Mushroom gravy—it’s like the cozy sweater of sauces. Every time I whip it up, I’m reminded of that rainy afternoon last fall when I first tried it. It’s earthy, rich, and makes everything you pour it over taste like a warm hug. Perfect for those nights when you just need a little extra comfort, or when you want to impress with minimal effort.
Steps
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and sauté until it becomes soft, which should take about 4 minutes.
- Introduce the mushrooms to the skillet, cooking them until they become tender, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Mix in tamari, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
- Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir continuously for 1 minute. Pour in the broth and let it simmer, whisking regularly, until the gravy thickens, about 20 minutes.
- Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If reheating later, you may need to incorporate extra water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
Ingredients
- Mushrooms
- 1 shallot
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for a gluten-free option, use 2 tablespoons cornstarch)
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
FAQ
- Can I make this mushroom gravy ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This gravy reheats wonderfully, so you can prepare it a day or two in advance. Just keep in mind that it thickens as it sits, so when reheating, add a little water or broth to achieve your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Is it possible to make this mushroom gravy gluten-free?
- Yes, you can make this gravy gluten-free by omitting the flour. Instead, mix a few tablespoons of the hot liquid with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to create a smooth slurry, then add it back to the pan and stir until the gravy thickens.
- What are some serving suggestions for this mushroom gravy?
- This gravy pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, but it’s also delightful with other holiday side dishes like stuffing and roasted Brussels sprouts. You can even try it over mashed cauliflower or parsnip puree for a unique twist.
- What can I do with leftover mushroom gravy?
- If you have leftovers, consider stirring in some cooked white beans and serving it over mashed cauliflower as a hearty meal. It’s especially comforting when served with homemade focaccia or crusty bread.
- What ingredients give this mushroom gravy its rich flavor?
- The depth of flavor in this gravy comes from a combination of mushrooms, shallots, garlic, tamari or soy sauce, rosemary, and thyme. These ingredients work together to create a savory and aromatic dish.
Tips
- Prepare in Advance: This mushroom gravy can be made a day or two ahead of time. It thickens as it sits, so when reheating, gradually add water or broth until it reaches your desired consistency, seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make the gravy gluten-free, skip the flour. Instead, mix a couple of tablespoons of cornstarch with some of the gravy liquid, then stir this mixture back into the pan to thicken the gravy.
- Enhance Flavor with Herbs: Using fresh rosemary and thyme will elevate the gravy’s flavor, making it aromatic and complex. These herbs complement the savory notes of the mushrooms perfectly.
- Versatile Serving Suggestions: This gravy is perfect over mashed potatoes, and also pairs well with sides like stuffing, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even as a topping for mashed cauliflower or parsnip puree.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – A good quality, large skillet is essential for cooking the mushrooms and shallots evenly.
- Whisk – Useful for whisking the broth and flour together to create a smooth consistency in the gravy.
- Garlic Press – If you don’t already have one, a garlic press is handy for mincing garlic quickly and efficiently.
- Herb Stripper – For easily removing leaves from rosemary and thyme stems.
- Tamari Sauce (if you need gluten-free) – While not equipment, tamari sauce might be something to purchase if you’re following a gluten-free diet and don’t already have it in your pantry.
