Description

This rich and creamy Mushroom Gravy recipe combines fresh mushrooms, savory herbs, and simple pantry staples to create a luscious and velvety sauce perfect for enhancing mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and plant-based proteins. Easy to make and versatile, it delivers deep umami flavor and smooth texture for comfort meals any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

2 cups fresh cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Sauces

1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)

Thickening and Creaminess

2 tablespoons plant-based butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Herbs and Seasonings

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the finely diced onions. Cook until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Toss in the sliced fresh mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden brown, building an intense umami base for the gravy.
Make the Roux: Push the mushroom mixture to one side of the pan and melt the plant-based butter on the other side. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the melted butter and stir constantly to form a smooth paste. This forms the thickening base for a silky gravy texture.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to gently simmer as it thickens, blending all flavors into a rich sauce.
Finish with the Natural Gelling Agent: Add the natural gelling agent in a small amount and stir thoroughly to enhance the smoothness and consistency of the gravy without altering the delicate mushroom flavor. Remove the pan from heat once combined.
Adjust and Serve: Taste the Mushroom Gravy and adjust salt or pepper as desired. For extra creaminess, stir in a little more plant-based butter immediately before serving. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or plant-based proteins.

Notes

Use fresh mushrooms for the best flavor and to prevent a watery gravy.
Do not overcrowd the pan; sauté mushrooms in batches if needed to ensure even browning.
Add broth gradually while whisking to avoid lumps in the sauce.
Simmer gently, avoid boiling to maintain smoothness and prevent separation.
Use fresh thyme rather than dried for brighter, more complex flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Sauces
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Calories: 70
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 320 mg
Fat: 4.5 g
Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: mushroom gravy, plant-based gravy, vegan sauce, comfort food sauce, mushroom sauce