Emily Johnson
Mushroom gravy is a popular dish, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is usually made with dried and fresh mushrooms, onions, and garlic, and seasoned with thyme, salt, and pepper. The gravy is often served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, lentil loaf, or meatloaf. Some recipes for mushroom gravy include dairy products like butter and milk, while others use vegan alternatives, making the dish suitable for vegans. The umami flavor of mushrooms adds a savory taste to the gravy, making it a popular choice for those seeking a meat-free or vegan option during the holidays.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Side dish |
| Diet | Vegan |
| Ingredients | Mushrooms, onions, garlic, flour, vegetable broth, thyme, black pepper, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, bay leaf, spices, stock, baby onions, vegan butter |
| Cuisines | American, British |
| Occasions | Thanksgiving, Christmas, Holidays, Special occasions |
| Storage | Refrigerate for 2-5 days, Freeze for 2 months-4 months |
| Served with | Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, lentil loaf, biscuits, rice, meatloaf, cauliflower steaks, tofu, turkey |
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What You'll Learn
What to serve with mushroom gravy
Mushroom gravy is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas for what to serve with mushroom gravy:
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with mushroom gravy. The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes complements the earthy flavour of the gravy, creating a comforting and satisfying combination.
Roasted Vegetables
Mushroom gravy also goes well with roasted vegetables. Try drizzling it over roasted Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or a mix of your favourite veggies. The gravy adds a savoury touch to the roasted veggies, enhancing their flavour.
Meat Dishes
If you're a meat-eater, mushroom gravy can be an excellent complement to meat dishes. It pairs well with steak, chicken, pork chops, and meatloaf. The gravy adds moisture and depth of flavour to these dishes.
Noodles and Pasta
For a heartier meal, serve mushroom gravy with noodles or pasta. The gravy coats the noodles or pasta, creating a rich and indulgent dish. You can also add some parsley on top for a fresh touch.
Bread
Mushroom gravy can also be enjoyed with bread. Dip crusty French bread, homemade focaccia, or toasted slices of bread into the gravy for a simple yet satisfying treat.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
For vegetarian or vegan options, mushroom gravy is delicious served with lentil loaf, mushroom Wellington, lentil meatballs, or stuffed roasted butternut squash. It adds a savoury and hearty touch to these plant-based dishes.
With its versatility and rich flavour, mushroom gravy is a great way to elevate a variety of meals. Whether you're a meat-eater, vegetarian, or vegan, there are numerous ways to enjoy this delicious sauce.
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How to make mushroom gravy
Mushroom gravy is a delicious vegan option that can be served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, lentil loaf, or even biscuits. It's easy to make and perfect for those special occasions or as a daily topper. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make vegan mushroom gravy:
Ingredients:
- Fresh mushrooms (cremini, baby bella, or white button mushrooms)
- Dried mushrooms (optional, for extra umami flavour)
- Olive oil
- Vegan butter
- Onion
- Garlic
- Vegetable broth/stock
- Thyme
- Black pepper
- Cornstarch or arrowroot starch (optional, for thickening)
- Balsamic vinegar (optional, for acidity)
Instructions:
- If using dried mushrooms, place them in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them sit for about 20 minutes to rehydrate and release their flavour.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sear the fresh mushrooms in a single layer, without stirring, to caramelize them and develop deep flavour and colour.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, thyme, and a splash of soy sauce to the skillet and sauté until the onions are translucent and lightly browned.
- Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms, using 5 tablespoons for a thinner gravy and 6 tablespoons for a thicker gravy. Stir and cook for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly add the vegetable broth, stirring continuously, until the gravy reaches the desired consistency. For a thinner gravy, you can add more broth.
- Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes until it thickens. The gravy will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Season with black pepper and additional salt, if needed. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- For a silky smooth gravy, blend the mixture until creamy. You can use an immersion blender for a mix of creamy and chunky textures.
- Finally, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to brighten the flavour and cut through the richness of the mushrooms.
- Serve the mushroom gravy warm over your favourite dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or lentil loaf.
Tips:
- You can use a combination of olive oil and vegan butter to cook the mushrooms, as butter provides flavour but burns at high heat.
- If you prefer a smooth gravy, blend the prepared gravy using a blender. You can also adjust the consistency by adding more vegetable broth or using cornstarch/arrowroot starch.
- The gravy can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3-4 months.
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Storing and reheating mushroom gravy
If you wish to store the gravy for longer, it can be frozen for up to 3-4 months. To freeze the gravy, pour it into freezer-safe bags and lay them flat in the freezer until frozen. Then, you can stack them to save space. When you are ready to use the frozen gravy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and gently reheat it.
When reheating mushroom gravy, it is important to stir continuously to prevent burning or clumping. There are two main ways to reheat gravy: on the stovetop or in the microwave. To reheat on the stovetop, place the gravy in a saucepan and warm it over low to medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches a simmer. If the gravy is too thick, you can add a small amount of water or broth to adjust the consistency.
For a quicker option, you can reheat the gravy in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe container, cover it, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.
It is worth noting that gravy tends to thicken as it cools, so it may need to be thinned when reheated. You can adjust the consistency by adding water, broth, or fresh cream. Additionally, ensure that the gravy is thoroughly heated before serving, as this ensures it is safe to consume.
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Making mushroom gravy without mushrooms
Mushroom gravy is a popular vegan gravy option, but it can be made without mushrooms. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a mushroom-free vegan gravy.
Firstly, decide on your base ingredients. You can use a combination of oil and butter for cooking your vegetables, or just use oil to keep it vegan. Butter adds flavour, but it can burn at high heat, so a combination of the two is often used. You will also need a vegetable broth or stock to add liquid to your gravy.
Now, choose your vegetables. Onion and garlic are a popular base for vegan gravies, as they add flavour and a rich brown colour when sautéed. You can also add shallots, or even just use garlic on its own. Sauté your chosen vegetables in your chosen fat until they are soft and translucent, and beginning to brown.
Next, add your spices and herbs. Thyme is a popular addition to gravy, and you can use it dried or fresh. Black pepper is also a good addition, and you can add other spices of your choice.
Now, you can add flour to thicken your gravy. Sprinkle the flour over your vegetables and stir it in, cooking for a minute or so to get rid of the raw flour taste. You can also use cornstarch or arrowroot starch to thicken, but flour is the best choice for flavour.
Finally, add your vegetable broth or stock. Bring to a simmer and cook until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. You can add more broth if it becomes too thick, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Your vegan mushroom-free gravy is now ready to serve! This gravy is a great option for those who don't like mushrooms but still want a tasty, savoury vegan gravy.
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Making mushroom gravy gluten-free
Mushroom gravy is a delicious vegan option, and it can be easily made gluten-free as well. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a tasty mushroom gravy that is both vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients:
- Fresh mushrooms (a mix of cremini or baby bell mushrooms, and shiitake or white button mushrooms)
- Dried mushrooms
- Vegetable broth (or water)
- Olive oil or vegan butter
- Shallots or onion
- Garlic
- Thyme (fresh or dried)
- Balsamic vinegar
- Cornstarch or arrowroot starch (or all-purpose flour)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Start by rehydrating your dried mushrooms. Place them in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them sit for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, dice your shallots or onion and mince the garlic.
Heat some olive oil or vegan butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots or onion and sauté until translucent and lightly browned, about 5-10 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Next, add your fresh mushrooms and continue cooking until they have darkened and released their juices, about 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle in the cornstarch, arrowroot starch, or flour, stirring to combine. Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes.
Now, slowly add your vegetable broth or water, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Finally, stir in the thyme, balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Your gluten-free mushroom gravy is now ready to serve! This gravy pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, tofu, lentil loaf, or even crusty French bread.
Tips:
- If you prefer a smooth gravy, you can blend the prepared gravy using a blender.
- You can make this gravy ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
- To freeze, blend the gravy first, then store it in an airtight container or ice cube trays in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
Enjoy your delicious, vegan, and gluten-free mushroom gravy!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushroom gravy can be made vegan. It is often made with vegan butter, vegetable broth, and mushrooms.
You can use a mix of dried and fresh mushrooms, vegetable broth, vegan butter, and flour to make a vegan mushroom gravy. You can also add herbs and spices like thyme, bay leaf, and black pepper for added flavor.
It typically takes around 25 to 30 minutes to prepare and cook vegan mushroom gravy. It can be made in just one pan and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
