Description
This Easy Mushroom Gravy recipe is a rich, savory sauce ideal for enhancing mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, hearty meats, and plant-based dishes. With simple ingredients like fresh mushrooms, onions, garlic, and broth, this homemade gravy delivers deep umami flavors and a creamy, velvety texture. Perfect for vegetarians and customizable to different dietary needs, it takes about 20 minutes to make and brings comforting, delicious flavor to your meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Core Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms (cremini, button, or shiitake), sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable or beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, parsley, or sage (chopped)
- ¼ cup milk or cream (for a creamier gravy)
Variation Substitutions
- Vegan: use coconut oil or vegan margarine instead of butter and vegetable broth
- Gluten-Free: substitute flour with gluten-free flour or 1-2 tsp cornstarch mixed with cold water
Instructions
- Prepare Your Mushrooms: Gently clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth to remove any dirt, then slice them evenly to ensure uniform cooking and maximum flavor release.
- Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Mushrooms: Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become translucent and fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until soft and the released juices evaporate, developing a deep caramelized flavor.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked mushrooms and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes. This cooks off the raw flour taste and helps thicken the gravy evenly.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Gradually pour in the broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer. Allow the gravy to thicken to a luscious, silky texture.
- Season and Finish: Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs. For a richer, creamier gravy, stir in milk or cream and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh mushrooms for the best flavor and texture; avoid pre-sliced or canned mushrooms.
- Don’t skip cooking the flour with the mushrooms—this prevents lumps and ensures a smooth gravy.
- Simmer gently on low heat to concentrate flavors and achieve perfect thickness.
- Add salt and pepper gradually to avoid over-seasoning.
- Experiment with vegetable or beef broth to find the flavor that suits you best.
- Reheat the gravy gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American / Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg