This Easy Vegan Onion Gravy is rich and flavorful, perfect for a side sauce to your potatoes or Sunday roast. Quick and easy recipe!
A much-requested recipe is now finally ready! This Easy Vegan Onion Gravy recipe is the perfect pairing to our Lentil meatballs and Mashed Potatoes. But you can also use it for many other meals!
Why make this Vegan Onion Gravy?
Let me spill the tea on why you absolutely need this Vegan Onion Gravy in your life. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a game-changer, a flavor fiesta that’s gonna take your plant-based cooking to superstar status.
This gravy is made using only plant ingredients but is incredibly flavorful and versatile. It has a rich and savory taste that can complement a wide range of dishes, from mashed potatoes to vegan roasts and lentil loaves or meatballs.
Gravy, especially onion gravy, has a comforting and nostalgic appeal. It can evoke feelings of warmth and familiarity, making it an excellent addition to comforting meals.
If you follow a vegan or plant-based diet, this recipe provides a delicious alternative to traditional meat-based gravies. It allows you to enjoy the savory goodness of gravy without the need for animal products.
The ingredients to make this recipe are simple and readily available, making it a budget-friendly choice. It is also great for meal-prep as you can batch cook it in advance, and then simply add it to your dishes.
This recipe serves as a base that you can customize to your liking. Experiment with additional herbs, spices, or even a splash of red wine to create a unique and signature gravy.
Vegan Onion Gravy Ingredients
To make this recipe you only need a few ingredients:
Onions: are a fundamental ingredient in this gravy. When finely sliced and cooked, they add a sweet and savory flavor, as well as a rich caramelized depth. The natural sugars in the onions will develop during cooking, contributing to the overall sweetness of the gravy.
Garlic: adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the gravy. It complements the sweetness of the onions and enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
Vegetable oil: is used for sautéing the onions and garlic. It helps to soften and caramelize the onions, releasing their natural sugars and flavors. The oil also adds richness to the gravy.
Tomato paste: provides depth and umami to the gravy. It contributes a concentrated tomato flavor and helps enhance the overall richness of the sauce. Additionally, the acidity in the tomato paste can balance the sweetness of the onions.
Soy sauce: adds saltiness and a savory umami flavor to the gravy. It serves as a key seasoning element and contributes to the overall depth and complexity of the dish.
Vegetable stock: is the liquid base of the gravy. It provides a savory foundation for the flavors to meld and intensify during simmering. Using a good-quality vegetable stock enhances the overall taste of the gravy.
Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the gravy to your preferred taste. These ingredients allow you to balance the flavors and adjust the saltiness and spiciness according to your liking.
In summary, these ingredients work together to create a rich and flavorful vegan onion gravy. The onions and garlic provide a robust foundation, while the tomato paste, soy sauce, and vegetable stock add depth, umami, and a savory quality. The result is a versatile and delicious gravy that can complement a variety of dishes, from mashed potatoes to vegan roasts. You can make adjustments based on personal preferences for seasoning and flavor intensity.
How to make Vegan Onion Gravy
Making this recipe is super simple.
Prep Work:
Start by peeling and finely slicing three onions. Peel and mince five cloves of garlic. Having these ingredients prepared beforehand will make the cooking process smoother.
Sautéing Onions and Garlic:
Heat a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add two tablespoons of vegetable oil, allowing it to heat up.
Add the finely sliced onions to the pan and sauté them until they become golden brown and caramelized. This process usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Stir the onions often to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic to the pan. Continue cooking and stirring for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Incorporating Tomato Paste:
Stir in one tablespoon of tomato paste, ensuring that it is well combined with the caramelized onions and garlic. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the tomato paste deepen in color and flavor.
Deglazing the Pan:
To deglaze the pan and enhance the overall flavor, pour a splash of vegetable stock into the skillet. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step adds a rich depth to the gravy.
Simmering with Vegetable Stock:
Gradually pour in the remaining two cups of vegetable stock, stirring continuously to incorporate the liquid with the onion mixture. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the onions to become tender and the flavors to meld.
Seasoning:
Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences, keeping in mind that soy sauce, to be added later, will also contribute to saltiness.
Blending the Gravy:
Once the onions are tender and the flavors are well-developed, transfer the entire mixture to a blender. Blend until smooth, creating a velvety consistency.
Adding Soy Sauce:
Pour two tablespoons of soy sauce into the blender with the smooth onion mixture. Stir the soy sauce into the gravy until it’s well incorporated, adding a savory umami flavor.
Adjusting Thickness:
Check the thickness of the sauce. If it’s too thick for your liking, you can adjust it by adding a splash of water to achieve the desired consistency. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, return it to the pan and let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce and thicken.
Final Steps:
Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the vegan onion gravy hot, ready to complement your favorite dishes with its rich and savory flavor.
Enjoy!
Serving suggestions
This vegan onion gravy is a versatile and flavorful sauce that pairs well with various dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve the onion gravy over a generous serving of creamy mashed potatoes. The savory and rich flavors of the gravy complement the potatoes beautifully.
- Drizzle the onion gravy over vegan roasts, patties, or plant-based meat alternatives. It adds depth and moisture to the main dish.
- Try it out with our Vegan Lentil Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes.
- Pair the onion gravy with vegan sausages or bangers. It creates a classic and comforting combination, reminiscent of traditional British cuisine.
- Roast a medley of vegetables and drizzle the onion gravy over them. This is a hearty and satisfying side dish.
- Use the onion gravy as a filling or topping for vegan pies or pastries. It adds a savory and flavorful element to the pastry.
Remember to adjust the consistency of the gravy if needed by adding a bit more vegetable stock.
You can also customize the flavor by experimenting with herbs or adding a splash of vegan red wine for richness.
Storage tips
To store this vegan onion gravy properly and maintain its freshness, follow these steps:
Cool the Gravy:
Allow the vegan onion gravy to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container. Transfer the cooled gravy to an airtight container.
Refrigeration:
Store the container with the onion gravy in the refrigerator. The gravy can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing:
If you want to store the vegan onion gravy for a longer period, consider freezing it. Place the cooled gravy in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Label the container or bag with the date and any reheating instructions. Gravy can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing and Reheating:
If you’ve frozen the gravy, move it to the refrigerator the night before you plan to use it to allow it to thaw slowly.
Reheat the gravy in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adjust the consistency with a bit of vegetable stock or water if needed.
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Easy Vegan Onion Gravy
This Easy Vegan Onion Gravy is rich and flavorful, perfect for a side sauce to your potatoes or Sunday roast. Quick and easy recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 onions, finely sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by slicing the onions and mincing the garlic.
- Heat a large pan or skillet, add vegetable oil, and sauté the sliced onions on medium heat until caramelized. Stir often.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour a splash of vegetable stock into the skillet, scraping up browned bits to deglaze the pan.
- Gradually add the rest of the vegetable stock, bring to a simmer, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes until the onions are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the onions are tender, transfer everything to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour in the soy sauce and stir it in.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. If the sauce is thin, return it to the pan and let cook another 10-15 minutes until reduced.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 111Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 850mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 2g
Nutrition data is automatically calculated using Nutritionix and may not be accurate.