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Onion gravy is a classic vegan and vegetarian dish that is simple to make and delicious. This gravy is perfect for pouring over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or even cornbread. It’s also great as a dip for fries or chips. Best of all, it takes only a few minutes to prepare! And you can also consider it a vegetarian onion gravy as well, . So next time you’re looking for something easy and comforting to eat, give this Caramelized Vegan Onion gravy a try. You won’t be disappointed.
How to make vegan onion gravy
This recipe for this vegan caramelized onion gravy with mushroom gets its rich, savory flavor from the caramelized onions. This vegan brown onion gravy will come in handy on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and any other festive event.
This gravy is not only vegan and vegetarian friendly, it’s also gluten free since it’s made with cornstarch instead of flour. And the meat eaters at home love this!
How to caramelize onions
The most time consuming (yet crucial) part of making this recipe is caramelizing the onions. It takes around 30 minutes to bring out their natural sweetness.
My favorite onion for this gravy is yellow onion. It’s nice and mild with a naturally occurring sweetness you want for caramelized onions.
To start, cut onions in half from the middle. Now is when I break out my trusty mandoline slicer, which makes this process so much faster. Just place the onion cut-side down on the mandoline and slice with a careful, controlled motion. Use the hand guard that’s included as you’re reaching the last part of the onion. Trust me on this: I once had a nasty cut from a mandoline for using it hastily and not using the hand guard. Ouch!
The trick to caramelizing onions is to let them fry for a good 5-8 minutes in between stirring to get those browned bits on the base of your pot. Then, with each stir, scrape the bottom of the pan to get those browned bits mixed through.
The key is to get your onions soft and nicely browned. It’s so important to watch the onions closely as they brown so they won’t burn. Medium low heat, frequent stirring and lots of patience (or at least 20 minutes) is needed when caramelizing onions, but the payoff is worth it.
Once the onions start to caramelize, lower heat to medium low, stirring often, for around 10 minutes more. Add the cornstarch and combine well.
“Don’t crowd the mushrooms”
While the onions are caramelizing, add 2 tbsp olive oil to a small saucepan under medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté, taking care not to crowd them, and keep them in a single layer.
Cook mushrooms for about 1 minute on one side, flip them, and cook for 2-3 more minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. When the mushrooms are nicely browned, remove from heat and set aside.
Next, once the onions are caramelized, add the vegetable broth, combining well. Simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
Using a high speed blender or an immersion blender, blend the gravy until smooth and lump-free. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the mushrooms and serve in an adorable gravy boat such as this one.
FAQs
Serving suggestions
This easy vegan onion gravy recipe can be served with any of your favorite meals. Here are some great plant-based options.
- Mashed potatoes
- Vegan Beyond Meat Meatloaf
- Savory Stuffed Acorn Squash
How to store vegan onion gravy recipe
If you have any leftovers, store in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If your vegan onion gravy gets too thick, thin it down with a little water or vegetable broth when reheating.
You can also freeze this onion gravy for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s completely cooled first, and then freeze in an airtight container.
Homemade Caramelized Vegan Onion Gravy
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 medium yellow onions, sliced
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil under medium heat in a large pan. Add the sliced onions and cook until they start to soften, around 20 minutes, stirring regularly to avoid burning.
- Once the onions start to caramelize, lower heat to medium low, stirring often, for around 10 minutes more. Add the cornstarch and combine well.
- While the onions are caramelizing, add 2 tbsp olive oil to a small saucepan under medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté, taking care not to crowd them, and keep them in a single layer.
- Cook mushrooms for about 1 minute on one side, flip them, and cook for 2-3 more minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. When the mushrooms are nicely browned, remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the onions are caramelized, add the vegetable broth, combining well. Simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
- Using a high speed blender or an immersion blender, blend the gravy until smooth and lump-free. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the mushrooms and serve.
Hi! I’m Melissa, Registered Dietitian and mother of two dragons. When I’m not talking nutrition you can find me rolling around the floor with my kids, sewing, crafting, cooking or missing the 90s (seriously, music just isn’t the same). Read More…
