing!
- Blend it up: If you like a super smooth gravy, you can blend it after cooking. Just let it cool slightly, then carefully transfer to a blender and puree until silky. Just remember to be cautious of the hot liquid!
- Cook it longer: Letting your gravy simmer a bit longer can deepen the flavors. Just keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season as you go: Taste your gravy throughout the cooking process! Adjust the salt and pepper as needed, because every batch can be a little different based on your broth and veggies.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a vegetarian gravy that’s not just good, but unforgettable. Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about this vegetarian gravy recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily switch things up to match your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Herb Medley: Instead of just thyme and rosemary, try adding sage or oregano for a different flavor profile. Each herb brings its own unique twist!
- Mushroom Magic: Sauté some chopped mushrooms along with the onions for an earthy depth. They add a nice umami flavor that makes the gravy even richer.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper while you’re cooking. It’ll give your gravy a nice zing!
- Root Veggies: Consider adding diced parsnips or sweet potatoes to the mix. They’ll add a touch of sweetness and extra texture to your gravy.
- Smoky Flavor: A splash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika can give your gravy a hearty, smoky flavor that complements roasted vegetables beautifully.
- Wine Infusion: Add a 1/4 cup of red or white wine after sautéing the veggies, letting it reduce before adding the broth. It’ll elevate the flavor and sophistication of your gravy!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on what you love. The beauty of cooking is making it your own! Enjoy experimenting and finding your perfect vegetarian gravy blend!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep that delicious vegetarian gravy fresh for later! If you find yourself with leftovers (which is totally possible because it’s that good!), here’s what to do:
- Storing: Allow the gravy to cool completely before storing. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Just make sure it’s sealed well to prevent any fridge odors from sneaking in!
- Freezing: If you want to save some for a future meal, you can freeze the gravy! Pour it into freezer-safe containers or even ice cube trays for smaller portions. It’ll last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. Just label it with the date so you know when to use it!
When you’re ready to enjoy that leftover goodness, reheating is a breeze. Here’s how:
- Reheating on the Stove: Pour the desired amount of gravy into a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to ensure it warms evenly. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of vegetable broth or water while heating, just to get that silky texture back!
- Microwave Option: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave the gravy! Just place it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s heated through. Again, add a little broth or water if it needs loosening up!
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to savor your vegetarian gravy without losing any of that incredible flavor. Enjoy every last drop!
FAQ Section
Can I make this gravy ahead of time?
Absolutely! This vegetarian gravy recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. Just prepare it as directed, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick. It’s a great way to save time on Thanksgiving day!
What can I serve this gravy with?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! This gravy is fantastic over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or veggie loaves. You can also drizzle it over stuffing, pasta, or even use it as a sauce for a savory vegetarian shepherd’s pie. Trust me, it’ll elevate any dish it touches!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This vegetarian gravy can easily be made gluten-free! Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this delicious gravy without worry!
Can I use vegetable bouillon instead of broth?
Yes, you can definitely use vegetable bouillon cubes or granules dissolved in water as a substitute for vegetable broth. Just make sure to adjust the salt content accordingly since bouillon can be saltier than broth. It’ll still give you that rich flavor you’re looking for!
How do I ensure my gravy isn’t too salty?
To keep your vegetarian gravy from becoming too salty, use low-sodium vegetable broth and adjust the soy sauce to taste. You can always add more salt later if needed, but it’s hard to take it out once it’s in! Taste as you go, and you’ll be golden!
Vegetarian Gravy Recipe Thanksgiving: 5 Savory Secrets Revealed
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delicious vegetarian gravy perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingrédients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until soft.
- Pour in vegetable broth and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- Add thyme and rosemary. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with a bit of water. Stir into the gravy to thicken.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm over your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth for a healthier option.
- Adjust herbs to your taste.
- This gravy can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Sauce
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 60
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 400mg
- La graisse: 3g
- Graisses Saturées: 0g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 8g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: vegetarian gravy recipe thanksgiving
