Delicious & Easy Vegan Mushroom Gravy: Your 30-Minute Plant-Based Essential
The holiday season, and indeed any gathering around a warm meal, feels incomplete without a generous pour of rich, savory gravy. While traditional gravies often demand hours of slow simmering and careful attention, what if we told you there’s a vegan alternative that’s equally delicious, wonderfully hearty, and comes together in less than 30 minutes? This isn’t just a dream; it’s the reality of our incredible Easy Vegan Mushroom Gravy. It’s the perfect companion for your festive spread, from creamy Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes to vibrant Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash, and even crisp Green Beans Almondine. Say goodbye to last-minute kitchen stress and hello to a gravy that impresses every time.
Why This Vegan Mushroom Gravy Will Become Your New Favorite
One of the most appealing aspects of this gravy recipe is its incredible simplicity and speed. Unlike many traditional gravy preparations that can be time-consuming and somewhat intimidating, this vegan mushroom gravy comes together effortlessly in just 30 minutes. This means no last-minute scrambling, no complex roux-making techniques that require constant vigilance. It’s a truly stress-free option, perfect for busy holiday hosts or anyone looking for a quick yet flavorful addition to their dinner table.
Beyond its quick preparation, this mushroom gravy offers fantastic versatility. Whether you’re planning an elaborate holiday feast or simply need a delicious topping for a weeknight dinner, it fits every occasion. Its rich and savory profile enhances a wide array of dishes, making it a staple you’ll reach for again and again.
Furthermore, this recipe is inherently vegan, making it suitable for all dietary needs and preferences. With a simple substitution (check the recipe notes for gluten-free directions), it can easily be made gluten-free, ensuring that everyone at your table can enjoy a generous helping. Despite being plant-based, it boasts a surprisingly hearty and rich texture that rivals its meat-based counterparts, yet it feels noticeably lighter and more refreshing.
Inspired by Oh She Glows for Dinner: A Cookbook You’ll Love
This fantastic mushroom gravy recipe is a gem from Angela Liddon’s highly acclaimed cookbook, Oh She Glows for Dinner (affiliate link). For those unfamiliar with her work, Angela Liddon is a celebrated figure in the plant-based culinary world, renowned for her family-friendly, accessible, and utterly delicious vegan recipes. Her latest cookbook certainly lives up to the reputation.
Over the past year, my partner Connor and I have gradually transitioned to a predominantly vegetarian diet. This journey has made me constantly seek new and exciting plant-based dinner ideas, and Angela’s cookbooks have been an invaluable resource. This latest edition has truly enriched our cooking repertoire, providing fresh inspiration and foolproof recipes that make plant-based eating a joy.
Oh She Glows for Dinner is more than just a recipe book; it’s a comprehensive guide to plant-based living. It features over 100 dinner and lunch-friendly recipes, accompanied by practical meal planning tips, thoughtful menu plans, and meticulously organized recipe lists. These lists allow you to effortlessly find recipes by category or dietary restriction, such as one-pot/bowl meals, meal-worthy salads, freezer-friendly options, kid-friendly dishes, and specific gluten-free or nut-free selections. This thoughtful organization makes it incredibly easy to navigate and discover new favorites tailored to your needs.
If you’re looking to expand your collection of plant-based meals or simply need a burst of culinary inspiration, this cookbook is an absolute must-have. I was instantly inspired by its diverse offerings and am eager to explore many more recipes from its pages. As the holidays approach, Angela’s Rosemary and Thyme Mushroom Gravy immediately caught my eye, promising a festive touch that’s both quick and deeply satisfying.
Key Ingredients for Your Flavorful Vegan Mushroom Gravy
The magic of this vegan gravy lies in a carefully selected blend of common, yet powerful, ingredients that build layers of rich, savory flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:
- YELLOW ONION + GARLIC: These humble aromatics form the indispensable base of our gravy. Proper sautéing is key; take your time to cook the onions until they are soft and translucent. This process mellows their sharpness and brings out their natural sweetness, adding depth to the gravy. Since this recipe doesn’t involve blending or straining, dicing the onion on the smaller side ensures a smoother texture and even distribution of flavor. Garlic, of course, provides that irresistible pungent kick that complements the earthiness of the mushrooms.
- CREMINI MUSHROOMS: Often called Baby Bella mushrooms, creminis are superstars in this recipe, imparting a fantastic heartiness and an incredible depth of umami flavor. Their robust taste is crucial for replicating the savory notes typically found in meat-based gravies. For the best texture, slice them very thinly, about 1/16 inch (2 mm), or chop them into tiny, pea-sized pieces. If you’re feeling adventurous, incorporating a variety of wild mushrooms, like shiitake or oyster mushrooms, could elevate the flavor profile even further, adding more complex, earthy nuances.
- VEGETABLE BROTH: As the liquid foundation, the quality of your vegetable broth is paramount. Gravy recipes, by their nature, rely heavily on their broth for flavor. Opt for a high-quality, flavorful low-sodium vegetable broth for the best possible results. If you happen to have homemade vegetable broth on hand, that’s even better, as it often provides a richer and more nuanced taste. Using low-sodium broth also gives you greater control over the final seasoning of your gravy.
- ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR: This is our thickening agent, essential for giving the gravy its classic body and smooth consistency. When whisked into the broth, it creates a roux that beautifully thickens as it simmers. To make this gravy gluten-free, a simple substitution is all you need. Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1:1 Baking Flour works exceptionally well. Alternatively, for a dedicated gluten-free option, you could use cornstarch or tapioca starch, whisking it into a cold liquid before adding to the hot mixture to prevent lumps.
- NUTRITIONAL YEAST: A true vegan pantry staple, nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that is naturally rich in B vitamins, including B12. It’s famous for bestowing a unique “cheesy” and deeply umami flavor to plant-based dishes, mimicking some of the savory notes typically associated with animal products. You can readily find it at most well-stocked grocery stores, often in the baking or health food aisle, or at specialty stores like Trader Joe’s.
- THYME + ROSEMARY: Nothing quite compares to the vibrant aroma and fresh taste of fresh herbs. Fresh thyme and rosemary are the aromatic backbone of this gravy, infusing it with their distinct, fragrant notes that evoke a sense of warmth and holiday comfort. While dried herbs can be used in a pinch, fresh varieties will undeniably provide a superior, more potent flavor.
- WHITE WINE VINEGAR: A small touch of white wine vinegar added at the end of cooking serves as a crucial balancing element. Its subtle acidity brightens the overall flavor profile, cutting through the richness and preventing the gravy from tasting heavy or one-dimensional. It adds a delicate tang that elevates all the other savory notes.
How to Make Easy Vegan Mushroom Gravy: Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this delicious vegan mushroom gravy is straightforward and quick. Follow these simple steps for a perfect, lump-free sauce every time:
1. In a large pot or skillet, begin by heating the oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely diced yellow onions and minced garlic. Stir them well to ensure they are thoroughly coated with the oil. Sauté these aromatics for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become beautifully softened and translucent. This step is crucial for building the foundational flavor of your gravy.
2. While the onions and garlic are sautéing, prepare your mushrooms. Thinly slice the cremini mushrooms, aiming for a thickness of no more than 1/16 inch (2 mm), or chop them finely into small, pea-sized pieces. Add these prepared mushrooms along with a small pinch of salt to the pot with the softened onion and garlic. Stir everything to combine thoroughly. Increase the heat to medium-high and sauté, uncovered, for 6 to 8 minutes. During this time, the mushrooms will release their water, which will then cook off, leaving them tender and slightly browned, concentrating their umami flavor.
3. In a separate medium bowl, pour in the vegetable broth. Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any lumps. This step is key to preventing a lumpy gravy. Then, add the nutritional yeast and freshly ground black pepper to the broth mixture and whisk again until everything is well combined.
4. Return your attention to the pot. Add the fresh thyme and rosemary to the sautéed vegetables. Stir them in and cook for just about a minute, until their fragrant aromas are released and fill your kitchen. Now, pour the prepared broth mixture into the pot, stirring continuously until everything is thoroughly combined. Allow the gravy to simmer, uncovered, whisking frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even thickening. It should thicken beautifully in about 3 minutes. If you notice it sticking to the bottom, reduce the heat as needed.
5. Finally, remove the pot from the heat. Add the white wine vinegar and salt to taste, stirring well to combine. This touch of acidity will brighten the flavors. The consistency of gravy is a matter of personal preference, so feel free to adjust it. If your gravy is too thin, create a slurry by whisking another teaspoon of all-purpose flour (or 1 tablespoon of light/white spelt flour for gluten-free) with 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl, then gradually whisk this mixture into the gravy until it reaches your desired smoothness and thickness. If, however, the gravy has become too thick, simply stir in a splash of additional vegetable broth until it thins to your liking.
Easy Vegan Mushroom Gravy
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup (140 grams) diced yellow onion
- 5-6 medium garlic cloves (about 2 tablespoons)
- 8 ounces (225 grams) cremini (Baby Bella) mushrooms
- kosher salt
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth more if needed
- 2 tablespoons unbleached all purpose flour more if needed (or 6 tablespoons light/white spelt flour, see gluten free substitute in notes)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
- 2 teaspoons packed fresh thyme leaves
- 1 ½ teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
- 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons white wine vinegar to taste
Instructions
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In a large pot or skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and stir to coat with the oil. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, until softened.
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Meanwhile, thinly slice the mushrooms (no thicker than 1/16 inch/2 mm) or finely chop them into pea-sized pieces.
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Add the mushrooms and a small pinch of salt to the pot with the onion and garlic. Stir to combine. Raise the heat to medium-high and sauté, uncovered, for 6 to 8 minutes, until most of the water from the mushrooms cook off and the mushrooms are tender.
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Meanwhile, pour the broth into a medium bowl and whisk in all the flour until no lumps remain. Add the nutritional yeast and pepper and whisk to combine.
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Add the thyme and rosemary to the pot, stir, and sauté for a minute, until fragrant.
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Pour the broth mixture into the pot and stir until combined. Simmer, uncovered, whisking frequently, until the gravy thickens, about 3 minutes. Reduce the heat, if necessary, to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pot.
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Add the vinegar and salt to taste and stir to combine. If the gravy is too thin, you can whisk another teaspoon all purpose flour (or 1 tablespoon light/white spelt flour) with 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl, then whisk this mixture into the gravy until smooth. If the gravy is too thick, you can stir in a splash of broth to thin it.
Angela’s Tips:
- Make Gluten Free: Use 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1:1 Baking Flour instead of all purpose flour.
- Leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. It will thicken as it cools. To reheat, gently warm it in a small pot over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Add a little broth to the gravy to thin it, if needed.
Reprinted with permission from Oh She Glows for Dinner by Angela Liddon (Avery 2020).
Tips for Serving and Storage
This Easy Vegan Mushroom Gravy is incredibly versatile. It’s not just for Thanksgiving or Christmas! Beyond pairing it with traditional holiday sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and green bean casserole, consider drizzling it over a savory lentil loaf, seitan roast, or even a simple baked potato for a comforting weeknight meal. Its rich, umami flavor complements almost anything.
Leftover gravy, if you have any, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You’ll notice it thickens considerably as it cools, which is perfectly normal. To reheat, gently warm the gravy in a small pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for about 3 to 5 minutes. If it’s too thick after reheating, simply whisk in a splash of extra vegetable broth until it reaches your desired pourable consistency.
For those looking to get ahead, this gravy can also be made a day or two in advance, making your holiday meal prep even smoother. Just store it in the fridge and reheat as described above.
I received a complimentary copy of Oh She Glows for Dinner; however, I was not obligated to share a recipe or review. All opinions expressed are my own and reflect my genuine appreciation for this fantastic cookbook and its recipes.
Final Thoughts on Your Vegan Gravy Journey
Embracing a plant-based diet doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or the comforting traditions of classic dishes. This Easy Vegan Mushroom Gravy stands as a testament to that, offering a delectable, worry-free alternative that promises to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Its quick preparation, robust flavor, and adaptability make it an indispensable addition to any home cook’s repertoire, whether you’re catering to dietary restrictions or simply exploring the vast and exciting world of vegan cuisine. We encourage you to try this recipe and experience the rich, savory goodness for yourself!