The Best Vegan Gravy: Rich, Savory, and Ready in Minutes

My grandmother, bless her heart, always made gravy from pan drippings. It was delicious, but definitely not something I could enjoy after embracing a vegan lifestyle. For years, I missed that comforting, savory richness. Then, I discovered the magic of nutritional yeast. Suddenly, that umami depth was within reach again, and I was back in business, creating plant-based gravies that even the most die-hard meat-eaters would devour. This recipe is the culmination of those experiments – a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful vegan gravy that will transform any meal.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 5
• Yield: About 2 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Dairy-Free, Vegetarian

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup unbleached white flour
• ⅓ cup nutritional yeast flakes
• ¼ cup oil (vegetable, canola, or olive) or ¼ cup soy margarine
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Equipment Needed

• Saucepan
• Whisk

Instructions

1. Begin by adding the flour to a dry saucepan. Place the saucepan on the stovetop over low heat.
2. Toast the flour on low heat, stirring constantly, until you can smell a slight nutty aroma. This toasting process deepens the flavor and helps prevent a raw flour taste in the finished gravy. Be careful not to burn it! It should smell similar to toasted sesame seeds. This will take approximately 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the nutritional yeast flakes to the toasted flour and stir to combine.
4. Pour in the oil or soy margarine and increase the heat to medium. Stir constantly, ensuring the flour and nutritional yeast are evenly coated in the fat. This forms a roux, which is the base of the gravy.
5. Continue to heat the mixture until it begins to simmer, stirring continuously to prevent sticking or burning. The mixture should be bubbling gently.
6. Gradually add the water and soy sauce, stirring constantly with a whisk. Adding the liquid gradually helps to avoid lumps and ensures a smooth gravy.
7. Continue stirring the gravy until it thickens to your desired consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The longer you cook it, the thicker it will become.
8. Now you can add your favorite spices. Some good options include: garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, sage, black pepper, paprika, or celery salt. Start with a pinch of each and adjust to your taste.
9. Once the gravy has reached your desired thickness and flavor, remove it from the heat and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Toast the Flour: Don’t skip toasting the flour! This step is crucial for developing a rich, nutty flavor and preventing a pasty taste in your gravy. Watch it carefully and stir constantly to avoid burning.
• Prevent Lumps: Add the water gradually while whisking vigorously. This will help to prevent lumps from forming. If lumps do occur, you can use an immersion blender to smooth out the gravy.
• Adjust the Thickness: If your gravy is too thick, add a little more water until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, continue simmering it over low heat until it thickens further.
• Flavor Boost: For an even richer flavor, sauté some chopped onions and garlic in the oil before adding the flour.
• Nutritional Yeast Notes: The key to this gravy is the nutritional yeast, which gives it a savory, cheesy flavor. If you’re new to nutritional yeast, start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste.
• Spice it up! Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor of your gravy. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This vegan gravy is delicious served warm over mashed potatoes, vegan roasts, stuffing, biscuits, or any other dish that you would typically serve with gravy.

Leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little water if the gravy has thickened too much during storage.

The gravy can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing and thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	166.5 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	104 g	63%
Total Fat	11.6 g	17%
Saturated Fat	1.5 g	7%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	209.6 mg	8%
Total Carbohydrate	11.4 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	2.9 g	11%
Sugars	0.1 g	0%
Protein	6.1 g	12%

• Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Gravy: Substitute the unbleached white flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, mix it with a little cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the saucepan to prevent clumping.
• Oil-Free Gravy: Instead of oil or soy margarine, try using vegetable broth or a combination of vegetable broth and a little bit of tahini or cashew butter for richness. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid to achieve the desired consistency.
• Mushroom Gravy: Sauté some chopped mushrooms in the oil or margarine before adding the flour for a delicious mushroom gravy.
• Herb Gravy: Add your favorite fresh or dried herbs to the gravy for a boost of flavor. Thyme, sage, rosemary, and parsley all work well.
• Different Liquid: Instead of water, use vegetable broth for a more flavorful gravy.
• Soy-Free Option: Replace the soy sauce with tamari (if gluten-free) or coconut aminos. You may need to adjust the amount to taste.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What is nutritional yeast and where can I find it?
A: Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast with a cheesy, nutty flavor. It’s often used in vegan cooking to add umami and cheesy notes. You can find it in most health food stores and some larger supermarkets.

Q: Can I make this gravy ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Q: My gravy is too thick. How can I thin it out?
A: Add a little more water or vegetable broth to the gravy until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q: My gravy is too thin. How can I thicken it?
A: Continue simmering the gravy over low heat until it thickens further. You can also mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the gravy.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this gravy?
A: Yes, you can add other vegetables such as chopped onions, garlic, celery, or carrots to the gravy for a more complex flavor. Sauté them in the oil or margarine before adding the flour.

Final Thoughts

This nutritional yeast vegan gravy is a game-changer for anyone looking for a flavorful and satisfying plant-based alternative to traditional gravy. It’s quick, easy to make, and incredibly versatile. I encourage you to try it out and let me know what you think! Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor to your liking. Serve it over your favorite comfort foods and enjoy! And don’t forget to share your creations and feedback!