Description
This rich and savory Homemade Gravy uses smoked turkey bacon and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to create deep layers of flavor. Featuring plant-based butter and a natural gelling agent, it delivers a smooth, velvety texture perfect for mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and savory pies. Simple to make and adaptable for various diets, this gravy elevates any meal with smoky, umami goodness and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted plant-based butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free)
- 3 cups vegetable or mushroom broth (warm)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent (e.g., pectin, agar, carrageenan)
Instructions
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Chop the smoked turkey bacon into small pieces. Cook gently in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, releasing flavorful smoky fats to form the gravy base.
- Make a Roux: In the same skillet with bacon drippings, melt the plant-based butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until golden, creating a rich roux for thickening.
- Add the Broth and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the warm vegetable or mushroom broth to avoid lumps. Stir in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, fresh thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently to meld flavors and thicken the gravy.
- Incorporate Natural Gelling Agent: Sprinkle the natural gelling agent into the simmering gravy, stirring continuously until fully dissolved and smooth for a silky, clingy texture.
- Final Adjustments: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If gravy is too thick, whisk in additional broth to your desired consistency. Remove herb sprigs and serve warm.
Notes
- Cook the roux slowly to avoid bitterness and develop a nutty depth.
- Use warm broth to prevent lumps and ensure smooth mixing.
- For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the gravy before serving.
- Simmer gently to deepen flavors and allow proper thickening.
- Adjust consistency with more broth or natural gelling agent as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: homemade gravy, smoked turkey bacon, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, plant-based butter, savory sauce, gluten-free gravy, vegan-friendly gravy
