Growing up, my family didn’t really have a go-to gravy recipe. It was more of a "dump the packet" situation on special occasions, which honestly, worked just fine. But I remember the first time I tried making homemade gravy from scratch. It was for a holiday dinner. The gravy had this deep, rich flavor that was worlds away from the instant stuff I was used to. Fast forward a few years, and my food journey led me to Jamie Oliver’s vegan gravy. It’s the one I’ve turned to ever since.
I’ll be honest-I didn’t think I’d ever get into vegan gravy. The whole idea seemed a bit… unusual at first. But this recipe? It’s incredible. It has layers of flavor, with a perfect balance of savory, earthy, and umami. What’s even better? It’s easy to make and comes together quickly. Whether you’re vegan, plant-based, or just looking to try something new, this gravy will impress anyone at your dinner table.
Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Gravy Recipe
Jamie’s recipe is straightforward but packed with flavor. It doesn’t overcomplicate things with a million ingredients, yet somehow delivers a gravy that is incredibly rich and satisfying. The first time I made it, I was skeptical. I wasn’t sure if it would live up to the standard of traditional gravy-but it completely exceeded my expectations. The secret, I think, lies in the umami-packed ingredients and the right combination of herbs and spices.
Here’s how Jamie Oliver crafts his vegan gravy:
- Onions & Carrots: The base of the gravy, where sweetness and earthiness come together.
- Garlic: Adds richness and depth.
- Mushrooms: The unsung hero in vegan gravies, they lend the perfect amount of umami.
- Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves balance the flavors beautifully.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A splash adds that touch of acidity that elevates the dish.
Once you’ve made this a couple of times, it’ll feel like second nature. It’s a gravy recipe that brings comfort and flavors you’ll crave.
Ingredients Needed
When I first looked at the ingredient list, I was happy to see nothing too out of the ordinary. It’s all simple, easy-to-find stuff that you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive oil – For sautéing the veggies and adding richness.
- 1 onion – Finely chopped.
- 2 medium carrots – Chopped into small pieces.
- 4 cloves garlic – Minced or smashed.
- 200g (7oz) mushrooms – Any type will do, but cremini or chestnut work best.
- A couple sprigs of thyme – Fresh is key for that earthy flavor.
- 1-2 bay leaves – They give the gravy a subtle but important depth.
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar – This adds that slightly sweet, tangy kick.
- 750 ml (about 3 cups) vegetable stock – The base of any great gravy.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce – To add umami and saltiness.
- 2 tbsp plain flour – For thickening.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Gravy
Now for the fun part. Here’s how you bring this all together:
- Heat the Oil: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the onion and carrot. Cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and take on a bit of color.
- Garlic & Mushrooms: Toss in the garlic and mushrooms. Stir occasionally until the mushrooms shrink and become golden brown.
- Add the Herbs: Throw in the thyme and bay leaves. Let them infuse their flavors into the mix.
- Deglaze with Vinegar: Splash in the balsamic vinegar. This will help release any flavor that’s stuck to the bottom of the pan.
- Thicken the Gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring well. Cook for 2 minutes to get rid of that raw flour taste.
- Pour in the Stock: Gradually add the vegetable stock while stirring to ensure there are no lumps.
- Season & Simmer: Stir in the soy sauce, then let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing it to thicken up and reduce. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Strain & Serve: Optional-strain out the veggies and herbs for a smooth gravy, or leave it chunky if you like some texture.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
- Mushrooms: I never realized how much mushrooms contribute to the “meaty” flavor in gravies. They are rich in glutamates, the naturally occurring compounds that give umami flavor. This is what makes the gravy so satisfying without any meat.
- Balsamic Vinegar: The acidity from balsamic vinegar is key for balancing the rich flavors. It’s like the secret ingredient that lifts the whole dish.
- Soy Sauce: Not just for saltiness, but soy sauce also contains a lot of umami due to its fermentation process. It gives depth and rounds out the savory flavors.
Expert Tips
- Use High-Quality Stock: The flavor of your stock will make or break the gravy. Go for a rich vegetable stock, ideally homemade, if you can.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Let the onions and carrots cook long enough to get golden and caramelized. This builds a rich base flavor.
- Thickening Tip: If your gravy is too thin, make a slurry with flour and water (mix equal parts) and stir it in. Let it cook for a few minutes to thicken.
- Add Extra Umami: If you want to dial up the savory factor, try adding a teaspoon of miso paste or nutritional yeast during the simmering step.
- Taste as You Go: Vegan gravies often need more salt or seasoning than you might expect. Don’t be afraid to adjust along the way.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is versatile, so feel free to switch things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Add Red Wine: For a deeper, more complex flavor, add a splash of red wine after deglazing with balsamic vinegar.
- Add Coconut Milk: If you’re after a creamy version, stir in a bit of coconut milk towards the end of the simmering process.
- Use Different Mushrooms: Swap out the standard mushrooms for shiitake or porcini to bring a unique, earthy flavor to the gravy.
- Spicy Kick: Throw in a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Final Words
If you’re someone who loves gravy but is looking for a vegan alternative, Jamie Oliver’s recipe is where it’s at. It’s rich, it’s flavorful, and it pairs with almost everything. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or just for a Sunday roast, this gravy is bound to become a new favorite. Plus, it’s the kind of recipe that, once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself making over and over again.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Gravy?
You’ll need onions, garlic, mushrooms, vegetable stock, soy sauce, and a few spices like thyme and pepper.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Gravy Gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour.
How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Gravy Take To Cook?
It takes about 30 minutes to cook and thicken to the perfect consistency.