Really Easy Vegan Gravy or Cheese Sauce

My grandmother, bless her heart, wasn’t known for her adventurous cooking. Sunday roasts were her domain, always accompanied by a gravy that, while comforting, was decidedly…beige. It wasn’t until I ventured into plant-based cooking that I realized gravy could be so much more than just a meaty byproduct. This recipe, born from a frantic search for a quick and easy vegan sauce, unlocked a whole new world of flavor and texture, proving that even the simplest ingredients can create something truly special. Now, I find myself reaching for this recipe not just as a gravy, but as a base for countless other culinary creations.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 2 cups
• Yield: 2 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Gluten-Free (naturally)

Ingredients

• 2 cups vegetable broth
• ¼ – ½ cup nutritional yeast (start with ¼ cup and add more to taste)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• Spices, to taste (such as onion powder, garlic, oregano, paprika, whatever you like)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Small bowl

Instructions

1. Begin by heating the vegetable broth in a medium saucepan over medium heat. You don’t need to bring it to a roaring boil, just a gentle simmer will do.
2. While the broth is heating, take a small amount (about ¼ cup) of the hot broth and transfer it to a small bowl. This is crucial for creating a smooth, lump-free sauce.
3. To the bowl with the hot broth, add the cornstarch. Whisk vigorously until the cornstarch is completely dissolved, forming a slurry. Make sure there are no lumps remaining. This prevents clumping when you add it to the hot broth.
4. Pour the nutritional yeast and your selected spices directly into the simmering broth in the saucepan. Stir continuously until the nutritional yeast is fully dissolved. The mixture might look a little grainy at first, but keep stirring, and it will smooth out. This step infuses the broth with flavor and gives it a cheesy/savory base.
5. Now, slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering broth, whisking constantly as you pour. This is important to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to stir and cook the mixture until it thickens to your desired consistency. This should only take a few minutes. Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
6. Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, remove it from the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount of salt and pepper, taste, and adjust as needed.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Spice it up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spice combinations! Smoked paprika adds a delicious smoky flavor, while a pinch of cayenne pepper provides a subtle kick.
• Adjusting the thickness: If your sauce is too thick, simply add a little more vegetable broth until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the simmering sauce.
• Nutritional yeast notes: The amount of nutritional yeast you use will greatly affect the flavor. Start with the smaller amount and taste as you go, adding more until you reach your preferred level of cheesiness.
• Preventing lumps: The key to a smooth gravy is properly dissolving the cornstarch in cold broth before adding it to the hot liquid. This ensures that the cornstarch hydrates evenly and doesn’t clump together.
• Blending for extra smoothness: For an ultra-smooth sauce, especially if you’re using a coarser brand of nutritional yeast, you can transfer the finished sauce to a blender and blend until completely smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids! Start on a low speed and vent the lid to prevent pressure from building up.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This versatile sauce is fantastic served immediately over baked potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice, noodles, or even vegan poutine. It can also be used as a base for creamy soups or casseroles.

Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of vegetable broth if it has thickened too much.

Freezing is not recommended as the texture can change upon thawing due to the cornstarch. It’s best to make a fresh batch when you need it, as it’s so quick and easy to prepare.

Nutritional Information

(Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	60 kcal	3%
Total Fat	0.5 g	1%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	100 mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate	12 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	2 g	8%
Sugars	0 g	0%
Protein	3 g	6%

Variations & Substitutions

• Cheese Sauce: If you’re specifically aiming for a cheese sauce, increase the amount of nutritional yeast to ½ cup and add a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder. You can also add a tablespoon of vegan butter for extra richness.
• Gravy: For a more traditional gravy flavor, add a teaspoon of soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free) and a dash of Worcestershire sauce (make sure it’s vegan, many contain anchovies). A pinch of sage or thyme can also enhance the flavor.
• Mushroom Gravy: Sauté sliced mushrooms in a pan with a little vegan butter until softened. Add them to the broth before adding the cornstarch slurry for a delicious mushroom gravy.
• Spicy Cheese Sauce: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Oil-Free Option: This recipe is already very low in fat, but you can omit the vegan butter (if using) for a completely oil-free version.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of broth?
A: Yes, you can use any type of broth you like, such as mushroom broth or vegetable bouillon. Just be aware that the flavor of the broth will affect the final taste of the sauce.

Q: What if I don’t have nutritional yeast?
A: While nutritional yeast is essential for the cheesy flavor, you can try substituting it with a tablespoon of tahini or a small amount of vegan cream cheese, but the flavor will be different.

Q: Can I use a different thickener instead of cornstarch?
A: Yes, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a substitute for cornstarch. Use the same amount (3 tablespoons).

Q: Why is my gravy lumpy?
A: Lumpy gravy is usually caused by not properly dissolving the cornstarch before adding it to the hot broth. Make sure to whisk the cornstarch with a small amount of cold broth until it forms a smooth slurry.

Q: Can I add fresh herbs to this sauce?
A: Absolutely! Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme can add a lovely freshness to the sauce. Add them towards the end of cooking.

Final Thoughts

This recipe isn’t just about creating a quick and easy sauce; it’s about unlocking the potential of simple, plant-based ingredients. It’s an invitation to experiment with flavors, textures, and seasonings, and to discover the endless possibilities of vegan cooking. I encourage you to give it a try, tweak it to your liking, and share your creations with others. Whether you’re drizzling it over roasted vegetables, serving it alongside a hearty lentil loaf, or using it as a base for your favorite casserole, this sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!