Rich Onion Gravy
In short: A deep brown vegan gravy made with slowly cooked onions, thyme, vegetable stock and a splash of soy sauce. Good over mash, pies and roast dinners. It takes about 50 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 100 kcal
Onion gravy is what makes a plate of mashed potatoes, sausages, pies or a nut roast feel finished. It needs no meat drippings: onions are cooked slowly until deep brown, then thickened with a little flour and simmered in vegetable stock with soy sauce and thyme. The result is savory, sweet and a little sharp, and it is vegan, cheap and easy to make ahead. Thin it with water if it thickens as it stands.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and stir to coat.
- Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the onions are soft and deep golden brown. Lower the heat and add a splash of water if they catch.
- Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute, until no dry flour remains.
- Add the hot stock a ladleful at a time, stirring well after each addition so no lumps form.
- Stir in the soy sauce, vinegar, thyme and bay leaf. Simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, until the gravy is glossy and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove the bay leaf. Season with pepper and more salt if needed, and serve hot.
Tips
- For a smoother gravy, blend half of it with a stick blender and stir it back into the pan. Leave it chunky for a more rustic gravy.
- Use gluten-free flour and tamari in place of regular flour and soy sauce to make it gluten-free. A splash of red wine added with the stock gives extra depth.
Questions and answers
Can I make onion gravy ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps for 4 days in the fridge and thickens as it chills. Reheat it with a splash of water or stock, stirring until smooth.
Can I freeze onion gravy?
Yes, for up to 3 months in a sealed container. Thaw it overnight and reheat gently, whisking to bring it back together.
How do I make onion gravy thicker or thinner?
To thicken, simmer it a few minutes longer or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water. To thin it, add hot stock or water a splash at a time.
How long does it take to make Rich Onion Gravy?
About 50 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Rich Onion Gravy?
About 100 kcal per serving, with 2 g of protein, 12 g of carbohydrates and 5 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 100 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 440 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
