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Vegan Gravy with Caramelized Onions Recipe

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Vegan gravy with caramelized onions is a rich, savory plant-based sauce with deep sweetness from slowly browned onions. Vegetable broth, herbs, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce create a flavorful gravy perfect for mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, stuffing, and holiday meals.

Ingredients

  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, optional

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil or vegan butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a small pinch of salt. Cook for 30–40 minutes, stirring every few minutes and reducing the heat if necessary, until very soft, deeply golden, and caramelized.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onions and stir until no dry patches remain. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  4. Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while whisking or stirring constantly, adding it slowly at first to prevent lumps.
  5. Stir in the soy sauce or tamari, Dijon mustard, thyme, sage, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
  6. Leave the onion pieces intact for a rustic gravy or carefully blend with an immersion blender for a smoother consistency. Add extra broth if the gravy is too thick or simmer a few minutes longer if it is too thin.
  7. Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper. Stir in the optional balsamic vinegar for additional depth, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Caramelize the onions slowly over medium-low or low heat for the deepest flavor; high heat can burn them before they become sweet and tender.
  • For mushroom gravy, brown sliced cremini or button mushrooms after caramelizing the onions and before adding the flour.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tamari and replace the flour with a suitable gluten-free thickener such as a cornstarch slurry.
  • Mushroom powder can be added for deeper savory flavor, but adjust the salt because it and soy sauce can increase sodium.
  • Store refrigerated in an airtight container for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop, whisking in vegetable broth or water as needed to restore the desired consistency.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/vegan-gravy-with-caramelized-onions-recipe/