Black Gravy Recipe Vegetarian Style Made Easy and Delicious

Black gravy is a rich, deeply flavorful sauce that elevates any vegetarian meal to a new level of comfort and satisfaction. Traditionally made with meat-based stocks, this vegetarian black gravy recipe reinvents the classic by using wholesome plant-based ingredients that deliver the same dark, luscious color and robust taste without compromising on ethics or health.

Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a hearty lentil loaf, this gravy adds a gourmet touch to your dinner table.

What makes this black gravy truly special is the careful layering of umami flavors using mushrooms, soy sauce, and caramelized onions, combined with a blend of spices to create a perfectly balanced sauce.

It’s incredibly versatile, easy to prepare, and will quickly become your go-to for enhancing vegetarian dishes. In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the process and share tips to customize it to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian black gravy is a game-changer for anyone looking to add depth and richness to their meals without using animal products. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Deep, savory flavor: The combination of caramelized onions, mushrooms, and soy sauce creates an umami-packed sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.
• Versatile and adaptable: Use it with mashed potatoes, veggie roasts, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks and snacks.
• Simple ingredients: No need for fancy or hard-to-find items; most are pantry staples.
• Quick to prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests.
• Healthy and wholesome: Made without animal products or artificial additives.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (cremini or button)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour if preferred)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt to taste
• Optional: 1 teaspoon liquid smoke for extra depth

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Whisk
• Knife and chopping board
• Medium bowl (optional, for mixing flour)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions and sauté until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Add the garlic and mushrooms to the pan. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until the mushrooms are softened and have released their moisture.
3. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mushroom mixture and stir well. This creates a roux that will thicken the gravy. Cook the flour for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to cook out the raw taste.
4. Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, making sure to eliminate any lumps. Stir continuously as the liquid thickens and comes to a simmer.
5. Add the soy sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika, black pepper, thyme, cumin, and balsamic vinegar. Stir well to combine. If using, add the liquid smoke here for extra smokiness.
6. Simmer the gravy over low heat for 10-15 minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding salt or more soy sauce if needed.
8. Remove from heat and let the gravy cool slightly before serving. For an ultra-smooth texture, you can blend the gravy using an immersion blender, but it’s delicious as is.

Tips & Variations

“For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with a little cold water before adding to the pan.”

Here are some additional tips and ideas to make this black gravy your own:

• Enhance with wine: Add 1/4 cup of red wine after adding the flour and cook off the alcohol before adding broth for a richer flavor.
• Make it vegan: This recipe is already vegan, but double-check your broth and soy sauce to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
• Use different mushrooms: Shiitake or portobello mushrooms will add even more umami and texture.
• Add herbs: Fresh rosemary or sage can be added for an herby twist.
• Make it spicy: A pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes can add a subtle heat.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian black gravy pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to inspire your meals:

• Drizzle over creamy mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower.
• Serve alongside lentil or nut roasts for a Thanksgiving-style meal.
• Use as a sauce over roasted or grilled vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans.
• Pour over vegan meatloaf or mushroom Wellington for an elegant dinner.
• Try it as a dipping sauce for crispy potato wedges or savory breadsticks.

For more delicious vegetarian sauces and gravies, be sure to check out our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe and Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe.

Conclusion

Making a vegetarian black gravy from scratch is a rewarding experience that adds a burst of flavor and richness to any meal. This recipe proves that you don’t need meat-based stocks to create a deeply savory, beautifully dark gravy that complements a wide range of dishes.

With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs looking to expand their vegetarian repertoire.

Next time you’re preparing a special dinner or simply craving comfort food, reach for this black gravy recipe to bring warmth and depth to your table. Don’t forget to explore more creative recipes like our Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe for dessert or the savory Chicken Bruschetta Recipe Stove Top Stuffing (vegetarian version possible) to round out your meal.

Happy cooking!

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