Introduction
Mushroom gravy is a savory and versatile sauce that can elevate a variety of dishes. This detailed recipe from Love and Lemons showcases how to create a rich, vegan-friendly mushroom gravy that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even as a delicious topping for biscuits. Let’s dive into the ingredients and preparation steps to make this delectable dish.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 shallot, finely chopped (about ⅓ cup)
16 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
½ tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1½ tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
½ tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups vegetable broth
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Prep Time
The preparation time for this mushroom gravy is approximately 10 minutes.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is about 30 minutes, making the total time for this recipe around 40 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 4 servings of delicious mushroom gravy.
With its fragrant herbs and hearty texture, this mushroom gravy not only enhances the flavor of various dishes but also makes a comforting addition to any meal. Perfect for those seeking a plant-based option, this recipe guarantees satisfaction for both vegan and non-vegan palates alike. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Sauté Shallot
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and cook until soft, about 4 minutes.
Cook Mushrooms
Add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they soften, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
Add Flavorings
Stir in the tamari (or soy sauce), minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and chopped rosemary.
Incorporate Flour
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mushroom mixture and stir continuously for 1 minute to combine.
Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook, whisking often, until the gravy thickens, about 20 minutes.
Season
Taste the gravy and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Notes
Gluten-Free Option
To make this recipe gluten-free, omit the all-purpose flour. After adding the broth and bringing the mixture to a simmer, spoon a few tablespoons of the liquid into a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the bowl and stir until smooth. Pour this cornstarch mixture back into the pan and stir until the gravy thickens.
Storage and Reheating
This mushroom gravy is rich, savory, and perfect for enhancing dishes like mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, or parsnip puree. It’s vegan-friendly and can be prepared in advance, as it reheats well. If the gravy thickens upon standing, simply stir in a splash of water or broth when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil over medium to high heat. In this recipe, shallots are sautéed to achieve a soft texture and enhance their sweetness before adding mushrooms.
Cooking Mushrooms
Cooking mushrooms involves allowing them to release their moisture and develop flavor. The cremini mushrooms are cooked until softened, which concentrates their umami taste.
Flavoring
Adding flavorings, like tamari or soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh herbs, introduces depth to the dish. It’s essential to stir these ingredients in at the right stage to build a robust flavor profile.
Incorporating Flour
Sprinkling flour over the sautéed mixture helps create a roux, which thickens the gravy. Continuous stirring ensures that the flour is well combined and does not clump.
Simmering
Simmering is a gentle cooking method that involves maintaining a temperature just below boiling. By adding vegetable broth and simmering, the flavors meld and the gravy thickens, resulting in a cohesive sauce.
Seasoning
Tasting and seasoning the dish with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper enhances the overall flavor. Proper seasoning is crucial for balancing the richness of the gravy.
FAQ
Can I use other types of mushrooms in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute cremini mushrooms with other varieties like button mushrooms, shiitake, or portobello, depending on your preference.
Can I make this mushroom gravy ahead of time?
Absolutely! This gravy can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It reheats well, and you may need to add a little water or broth to adjust the consistency when warming it up.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the gravy gluten-free, simply omit the all-purpose flour and use cornstarch as an alternative for thickening.
What dishes pair well with this mushroom gravy?
Mushroom gravy complements a variety of dishes, such as mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, or even as a sauce over roasted vegetables or pasta.
Can I freeze mushroom gravy?
Yes, mushroom gravy can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in airtight containers. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.
Conclusion
The Mushroom Gravy recipe provides a delightful, savory addition to many meals. Its combination of earthy mushrooms and fragrant herbs creates a rich flavor profile that can elevate simple dishes to gourmet status. This vegan-friendly gravy is not only easy to make but can also be prepared in advance, making it a convenient choice for busy cooks. Enjoy it drizzled over your favorite side dishes, and feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your personal taste.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Pair with Mashed Potatoes
Serve this mushroom gravy over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting classic that is perfect for any occasion.
Complement with Roasted Vegetables
Drizzle this rich gravy on a platter of roasted seasonal vegetables, enhancing their natural sweetness.
Mix with Cooked Quinoa
Stir the mushroom gravy into cooked quinoa for a hearty, nutritious meal that’s packed with flavor.
Use in Pasta Dishes
Toss pasta with mushroom gravy for a quick and satisfying vegetarian meal; add some sautéed greens for extra nutrition.
Enhance Grain Bowls
Top grain bowls with mushroom gravy, combining it with roasted mushrooms, greens, and grains like farro or brown rice for a wholesome dish.
Serve with Stuffed Peppers
Pour mushroom gravy over stuffed bell peppers for a delicious and hearty dinner that’s sure to impress.
Combine with Seitan or Tofu
Use this gravy as a sauce for sautéed seitan or tofu, making a protein-rich dish that’s ideal for a satisfying vegan meal.
