Cauliflower gravy is a wonderful, versatile alternative to traditional gravies that often rely on meat-based stocks. Perfect for vegetarians and those looking to add more plant-based meals to their menu, cauliflower gravy combines the natural creaminess of cauliflower with savory herbs and spices to create a rich, flavorful sauce.
This gravy is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly healthy, making it a fantastic addition to your comfort food repertoire. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or savory pies, cauliflower gravy brings a delicious depth of flavor that everyone will love.
In this blog post, we’ll explore multiple cauliflower gravy recipes that cater to different tastes and occasions. From a classic creamy version to a spiced-up gravy with a hint of smokiness, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings.
Plus, we’ll include tips on how to customize your gravy, nutritional insights, and serving suggestions to elevate your meals. Ready to dive into these wholesome vegetarian gravies?
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cauliflower gravy is a game-changer for vegetarians and anyone seeking a lighter, nutritious alternative to traditional gravies. It’s packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants from cauliflower, yet maintains the rich, silky texture you expect from a good gravy.
This recipe is incredibly adaptable — you can tweak the seasoning to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Another reason to love cauliflower gravy is its simplicity. With just a handful of common ingredients, you can whip up a beautiful sauce in under 30 minutes.
It’s also gluten-free if you use the right thickening agents, making it suitable for various diets. Plus, it freezes well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it anytime.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
- 3 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy)
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesy umami flavor)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Large saucepan or pot
- Medium skillet
- Blender or immersion blender
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Fine mesh sieve (optional, for extra smooth gravy)
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower: Wash and chop the cauliflower into small florets. Set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil or vegan butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the flour: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to cook the flour and form a roux, which will thicken the gravy.
- Cook the cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the pot with vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is very tender.
- Blend the mixture: Transfer the cooked cauliflower and vegetable broth to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add more broth or plant-based milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine and season: Pour the blended cauliflower mixture back into the skillet with the roux. Stir to combine and cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until the gravy thickens. Add thyme, sage, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Finish with richness: Pour in the plant-based milk and nutritional yeast for extra creaminess and flavor. Stir and heat through for another 2 minutes.
- Optional straining: For an ultra-smooth gravy, strain through a fine mesh sieve before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy immediately, or keep warm until ready to serve.
Tips & Variations
For a richer gravy, try adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions before blending. You can also experiment with herbs like rosemary or marjoram for different flavor profiles.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for thickening.
- Add a smoky twist: Incorporate a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for a barbecue-inspired gravy.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to bring some heat.
- Herbaceous boost: Fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary can be added at the end to brighten the flavor.
- Use roasted cauliflower: Roasting the cauliflower before boiling adds depth and a slightly nutty flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1/2 cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 70 |
Protein | 3g |
Carbohydrates | 10g |
Fiber | 3g |
Fat | 3g |
Sodium | 200mg |
Vitamin C | 45% DV |
Calcium | 6% DV |
Note: Nutrition facts can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
Serving Suggestions
Cauliflower gravy pairs beautifully with many dishes. It’s perfect drizzled over roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a hearty, comforting meal.
Use it as a sauce for vegetarian shepherd’s pie or as a topping for savory pancakes and waffles.
If you’re preparing a holiday feast, this gravy is an excellent accompaniment to vegan nut roasts or mushroom wellingtons. You can even serve it alongside your favorite grain bowls or pasta dishes like the creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe to add a savory punch.
Cauliflower Gravy Recipes List
Classic Creamy Cauliflower Gravy
This is the quintessential cauliflower gravy recipe described above. Its mild, creamy flavor makes it a versatile staple in any vegetarian kitchen.
Smoky Chipotle Cauliflower Gravy
Ingredients: Add 1 teaspoon chipotle powder and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika to the classic recipe. Use smoked sea salt if available for an extra smoky flavor.
Instructions: Follow the classic method, stirring in the chipotle powder along with the thyme and sage. This smoky gravy is fantastic over roasted sweet potatoes or black bean burgers.
Mushroom and Cauliflower Gravy
Ingredients: Add 1 cup finely chopped cremini or button mushrooms, sautéed until tender.
Instructions: Sauté mushrooms with onions and garlic in step 2. Proceed with the recipe as normal, blending everything together for a rich, umami-packed gravy.
Herb-Infused Cauliflower Gravy
Ingredients: Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage sprigs, added during simmering.
Instructions: Add fresh herbs to the broth and cauliflower in step 4. Remove before blending.
This version delivers a fragrant, garden-fresh taste.
Spicy Cajun Cauliflower Gravy
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
Instructions: Add spices when seasoning the gravy in step 6. This gravy is a bold, spicy complement to rice dishes and vegan jambalaya.
Conclusion
Cauliflower gravy is a fantastic, healthy alternative to traditional gravies that brings a rich, creamy texture and delightful flavors to your vegetarian meals. Its versatility allows you to experiment with herbs, spices, and add-ins like mushrooms or smoky elements to tailor it to your taste.
Whether you prefer a classic smooth gravy or a boldly seasoned version, cauliflower gravy will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Not only is it simple and quick to make, but it also packs a nutritional punch, adding fiber and vitamins to your dishes. Incorporate this gravy into your meals for a comforting, nourishing boost.
Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes like the Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe for meat-eaters or the Lamb Tenderloin Recipes for your next special occasion. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Cauliflower Gravy (Vegetarian)
Description: A creamy and flavorful vegetarian gravy made from cauliflower, perfect as a healthy alternative to traditional gravy. Easy to prepare and pairs well with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add chopped cauliflower, vegetable broth, soy sauce, thyme, and smoked paprika.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer until cauliflower is tender, about 15 minutes.
- Transfer mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Return to pan, season with salt and pepper, and stir in nutritional yeast if using.
- If gravy is too thin, add cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
- Serve warm over your favorite dishes.
Nutrition: Calories: 90 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 10 g
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