Sure, let’s dive into making a delicious Vegetarian Gravy that’s not only low in sodium and sugar but bursting with flavor! This recipe is perfect for those looking for a hearty, savory sauce to accompany their favorite dishes. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, drizzling it on roasted vegetables, or smothering it over a veggie burger, this gravy is sure to please.
Vegetarian Gravy (Low-Sodium & Sugar-free)
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: Makes about 2 cups of gravy
Ingredients:
- 8 cloves of garlic
- 3-6 yellow onions (depending on size)
- 2-3 tablespoons of all-purpose white flour
- 8 tablespoons of nutritional yeast
- 4 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cups of water
- 2 teaspoons of dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup of sliced white mushrooms (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt substitute (optional)
- 5-6 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Base: Start by measuring the vegetable oil into a small saucepan and heating it over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add in the minced garlic and finely chopped yellow onions. Cook them gently for about two minutes until the onions are softened and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
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Create the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose white flour and nutritional yeast over the cooked garlic and onions in the saucepan. Stir well to combine, creating a thick paste-like mixture. Then, add in the low-sodium soy sauce (tamari) to the pan and continue stirring to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
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Add the Liquid: Gradually pour in the water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Keep stirring until all the water is incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Increase the heat to medium-high to bring the gravy to a gentle boil, stirring continuously to ensure it thickens evenly.
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Season to Taste: Once the gravy reaches a boil, add in the dried sage and ground black pepper, adjusting the seasoning according to your taste preferences. If you like a richer flavor, you can also stir in some sliced white mushrooms at this stage.
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Adjust Consistency: If the gravy is too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by adding a few tablespoons of flour or cornstarch. Mix the thickening agent with a small amount of cold water to form a slurry, then slowly pour it into the gravy while stirring constantly. Continue cooking for a few more minutes until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.
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Eliminate Lumps: To ensure a smooth texture, use a wire whisk to vigorously stir the gravy and break up any lumps that may have formed during cooking. Continue whisking until the gravy is velvety smooth and thickened to perfection.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once your vegetarian gravy is hot and thickened to your liking, it’s ready to be enjoyed! Pour it generously over your favorite dishes such as mashed potatoes, biscuits, roasted vegetables, vegetarian sausages, or even burgers for a deliciously comforting meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 324.4
- Fat: 27.6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 605.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 16.3g
- Fiber: 1.6g
- Sugar: 0.7g
- Protein: 4.3g
This Vegetarian Gravy recipe is not only low in sodium and sugar but also packed with flavor from aromatic garlic, onions, and savory herbs. It’s a versatile sauce that can elevate any meal, and with its simple preparation and wholesome ingredients, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. So why not whip up a batch today and savor the deliciousness of homemade gravy without the guilt? 🌿🍲