Ultimate Vegan Gravy Recipe for a Flavorful Feast!
Are you tired of not being able to find a tasty vegan gravy or cheese sauce at the grocery store? Look no further! This really easy vegan gravy or cheese sauce recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a topping for your mashed potatoes, veggie gravy for your pasta sauce, or simply some nacho cheese for your chips, this recipe has got you covered.
Not only is this recipe simple and easy to follow, but it also uses only 8 simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. With nutritional yeast flakes, vegetable broth, and cornstarch spices, this homemade vegan cheese sauce or brown gravy is the perfect low-fat and nut-free option for all of your favorite foods. Plus, it’s completely customizable and versatile with different variations and substitutions.
So don’t wait any longer to enjoy the delicious taste of homemade vegan cheese sauce or gravy. Follow along with our recipe how-to and give it a try today!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a vegan recipe that is simple, delicious and versatile? Then look no further than this Really Easy Vegan Gravy or Cheese Sauce Recipe! I promise you that this recipe will leave you feeling satisfied, without the need for any animal products.
Firstly, let’s talk about how incredibly easy it is to prepare. With just 8 simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of homemade vegan cheese sauce or gravy in less than 10 minutes. No fancy equipment or cooking skills required! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to cook, or for those who are new to veganism and want to start experimenting with flavors.
Secondly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a dip for your nachos or veggies, a creamy pasta sauce, or a rich brown gravy to pour over your mashed potatoes and carrots – this one recipe can do it all. You can even experiment with different spices and add-ins to create your own unique variation.
Now let’s talk about those plant-based ingredients that make this recipe so nutritious. This recipe uses nutritional yeast to give it that cheesy flavor without any dairy – perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or simply choose not to consume animal products. And the tapioca starch makes it thick and creamy, without any need for heavy cream or butter.
Finally, this recipe is also nut-free and low-fat – making it a healthier option compared to other vegan cheese alternatives out there. It’s perfect for those who are watching their calorie intake but still want something that tastes indulgent.
Overall, I highly recommend giving this Really Easy Vegan Gravy or Cheese Sauce Recipe a try. Not only is it simple and delicious, but it’s versatile and nutritious too. It’s the perfect addition to any plant-based meal and will make your taste buds dance with delight.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a closer look at all the 8 simple ingredients that you will need to make this super easy and delicious recipe:
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup of nutritional yeast flakes
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
- Spices to taste: garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika (optional for gravy)
- 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric (optional for cheese sauce)
- Variation: Add 1/4 cup of mashed carrot for a cheesy orange color
- Variation: Substitute coconut milk for vegetable broth for a creamier texture
Don’t worry if you don’t have all these spices! You can adjust them to your own preference or use other spices you have in your pantry. And if you are dairy-free, nut-free or gluten-free, this recipe can fit perfectly into your diet. Now that we have gone over the ingredients you will need let’s dive into the actual recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients you need, let’s get cooking! Whether you’re making vegan gravy or cheese sauce, this recipe is incredibly easy and quick.
Making the Gravy or Cheese Sauce
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In a medium saucepan, add 1/4 cup of cornstarch and 1/4 cup of tapioca starch. Whisk well to combine.
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Add 2 cups of vegetable broth to the pot, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and completely lump-free.
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Turn on heat to medium-high and continue stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
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Add in 1/3 cup of nutritional yeast flakes, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and any other desired spices to taste.
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Whisk everything together ensuring that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Lower your heat to a low temperature and let it cook for another 3 minutes, whisking frequently.
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Once finished cooking remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before serving with your favorite dish.
Congratulations! You have just made an incredibly delicious gravy or cheese sauce made entirely out of plant-based products!
This gravy or cheese recipe is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a wide variety of dishes including mashed potatoes, nacho cheese, pasta sauce, veggie gravy or anything else for which you would usually use brown gravy or cheddar cheese sauce.
Optional Ingredient Swaps
If needed, there are many ingredient substitutions that can be used without compromising the overall quality of the dish. For example, instead of using coconut milk as a base ingredient, cashew milk could be used instead. Furthermore, vegetable stock could replace vegetable broth when necessary.
Now that your creation is ready, sit back and enjoy! Don’t worry about storing any leftovers as this gravy or cheese sauce can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days; which makes perfect sense because once you try this homemade vegan sauce it will be gone within a couple of days either way!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making an easy and tasty vegan gravy or cheese sauce, you have plenty of options to customize the recipe to your preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
– Nutritional Yeast: This ingredient adds a cheesy flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can substitute it with a vegan cheese or skip it altogether if you’re making a brown gravy.
– Cornstarch: This thickener is essential for creating a creamy texture. However, if you don’t have cornstarch, you can use tapioca starch or potato starch as a replacement.
– Vegetable Broth: The broth gives the sauce its flavor base. You can substitute it with water or any other type of vegetable stock of your choice.
– Milk: Tapioca flour and nutritional yeast are usually used as a substitute for milk in vegan cheese sauce recipes. However, for nut-free alternatives, try using coconut milk or vegetable broth mixed with cornstarch or tapioca flour.
– Spices: The spices added to the sauce depend on what type of cuisine you’re going for. For example, adding chili powder would give you a nacho cheese sauce taste. For more classic sauces, use onion powder, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
– Cheese Substitutes: If you want to make a cheesy version of this sauce recipe, try blending your favorite vegan cheese into the mixture. Some good suggestions include cheddar cashew cheese, carrot cheese, or other vegan cheeses that melt well.
By experimenting with different substitutes and variations in your recipe, you’ll be able to achieve your desired flavor profile while keeping the recipe simple and easy-to-follow!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have made this really easy vegan gravy or cheese sauce recipe, it’s time to serve and pair it with some delicious dishes! This versatile sauce can be used in a variety of ways, making it an excellent addition to your meal plans.
If you made the gravy version, it pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. The savory and creamy flavor of the gravy will take your simple mashed potatoes to the next level, making it a comfort food classic. It can also be used as a veggie gravy for roasted carrots or steamed broccoli.
On the other hand, if you made the vegan cheese sauce version, you can use it as a pasta sauce, nacho cheese or even on baked potatoes. This cheese sauce is so flavorful and cheesy that no one will be able to tell that it’s dairy-free. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or spices to give it a little bit of a kick.
For those who are health-conscious, this sauce is low-fat, nut-free and gluten-free depending on the chosen ingredients. If you want something extra creamy substitute some of the vegetable broth with coconut milk.
In summary, this easy vegan gravy or cheese sauce recipe is incredibly versatile and can be paired with many dishes. Try experimenting with different variations – brown gravy, cheddar cheese, cashew cheese or carrot-based sauces – to make your own customized version.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this easy vegan gravy or cheese sauce recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. This means that you can prep ahead and save time during busy meal preps or special occasions.
To store the sauce, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When reheating, you can either do it on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, heat it up over low-medium heat while stirring occasionally until heated through. To reheat in the microwave, transfer a portion of the sauce to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 30 seconds at a time until heated through. Keep in mind that the consistency may change slightly after being reheated and will thicken up as it cools.
If you plan on making this sauce ahead of your meal, there are some important tips to keep in mind. Firstly, be sure to store the sauce separately from any dishes it will be paired with as this will prevent sogginess or loss of texture. Secondly, when reheating, add some additional vegetable broth or water to loosen up the thickness of the sauce as it thickens when being stored.
With these make-ahead, storing and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy this really easy vegan gravy or cheese sauce anytime without any fuss!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that you get the best results when making this really easy vegan gravy or cheese sauce recipe, it’s essential to keep in mind a few tips and tricks that will make your dish a true masterpiece. Below are some of my favorite tips for achieving perfect results every time:
Firstly, when whisking the cornstarch or tapioca starch into your sauce, be sure to use cold liquid. This’ll prevent it from clumping and ensure that it dissolves smoothly.
Secondly, for a richer and creamier sauce, try adding coconut milk instead of water or vegetable broth. Coconut milk brings a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
Thirdly, if you’re making the cheese sauce recipe, make sure to use a good quality nutritional yeast brand. Cheaper versions may cause an odd taste or smell that could ruin your efforts.
Fourthly, don’t overcook the sauce, as this can cause it to break down and become lumpy. Once the mixture has thickened nicely, remove it from heat and let it cool for just about 5 minutes before serving.
Fifthly, for an even smoother consistency and better blending of flavors and seasonings, I suggest using an immersion blender or a high-speed blender. This will give the sauce that velvety smooth texture everyone loves.
Lastly, If you find you have too much gravy left after a meal, store it in small containers and freeze them for later use—it stays good for up to three months! Just remember to let it come back to room temperature slowly when you reheat it so that you don’t alter its consistency.
I hope these tips help you achieve your desired results every time you make this versatile recipe!
FAQ
Now that you have learned how to make this really easy vegan gravy or cheese sauce recipe, let’s dive into some common questions and concerns you might have about it. Here in the FAQ section, I will provide answers to frequently asked questions and offer additional tips and advice for optimizing the dish. So, keep reading to discover more!
What is vegan cheese sauce made of?
Creating a delectable sauce is simple with just a few set ingredients. Including coconut milk, tapioca flour, nutritional yeast flakes, water, and salt – this recipe is certain to impress! Luckily, the pantry staples of water and salt are likely already present in your kitchen, only requiring the addition of coconut milk, tapioca flour, and nutritional yeast flakes.
What can I use instead of tapioca starch in vegan cheese?
When tapioca starch is not readily available, an effective solution is to create a mixture of corn starch and potato starch. The combination of these two starches results in a texture that is both creamy and stringy.
How to make a Martha Stewart cheese sauce?
For this recipe, we’ll need some unsalted butter, unbleached all-purpose flour, milk, cheddar cheese (preferably the Flagship variety), Jack cheese (preferably Just Jack), and some kosher salt and chipotle-chile powder for seasoning. The cheese will need to be grated before use, with the cheddar measuring out to about 3 and a half cups and the Jack to half a cup. Let’s get started on this delicious dish!
How do you make cheese sauce not split?
One common cause of cheese sauce splitting is due to excessive cooking. To prevent this, the key is to heat up the béchamel sauce just enough to melt the cheese. It’s important to add cheese slowly and stir it in gently until it’s completely mixed in.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this really easy vegan gravy or cheese sauce recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to add some delicious, plant-based flavor to their dishes. It requires only a handful of simple ingredients and can be customized to your liking with substitutions and variations. Not only is this recipe incredibly easy to make, but it also produces a flavorful and creamy sauce that you won’t believe is vegan.
Whether you’re looking for a vegan gravy to drizzle over your mashed potatoes or a cheesy sauce for your pasta or nachos, this recipe has got you covered. And with its nut-free and low-fat options, it’s sure to suit all types of dietary needs.
So why not give it a try? You’ll be amazed by how quick and easy it is to make and how delicious the results are. This recipe will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen rotation, offering endless possibilities for tasty and healthy meals. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients or serving suggestions until you find the perfect fit for your taste buds.
Overall, this recipe is an excellent option for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional gravies and cheese sauces. Try it out for yourself today and experience the magic of homemade vegan cheese sauce or gravy!
Really Easy Vegan Gravy or Cheese Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4-1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- spices, to taste (such as onion powder, garlic, oregano, paprika, whatever you like)
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat up the broth.
- Take a little of the hot liquid and put in bowl.
- Whisk in cornstarch, set aside.
- Pour nutritional yeast and spices into hot liquid, stirring until dissolved.
- Add cornstarch mixture and cook until as thick as you desire. This only takes a few minutes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Tis is great over baked potatoes, vegetables, rice, noodles. Enjoy!
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.