Vegan White Gravy Recipe – A Homemade Creamy Savory Delight

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Finding the perfect vegan white gravy recipe is often like searching for a culinary unicorn. For those who have transitioned to a plant-based diet, the quest for a traditional gravy that rivals its traditional counterpart in creaminess and depth of flavor can be daunting.

I remember my frustrations, facing holiday dinners where gravy was the unsung hero of the meal, yet out of reach for my vegan lifestyle. That was until I discovered a recipe that changed everything.

This homemade solution, crafted with simple steps ingredients, satisfies those nostalgic cravings and stands as a testament to the versatility and richness possible in vegan cooking. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their plant-based meals.

What Is Vegan White Gravy?

Vegan white gravy is a plant-based alternative to traditional white gravy, omitting all animal products. This version utilizes simple ingredients like non-dairy milk, typically almond or soy, as the base, thickened with flour or starch to achieve its signature creamy texture.

Nutritional yeast or spices are added to infuse a savory, umami flavor, closely mimicking the richness found in its non-vegan counterpart. It is ideal for those following a vegan lifestyle and offers a compassionate choice without sacrificing taste.

Vegan white gravy is great for pouring over biscuits, mashed potatoes, and other comfort foods, making it a versatile addition to any meal.

Quick Fact: Nutritional yeast, a key ingredient in vegan white gravy, is rich in B vitamins and provides a cheesy flavor, making it a favorite among plant-based diets.

Recipe Directions

• Melt the Vegan Butter: Melt the vegan butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. It’s crucial to keep the heat low to avoid burning the butter.
• Whisk in Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, pepper, and salt to the melted butter. Whisk them together until fully combined. This mixture, known as a roux, will thicken the gravy.
• Simmer and Incorporate Milk: Increase the heat to just below medium and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add 1/2 cup of the non-dairy soy milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
• Thicken the Gravy: Continue to stir the mixture constantly as you add the remaining non-dairy milk, 1/4 cup at a time. Ensure each addition is well incorporated before adding more. The gravy will begin to thicken.
• Adjust and Serve: Once the cream gravy has thickened slightly to your liking, adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the gravy hot, ideally over your favorite vegan biscuits, mashed potatoes, or any other dish that calls for a creamy, savory topping.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

• Herbed Gravy: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
• Spicy Gravy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the roux for a spicy kick.
• Garlic Mushroom Gravy: Sauté sliced mushrooms and minced garlic in vegan butter before adding the flour, creating a rich and umami-packed gravy.
• Cheesy Gravy: Stir in nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds after the gravy has thickened for a cheesy flavor.

Add-Ons

• Sautéed Onions or Leeks: Add sautéed onions or leeks into the gravy for a sweet and savory depth.
• Vegan Sausage Crumbles: Brown vegan sausage crumbles and mix them into the gravy for a heartier version reminiscent of traditional sausage gravy.
• Dijon Mustard: A teaspoon of Dijon mustard can add a tangy complexity to the gravy.
• White Beans: For a protein boost and thicker texture, blend in some cooked white beans until smooth before adding to the easy vegan gravy.

Toppings

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, chives, or scallions on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Cracked Black Pepper: A generous grind of black pepper on top adds a simple yet impactful flavor enhancement.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a spicy touch for those who enjoy the medium-high heat.
• Fried Onions or Garlic: Garnish with crispy fried onions or garlic for a crunchy texture contrast.

Vegetable Substitutions

• Mushrooms for Meat: Portobello or cremini mushrooms offer a meaty texture and umami flavor, great for burgers or stews.
• Cauliflower for Chicken: Cauliflower’s versatility makes it a perfect stand-in for chicken in recipes like buffalo wings or curries.
• Jackfruit for Pulled Pork: Young green jackfruit has a texture similar to pulled pork, making it ideal for tacos or sandwiches.
• Eggplant for Fish: When seasoned and cooked properly, eggplant can mimic the texture of fish and is suitable for vegan fish dishes.
• Zucchini for Noodles: Spiralized zucchini is a low-carb, gluten-free pasta alternative.
• Butternut Squash for Cheese: In sauces or soups, butternut squash offers a creamy texture and sweet, nutty flavor, mimicking cheese.
• Lentils for Ground Beef: Lentils provide a hearty, protein-packed base for vegan versions of Bolognese or chili.
• Chickpeas for Tuna: Mashed chickpeas can replace tuna in salads or sandwiches, offering a similar texture and protein content.

Quick Tip: Blend soaked cashews with water to create a creamy base for a richer vegan gravy. It adds a luxurious texture and subtle nutty flavor.

Best Side Dishes

1. Vegan Flaky Biscuits Fluffy and buttery are a classic choice for soaking up the savory gravy.
2. Mashed Potatoes Creamy mashed potatoes topped with vegan white gravy are a comfort food staple.
3. Roasted Vegetables The gravy adds depth to the natural sweetness of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or parsnips.
4. Grilled Asparagus The crispness of grilled asparagus contrasts nicely with the creamy gravy.
5. Sautéed Greens Kale, collards, or spinach sautéed in garlic pair well with the richness of the gravy.
6. Vegan Meatloaf A hearty vegan meatloaf becomes even more indulgent with a generous drizzle of white gravy.
7. Fried Green Tomatoes The tangy crunch of fried green tomatoes is complemented by the smooth, savory gravy.
8. Vegan Sausage Patties A perfect breakfast or brunch option, these patties and gravy match heaven.
9. Cornbread Sweet and crumbly cornbread dipped in vegan white gravy offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
10. Stuffed Peppers Peppers filled with grains or vegan protein benefit from the moisture and flavor of the gravy.

How To Serve?

• Over Biscuits: Pour the gravy over freshly baked vegan biscuits for a classic, comforting breakfast or brunch.
• With Mashed Potatoes: Ladle it generously over creamy mashed potatoes for a rich and satisfying side.
• As a Casserole Base: Use it as the creamy layer in vegan casseroles, such as green bean or potato casserole, to add depth and richness.
• In Shepherd’s Pie: Spread it over the vegetable and lentil layer before topping it with mashed potatoes in a vegan shepherd’s pie.
• Over Vegan Meatloaf: Drizzle it atop slices of vegan meatloaf for extra moisture and flavor.
• With Vegan Chicken-Fried Steak: Serve it as a key component of a vegan chicken-fried steak dish, adding creaminess and savory notes.
• On Grilled Vegetables: Spoon some gravy over grilled or roasted vegetables to enhance the flavor.
• In Breakfast Bowls: For a rich, savory touch, incorporate it into vegan breakfast bowls that include a tofu scramble, sautéed greens, and avocado.
• With Vegan Sausage and Hash Browns: Create a diner-style breakfast plate with vegan veggie sausage, hash browns, and gravy.
• As a Dip: For a fun twist, offer it as a dip for vegan finger foods like potato wedges, vegetable sticks, or chicken nuggets.

Quick Tip: To thicken vegan white gravy without altering its flavor, use arrowroot powder or cornstarch dissolved in a little water before adding to the gravy.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Storage: Store vegan white gravy in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the gravy and store it in the fridge. It’s a time-saver for quick meals and ensures flavors meld beautifully.

Fact: The first known recipe for gravy dates back to the 14th century. Originally intended as a sauce for meat eaters, it evolved over centuries into various flavors, including vegan versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use A Different Type Of Non-Dairy Milk In Vegan White Gravy?

Yes, you can use any non-dairy milk in vegan white gravy. Almond, soy, oat, and cashew milk are popular choices. Each type of milk may slightly alter the flavor and consistency, so it might be helpful to experiment to find your preferred option. Unsweetened and unflavored varieties are typically recommended to avoid unwanted sweetness or flavors in your gravy.

How Can I Make My Vegan White Gravy Thicker Or Thinner?

To thicken the gravy, cook it longer to reduce the liquid or add a small amount of flour or cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and water) while stirring continuously. Gradually add more non-dairy milk until you reach your desired consistency to thin it out. Remember, the gravy will also thicken as it cools.

Is Vegan White Gravy Gluten-Free?

Traditional vegan white gravy recipes use all-purpose flour as a thickener containing gluten. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Be cautious about cross-contamination if you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

How Long Does Vegan White Gravy Last In The Fridge?

Vegan white gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s best to cool the gravy to room temperature before refrigerating. When reheating, you may need to add a little non-dairy milk to adjust the consistency, as it tends to thicken when chilled.

Can I Freeze Vegan White Gravy?

Yes, vegan white gravy can be frozen for up to 3 months. Pour the cooled gravy into a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You may notice a slight change in texture upon thawing; a quick whisk or blend can help restore its smooth consistency.