Vegetarian Gravy II: A Flavorful and Easy Delight

The memory still makes me smile. Picture this: Thanksgiving, years ago, with my extended family gathered around a table laden with dishes. As a newly converted vegetarian, I was a little nervous about navigating the traditional gravy situation. But my aunt, a culinary genius in her own right, had secretly whipped up a batch of this vegetarian gravy. One taste, and I was hooked! Its savory depth and rich umami flavor were so satisfying; it rivaled any meat-based gravy I’d ever had. Now, it wouldn’t be a holiday, or even a simple weeknight meal, without a batch of this incredible gravy ready to go.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 3 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Total Time: 6 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: About 1.5 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegan

Ingredients

• 2 cups broth (vegetable broth or reserved cooking water from cooking tofu)
• 2 teaspoons vegan chicken bouillon powder
• 1 teaspoon vegan beef bouillon powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar or sugar substitute
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Equipment Needed

• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with ½ cup of the cold broth. Make sure there are no lumps. This creates a slurry that will thicken the gravy.
2. Pour the remaining broth into a small saucepan. Add the vegan chicken bouillon powder, vegan beef bouillon powder, sugar (or sugar substitute), and nutritional yeast to the saucepan.
3. Bring the mixture in the saucepan to a boil over medium-high heat. Watch carefully to prevent it from boiling over.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium.
5. While stirring constantly with a whisk, slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan. Continue stirring vigorously to prevent any lumps from forming.
6. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens. This should take approximately 1 to 3 minutes. The gravy is ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
7. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Nutritional Yeast Adjustment: If you are new to nutritional yeast, start with 1 ½ tablespoons instead of 3. You can always add more to taste. Nutritional yeast imparts a cheesy, umami flavor, but some find it overpowering at first.
• Broth Quality: The quality of your broth will significantly impact the final flavor of the gravy. Homemade broth is always best, but a good quality store-bought vegetable broth will also work well. If using reserved tofu cooking water, be sure it is not overly salty.
• Lump-Free Gravy: The key to avoiding lumps is to mix the cornstarch with cold broth thoroughly before adding it to the hot mixture and to stir constantly while cooking.
• Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary to the gravy while it simmers.
• Thickening Adjustment: If the gravy is not thick enough after 3 minutes, continue to simmer for another minute or two, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can mix another ½ teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold broth and whisk it into the gravy.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This vegetarian gravy is best served warm and immediately after cooking. It’s the perfect accompaniment to mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, vegan meatloaf, or even over biscuits.

Leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much during storage. The gravy can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	31.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	4 g	14%
Total Fat	0.5 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0.1 g	0%
Cholesterol	0.3 mg	0%
Sodium	456 mg	18%
Total Carbohydrate	4.8 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	1.3 g	5%
Sugars	1.1 g	4%
Protein	2.7 g	5%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses cornstarch as a thickener.
• Herb Infusion: Infuse the broth with fresh herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary for a more complex flavor. Simply add the herbs to the broth while simmering and remove them before adding the cornstarch slurry.
• Mushroom Gravy: Sauté finely chopped mushrooms (such as cremini or shiitake) in a little olive oil before adding the broth for a richer, earthier flavor.
• Spicy Gravy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Soy-Free: Ensure your bouillon cubes and broth are soy-free.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of starch to thicken the gravy?
A: While cornstarch is recommended for its thickening power and neutral flavor, you can substitute it with arrowroot starch or tapioca starch. Use the same amount as indicated in the recipe.

Q: What does nutritional yeast add to the gravy?
A: Nutritional yeast contributes a savory, umami flavor that is often described as cheesy or nutty. It helps to create a rich and satisfying gravy without using meat-based ingredients.

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 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin it out.

Q: What if my gravy is too thick?
A: If your gravy is too thick, simply whisk in a little more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q: Can I use regular beef or chicken bouillon instead of vegan bouillon?
A: This recipe is designed to be vegetarian, so using vegan bouillon is essential. However, you can adjust the bouillon type based on your dietary preferences. Keep in mind that doing so will change the flavor profile and no longer be vegan.

Final Thoughts

This Vegetarian Gravy II is a delicious and easy way to elevate any meal. Its rich, savory flavor and smooth texture make it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking for a flavorful alternative to traditional gravy, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Experiment with different variations and substitutions to create your own signature gravy. Don’t hesitate to share your feedback and pairing suggestions – happy cooking!