Name: 15-Minute Vegetarian Gravy
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup hot water; 1/2 teaspoon vegetarian ham base (such as Orrington Farms or Haco Swiss); 1 drop liquid smoke, or more to taste; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Vegetarian Gravy

15-Minute Vegetarian Gravy

Jul 20, 2025
by Adele Roob
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PREP TIME

5 mins
COOK TIME

10 mins
TOTAL TIME

15 mins
SERVING

4 People
VIEWS

0

A luscious, creamy vegetarian gravy, ready in a flash! This comforting sauce is perfect for biscuits, mashed potatoes, or your favorite savory dish. Using a clever ham base (check for pork-free options) and a touch of smoke, it delivers all the umami without the meat.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

3 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup hot water

1/2 teaspoon vegetarian ham base (such as Orrington Farms or Haco Swiss)

1 drop liquid smoke, or more to taste

1 1/2 cups whole milk

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Nutrition

Carbohydrate

10 g
Cholesterol

9 mg
Fiber

0 g
Protein

4 g
Saturated Fat

3 g
Sodium

181 mg
Sugar

4 g
Fat

14 g
Unsaturated Fat

0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. (1 minute)

02

Step

Sprinkle the flour over the heated oil and whisk continuously to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, creating a smooth, golden roux.

03

Step

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the hot water, vegetarian ham base, and liquid smoke until the base is dissolved.

04

Step

Slowly pour the liquid mixture into the saucepan with the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.

05

Step

Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more.

06

Step

Continue to cook the gravy, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency, about 5 minutes. Be patient and avoid high heat to prevent scorching.

07

Step

Season generously with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of liquid smoke if desired.

For a richer flavor, try using browned butter instead of olive oil.
If the gravy becomes too thick, whisk in a little more milk to thin it out.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. A pinch of nutmeg can also add a warm, comforting flavor.
To ensure a completely smooth gravy, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.

Adele Roob

Written by

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