Jamie Oliver Vegan Gravy Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

I’ve always been a fan of gravy-it’s the little touch that can make or break a dish. I remember my first Thanksgiving where I was in charge of the gravy, and let’s just say it didn’t go as planned. The gravy ended up more like a thick, chunky paste. Since then, I’ve gotten a lot better at it, but what really changed things for me was discovering Jamie Oliver’s vegan gravy recipe. It’s smooth, flavorful, and rich-without any animal products!

This gravy isn’t just for vegans. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their meals, especially around the holidays or when you want that perfect finishing touch on a Sunday roast. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make.

Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Gravy Recipe

When I first stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s vegan gravy recipe, I was amazed at how he took traditional gravy elements and flipped them into something even more flavorful. I’d always thought of gravy as a meat-heavy affair, but this recipe proved me wrong. No meat, no dairy, but the taste? Unbelievable.

Here’s the recipe:

• Vegan Butter: This helps create the base of the gravy, giving it that rich, buttery feel without dairy.
• Onions: Sweet and caramelized onions provide depth and sweetness, making the gravy more savory.
• Carrots and Celery: These add a subtle earthiness and balance to the gravy.
• Garlic: It adds a robust flavor that cuts through the richness.
• Flour: To thicken the gravy.
• Vegetable Stock: The liquid base. Homemade stock works best, but store-bought will do in a pinch.
• Soy Sauce: For depth and that umami kick.
• Fresh Thyme: For a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Black Pepper and Salt: To season and bring everything together.

Ingredients Needed

Okay, so let’s break this down with the essentials you’ll need to make this vegan gravy stand out:

• Vegan butter: Unlike regular butter, vegan butter doesn’t compromise on the creamy texture you’re looking for. A lot of vegan butters also have a neutral flavor, which allows the other ingredients to shine.
• Onions: The caramelized onions are the secret weapon here. They’re naturally sweet and add a deep, savory base to the gravy.
• Carrots and Celery: These veggies add layers of flavor that make this gravy so much more than just a sauce. The combination of sweet carrots and earthy celery gives it complexity.
• Garlic: I can’t imagine making gravy without garlic. It’s essential for that aromatic, savory kick.
• Flour: Helps thicken the gravy without making it too heavy.
• Vegetable stock: Homemade is ideal, but a good-quality store-bought stock is totally fine. Just make sure it’s vegan-friendly.
• Soy sauce: This is what really amps up the umami. A few dashes go a long way in adding richness.
• Fresh thyme: Fresh herbs like thyme help brighten up the dish and balance out the richness of the gravy.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to round out all the flavors.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Gravy

I have to say, the first time I made this gravy, I was floored by how simple and quick it was. Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Sauté The Vegetables

   • Start by melting your vegan butter in a pan. Once melted, toss in the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
   • Let them cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until they’re soft and caramelized. This is where all the deep flavors start to develop.

2. Add The Flour

   • Sprinkle in the flour and mix it well with the softened veggies. You want to cook it for about 2 minutes, just long enough for the flour to absorb all the fat and start turning golden.

3. Add The Stock

   • Slowly add your vegetable stock, stirring constantly. This helps prevent any lumps. You’ll want the mixture to thicken, but you can always add more stock if it gets too thick.

4. Season It

   • Add soy sauce, fresh thyme, and black pepper. Keep tasting it to see if it needs more salt or soy sauce. It’s all about balance!

5. Simmer And Strain

   • Let the gravy simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once it’s the right thickness, strain the gravy to remove the veggie bits. This step is optional, but it gives the gravy a smooth, velvety texture.

6. Serve And Enjoy

   • Pour the gravy over your roast potatoes, veggies, or anything that deserves a little extra love. You’ll be surprised by how rich and satisfying it is.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s dive into why these ingredients work so well together.

• Vegan butter: Provides that rich, fatty base we all love in traditional gravy, but without the dairy. Some vegan butters have oils like coconut or canola, which contribute a smooth texture and act as a base for flavor.
• Carrots and Celery: Both of these veggies release natural sugars when cooked, which helps balance the savory umami flavors. The celery’s earthiness adds a subtle depth, while carrots bring sweetness, rounding out the gravy’s flavor profile.
• Soy sauce: A liquid umami bomb, soy sauce enhances the depth of flavor in the gravy without overpowering it. The saltiness and richness from soy sauce are what make this gravy feel like the “real deal”.
• Flour: Its job is to thicken the gravy. As flour combines with the fat (from the butter), it creates a smooth, silky texture without any lumps or separation.

Expert Tips

• Caramelize the onions well: The longer you cook your onions, the more sweetness they release. Don’t rush this step! Patience here pays off in a gravy that’s complex and full of flavor.
• Use homemade stock: If you’ve got the time, homemade vegetable stock really elevates the dish. The flavors are deeper and fresher.
• Thickening: If your gravy gets too thick, just add more stock or a bit of water to loosen it up. It’s easier to thin out than thicken.
• Don’t skimp on soy sauce: It’s the key to balancing the flavors. A couple more dashes can make a world of difference.

Recipe Variations

• Herb swap: While thyme is the traditional herb, you can swap it for rosemary or sage for a different twist.
• Smokier gravy: For a smoky depth, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
• Mushroom gravy: Sauté some finely chopped mushrooms with the onions for a hearty, earthy flavor.
• Spicy gravy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Final Words

This gravy has been a game-changer for me. The way it adds so much flavor to a dish-without the need for animal products-has completely changed the way I think about vegan cooking. It’s one of those recipes that makes you realize just how rich and satisfying plant-based dishes can be.

FAQs

Is Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Gravy Gluten-free?

Yes, his vegan gravy recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour.

Can I Use Vegetable Stock Cubes For Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Gravy?

Definitely! Just make sure they’re vegan-friendly.

How Do I Thicken Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Gravy?

You can thicken it by letting it simmer longer or adding a bit more flour or cornstarch.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Gravy Recipe Spicy?

No, the recipe is not spicy. It’s rich, savory, and flavorful.

What’s The Best Way To Serve Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Gravy?

It’s perfect with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even over a veggie roast.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Gravy Ahead Of Time?

Yes! You can make it in advance and reheat it when needed.

What Can I Use Instead Of Wine In Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Gravy?

You can use vegetable broth or apple cider vinegar as a substitute.

How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Gravy Last In The Fridge?

It will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Can I Freeze Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Gravy?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I Add More Herbs To Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Gravy?

Absolutely! You can add thyme, rosemary, or sage for extra flavor.