If you’re looking for a delicious vegetarian gravy that tastes like what you’re used to, you’re in the right place. Traditional gravy is a meal staple, but if you prefer a plant-based diet, this could be a struggle for you.
Is gravy vegetarian? That’s a great question because a lot of people don’t realize what gravy is actually made of. While the term “gravy” can refer to many different types of sauces, when we think of gravy, it’s usually meant to describe a sauce made from the drippings of meat from the cooking process. This means that no, gravy is not vegetarian.
Vegan vs Vegetarian
First, let’s take a quick look at the difference between vegan and vegetarian to help you understand your gravy choices.
In simple terms, vegans consume no animal or animal by-products. It also includes more than just diet but incorporates lifestyle as well. For example, vegans reject all forms of animal cruelty and exploitation as much as possible, not only in their diets but also in the products they use.
They are often viewed as the strictest form of vegetarianism. They will abstain from eating animal flesh, dairy, eggs, and other ingredients that come from animals, such as whey, casein, gelatin, shellac, and more.
Vegetarian diets exclude meat, poultry, game, fish, and shellfish. There are different types of vegetarians, however, and the diets can vary.
Common types of vegetarians include:
- Ovo vegetarians: avoid all animal byproducts except eggs
- Lacto vegetarians: Avoid animal flesh and eggs, but may consume dairy
- Lacto-ovo vegetarians: Avoid all animal flesh but may consume dairy and egg products
Knowing what type of vegetarian you are is very helpful in choosing a gravy recipe because it impacts the types of substitutes you can use. No meat is a given – but what about dairy? Or eggs?
Vegetarian Gravy
There are different gravies that can be used as vegetarian gravy but you also have to look at how they are prepared.
Mushroom gravy
This can be a good vegetarian alternative but be sure it is not made with beef or chicken stock. If the animal broth is omitted and it’s made with margarine instead of pure butter, it will be good for vegetarians and vegans.
Typically, a mushroom gravy will use mushroom as a base, then flour, and possibly also margarine. You can also find it pre-made in the supermarket, such as a version made by Campbell’s. This mushroom mixture can be served as-is in a small bowl, or you may use it as your base and then add more flavorings that you enjoy to it. I LOVE this organic mushroom gravy by Primal Kitchen.
Vegetable gravy
As the name implies, a vegetable gravy is made from veggies instead of meat. Typically, it is just a veggie broth mixed with flour or cornstarch and it might also use nutritional yeast for a medium to dark gravy.
You make this gravy using the broth from boiled or roasted vegetables, rather than meat. You can use pretty much any vegetable. As long as it produces a broth, it can be used. You can also use vegetable bouillon cubes for this gravy. Commercial brands can be found in the supermarket, too.
Onion gravy
Again, another vegetable, but I’m listing it on its own since it’s quite popular. There are many ways to use onion in vegetarian gravy but the base is always the same – onion. You can also get mixes and granules from the supermarket to make it easier. Be careful when using onion gravy to avoid eggs, chops, and other meat (but the egg is okay for ovo-vegetarians).
You can also make a vegan gravy recipe from any of these ideas, too. Just be sure to avoid eggs and butter. There are alternatives to everything that might be used in gravy and with a little practice to get the consistency right where you want it, you will hardly be able to tell the difference between these vegetarian gravy recipes and your traditional gravy.
Gravy Recipe
Here is a vegetarian gravy recipe you might try. You will need:
- ½ cup of vegetable oil or olive oil
- ⅓ cup chopped onion
- 5 cloves of minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 4 teaspoons of nutritional yeast
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon of dried sage
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
To make: Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until it turns soft and translucent. Then stir in the flour, yeast, and soy sauce and make a smooth paste from it.
Gradually whisk your broth into the paste and then season with the sage, salt, and pepper. Bring the entire mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, simmer, and stir it occasionally so it doesn’t stick to your pan. Once it thickens to the consistency you like, it’s done. Usually, it takes about 8-10 minutes to whip up this easy veggie gravy.
You can also add fresh herbs to this recipe if you love herbs. If you are making a lot, use a large skillet instead. Some people also prefer a gluten-free flour blend for their best vegan gravy. Again, you can start with the basics for the base, and then modify or add to it as you choose.
Other ways to enjoy vegetarian gravy
What if you want to have your favorite gravy at other times during the year? Well, of course, you can make these gravy recipes whenever you want.
You can have your favorite gravy with other meals such as rice or mashed potatoes, or with any vegan or vegetarian substitution for meats. Eat it with vegan biscuits, vegan turkey, or any vegetables that you enjoy.
You might also want to try our Vegetarian White Gravy Recipe.
Gravies for vegetarians to avoid
Gravy can be a tricky food, especially for a new vegetarian. If someone else made it, then it can be difficult to know what’s in it and it might seem safe, but not be. Sometimes the person making it also won’t know that the ingredients used are against your diet. So, you need to do your own due diligence.
Some gravies to avoid include:
- Beef gravy
- Poultry gravy
- Sawmill gravy
- Red-eye gravy
- Giblet gravy
- Egg gravy (can also use meat products in it)
If you’re not sure what’s in the gravy and what it is made from, it’s always safest to avoid it. Because it is so easy to make your own, you should be able to easily accommodate a vegetarian diet with your meal, even if others in the family are not vegetarian.
Vegetarian Gravy - Final Thoughts
When that time of year comes around for you, there are many alternative gravy options for you to consider. Once you find the gravy recipes you like best for your holiday meal, you can feel good about what you’re putting on the table. Meat eaters can also enjoy these gravy recipes because they are delicious and tasty for everyone.
As a replacement for your regular turkey gravy, try one of the above gravies instead. A good gravy recipe is something to cherish and pass down throughout families. It’s normal for you to add on to the basic recipes with your own flavorings or additions to personalize the gravy to your taste. When you do, you can create the perfect gravy! And you’ll want to hold on to that recipe so you can do it again every year.
Once you see that there are different options for your gravy consumption, a world of possibilities opens up. Have you tried any of these vegetarian gravies before? Is there one from our list you think you want to try first?
