Easy & Flavorful Vegan Mushroom Gravy: Your Go-To Recipe for Holidays and Beyond
Say hello to your new favorite vegan mushroom gravy! This rich, savory, and incredibly easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect accompaniment for bustling holiday feasts or simple weeknight dinners. Crafted with aromatic herbs and hearty mushrooms, this plant-based gravy delivers a depth of flavor that will impress even the most discerning palates, proving that delicious gravy doesn’t need meat or dairy.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Vegan Mushroom Gravy
Let’s be honest, gravy is more than just a condiment; it’s a comforting hug on a plate, especially during festive seasons. And when it comes to holiday meals, one can truly never have enough! This vegan mushroom gravy recipe isn’t just a delicious alternative; it’s a game-changer for several reasons:
- Effortless & Quick: Unlike traditional gravies that demand constant attention and long simmering times, this plant-based version is ready in about 30 minutes. It’s truly stress-free, eliminating any last-minute scrambling in the kitchen.
- Dietary Inclusive: Being 100% vegan, this gravy is naturally dairy-free and can easily be made gluten-free (check the recipe notes for simple substitutions). This means everyone at your table, regardless of dietary restrictions, can enjoy a generous serving.
- Hearty & Flavorful: Despite being lighter than its meat-based counterparts, this mushroom gravy is surprisingly robust, offering a rich, umami-packed flavor and a luxurious, velvety texture. It’s deeply satisfying without feeling heavy.
- Versatile Pairing: While it shines alongside classic holiday dishes, its versatility makes it perfect for everyday meals too. Imagine it drizzled over roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or even a vegan pot pie!
It pairs perfectly with holiday staples like my go-to Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, savory Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash, and elegant Green Beans Almondine. Its rich, earthy notes beautifully complement a wide array of dishes, elevating every bite.
Inspired by “Oh She Glows for Dinner” Cookbook
This fantastic mushroom gravy recipe is a delightful find from Angela Liddon’s latest culinary masterpiece, Oh She Glows for Dinner (affiliate link). For those unfamiliar with her work, Angela Liddon is a celebrated name in the plant-based community, renowned for her innovative, family-friendly recipes that are both accessible and incredibly delicious. Her cookbooks are a staple for anyone looking to incorporate more wholesome, plant-powered meals into their diet.
In the past year, my partner Connor and I have (unofficially) embraced a primarily vegetarian diet, and I’m continuously seeking ways to expand our repertoire of satisfying plant-based dinners. Angela’s cookbooks have been an invaluable resource on this journey, making the transition enjoyable and inspiring.
Her newest cookbook, “Oh She Glows for Dinner,” is a treasure trove, brimming with over 100 dinner and lunch-friendly recipes. Beyond the recipes, it offers practical meal planning tips, thoughtful menu plans, and meticulously organized recipe lists. These lists allow you to easily navigate recipes by category or dietary restriction, such as one-pot/bowl meals, meal-worthy salads, freezer-friendly options, kid-friendly dishes, and naturally, gluten-free or nut-free choices. This level of organization makes finding the perfect meal a breeze, regardless of your specific needs or preferences.
If you’re on the hunt for more plant-based meal ideas or simply need a boost of culinary inspiration, this cookbook is an exceptional addition to any kitchen. I was instantly captivated by its vibrant recipes and cannot wait to explore more dishes from its pages. It’s more than just a cookbook; it’s a guide to nourishing, exciting plant-based eating.
With the holiday season just around the corner, I immediately gravitated towards Angela’s recipe for Rosemary and Thyme Mushroom Gravy. The promise of a quick, flavorful vegan option was too good to resist. And let me tell you, it does not disappoint! While it might not offer the exact same deep, meaty undertones as traditional meat-based gravies, it truly is shockingly delicious, incredibly hearty, and possesses a richness that belies its 100% plant-based nature. It’s a testament to the power of fresh ingredients and thoughtful seasoning.
Key Ingredients for a Truly Exceptional Vegan Gravy
Creating this flavorful gravy relies on a few simple, yet powerful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is essential:
- YELLOW ONION + GARLIC: These humble aromatics form the foundational flavor base of our vegan gravy. When properly sautéed until soft and translucent, they release a sweet, savory depth that is crucial. Since this gravy is not blended or strained, dicing the onion on the smaller side ensures a smooth, integrated texture.
- CREMINI MUSHROOMS: Often known as Baby Bella mushrooms, cremini mushrooms are fantastic for this recipe. They provide a satisfying heartiness and a robust umami flavor that mimics the richness often found in meat gravies. For an even more complex flavor profile, feel free to experiment with a medley of wild mushrooms like shiitake or oyster mushrooms. Remember to slice them very thinly (no thicker than 1/16 inch or 2 mm) to achieve the best texture and allow them to cook down beautifully.
- VEGETABLE BROTH: As gravy is fundamentally about its liquid base, the quality of your vegetable broth is paramount. A high-quality, flavorful low-sodium vegetable broth will make a significant difference in the final taste. If you have homemade vegetable broth on hand, that’s even better for an unparalleled depth of flavor.
- ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR: This is our thickening agent. A couple of tablespoons of unbleached all-purpose flour will give the gravy its luscious body and perfect consistency. For those adhering to a gluten-free diet, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1:1 Baking Flour) works wonderfully as a substitute, with slight adjustments noted in the recipe.
- NUTRITIONAL YEAST: A classic ingredient in plant-based cooking, nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast rich in B vitamins. It imparts a distinctive “cheesy,” savory, and umami flavor that enhances the overall richness of the gravy, making it taste incredibly satisfying. You can easily find it at most well-stocked grocery stores and health food markets.
- THYME + ROSEMARY: Nothing quite compares to the fragrant, earthy notes of fresh herbs. Fresh thyme leaves and minced fresh rosemary are essential here, adding an aromatic complexity that elevates this gravy from good to extraordinary. Their distinct flavors are a hallmark of this particular recipe.
- WHITE WINE VINEGAR: A small touch of white wine vinegar added at the very end of cooking acts as a secret weapon, providing a crucial hint of acidity. This brightens the overall flavor, cuts through the richness, and creates a beautifully balanced finish, ensuring the gravy isn’t just savory but also vibrant.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Easy Vegan Mushroom Gravy
Follow these simple instructions to create a rich, flavorful, and perfectly textured vegan mushroom gravy in no time:
1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or a spacious skillet, begin by heating the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onions and minced garlic, stirring them well to ensure they are fully coated with the oil. Sauté gently for 5 to 6 minutes, allowing them to soften until they become beautifully translucent and fragrant.
2. Prepare & Cook Mushrooms: While the aromatics are softening, take this opportunity to thinly slice your cremini mushrooms. Aim for slices no thicker than 1/16 inch (2 mm), or if you prefer a more subtle mushroom presence, finely chop them into small, pea-sized pieces. Add the prepared mushrooms to the pot with a small pinch of kosher salt. Stir everything together to combine. 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.
3. Whisk Broth Mixture: In a separate medium-sized bowl, pour the low-sodium vegetable broth. Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any lumps. Next, add the nutritional yeast and freshly ground black pepper, whisking again to fully combine these flavor enhancers.
4. Infuse Herbs & Thicken: Return your attention to the pot. Add the fresh thyme leaves and minced fresh rosemary. Stir well and sauté for just about 1 minute, until the herbs become wonderfully fragrant, releasing their essential oils into the mushroom mixture. Immediately pour the prepared broth mixture into the pot, stirring continuously until everything is thoroughly combined. Allow the gravy to simmer, uncovered, whisking frequently, for approximately 3 minutes, or until it visibly thickens to your desired consistency. If you notice the mixture starting to stick to the bottom of the pot, simply reduce the heat.
5. Season & Adjust: Finally, stir in the white wine vinegar and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt to taste. Give it a good stir to ensure all flavors are well incorporated. If you find the gravy is too thin for your liking, you can whisk an additional teaspoon of all-purpose flour (or 1 tablespoon of light/white spelt flour for gluten-free) with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl, then gradually whisk this slurry into the simmering gravy until smooth and thickened. Conversely, if the gravy becomes too thick, simply stir in a splash more vegetable broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Vegan Gravy
- Mushroom Prep is Key: Don’t underestimate the importance of thinly slicing or finely chopping your mushrooms. This ensures they soften completely and integrate seamlessly into the gravy, providing flavor without overpowering texture.
- Quality Broth Matters: Since vegetable broth forms the backbone of this gravy, invest in a good quality, flavorful broth. It makes a noticeable difference in the final taste.
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Allow the onions, garlic, and mushrooms to properly sauté. This crucial step develops deep, caramelized flavors that are essential for a rich, savory gravy.
- Whisk Away Lumps: When adding the flour to the broth, whisk vigorously to prevent lumps. A smooth roux ensures a silky, velvety gravy.
- Balance with Vinegar: The small amount of white wine vinegar is a flavor secret weapon. It brightens the gravy and balances its richness, so don’t skip it!
- Adjust Consistency as Needed: Gravy can thicken as it cools. Always have extra broth on hand to thin it out if it becomes too thick, or a flour/water slurry to thicken it further if needed.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
Delicious Pairings
This versatile vegan mushroom gravy is a welcome addition to countless dishes:
- Classic Holiday Sides: Drizzle generously over creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, green bean casserole, or savory stuffing.
- Everyday Meals: It’s fantastic over baked potatoes, steamed vegetables, lentil loaf, or even simple rice and grains for a comforting weeknight meal.
- Breakfast & Brunch: Try it with biscuits, vegan sausages, or tofu scramble for a delightful twist on comfort food.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover gravy can be a real treat! Store any unused portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. As it cools, the gravy will naturally thicken considerably. To reheat, gently warm it in a small pot over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. You’ll likely need to add a splash or two of additional vegetable broth to thin it back to your desired consistency. Whisk until smooth and heated through.
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: For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1:1 Baking Flour. This will ensure your gravy maintains the perfect consistency and flavor without any gluten.
- Storing & Reheating: Leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. It will naturally thicken as it cools. To reheat, gently warm it in a small pot over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a little extra vegetable broth to the gravy to thin it back to your desired consistency, if needed.
Reprinted with permission from Oh She Glows for Dinner by Angela Liddon (Avery 2020).
I received a complimentary copy of Oh She Glows for Dinner; however, I was not obligated to share a recipe or review. All opinions are my own.