If you have ever thought vegan gravy couldn’t be rich, flavorful, and downright comforting, wait until you try this Roasted Garlic Vegan Gravy Recipe. With deeply caramelized roasted garlic adding an irresistible depth, this gravy is smooth, savory, and guaranteed to elevate every plant-based meal. Whether you’re ladling it over mashed potatoes, drizzling it on roasted vegetables, or incorporating it into a festive holiday spread, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into liquid gold.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on simple, fresh ingredients is all you need to create a comforting, luscious gravy. Each element plays a crucial role—from the caramelized sweetness of roasted garlic to the subtle earthiness of rosemary, and the creamy texture from vegan butter that brings everything together harmoniously.
- 2 garlic bulbs: Roasting these transforms their sharp bite into a mellow, sweet flavor that defines this gravy.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps roast the garlic beautifully without drying it out, adding a subtle fruity undertone.
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter: Essential for a rich base and silky consistency when combining with flour.
- 1 medium shallot, diced: Adds gentle sweetness and depth, softening the gravy’s flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: The thickening agent that turns liquid into lush gravy magic.
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth: Provides the savory, umami backbone that’s comforting and satisfying.
- 1 (3-inch) sprig fresh rosemary: Infuses the gravy with aromatic notes that awaken the senses.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Enhances umami and balances the sweetness with a touch of saltiness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Finishing touches to customize the seasoning exactly how you like it.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Vegan Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare the garlic bulbs by cutting off their tops, exposing the cloves. Drizzle them generously with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30 to 45 minutes until the cloves are golden, soft, and caramelized. This roasting is the star of the show, transforming raw garlic’s bite into deep, mellow sweetness that infuses the gravy with unforgettable flavor.
Step 2: Prep the Shallots and Flour Roux
While the garlic roasts, melt vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced shallots and sweat them gently for about 10 minutes until they’re soft and just beginning to brown. This slow cooking builds a gentle sweetness that balances the garlic beautifully. Stir in flour and cook for one minute, continuously stirring to create a smooth base that’ll thicken the gravy without clumps.
Step 3: Create the Flavorful Broth Mixture
Pour in your vegetable broth with the rosemary sprig and squeeze in the roasted garlic from the bulbs. Whisk the ingredients together to break up any lumps, then increase the heat to bring it to a boil. Lower the temperature and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the rosemary to impart its aromatic magic while the gravy thickens to a luscious consistency.
Step 4: Final Touches and Blending
Remove the rosemary sprig, add soy sauce, and then blend the gravy until perfectly smooth using an immersion blender or traditional blender. The blending ensures a creamy, velvety texture that coats your dishes beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed until you reach gravy nirvana.
How to Serve Roasted Garlic Vegan Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme can add a lovely fresh herbal note and pop of color on top of this deeply flavorful gravy. For a bit of crunch and an extra special touch, toasted pine nuts or crispy fried shallots work wonderfully too.
Side Dishes
This gravy truly shines alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or hearty grain bowls. It also pairs beautifully with vegan meatloaf, lentil loaf, or drizzled over stuffing during festive dinners for that extra comforting hug on a plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not offer this Roasted Garlic Vegan Gravy Recipe as a dipping sauce for crisp baked tofu or freshly baked soft rolls? You can also swirl it into creamy soups or casseroles to add an extra layer of savory richness that’s sure to impress your guests and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover gravy keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen with time, so it’s perfect for enjoying day two or three with minimal effort.
Freezing
This gravy freezes exceptionally well. Pour it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your gravy gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to bring back its silky texture. If it thickens too much, simply whisk in a splash of vegetable broth or water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I use garlic powder instead of roasted garlic?
While garlic powder can add some flavor, it lacks the rich sweetness and depth of roasted garlic, which is central to this gravy’s character. For best results, roasting fresh garlic is worth the extra step.
Is this gravy gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. You can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that works for thickening to make a gluten-free version without sacrificing texture.
Can I make this gravy nut-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally nut-free, relying on vegan butter and common pantry staples, making it a safe and delicious choice for those avoiding nuts.
What’s the best way to store leftover roasted garlic?
Save any extra roasted garlic by tossing it in olive oil and refrigerating in a sealed container for up to a week. You can add it to spreads, dressings, or even extra servings of this gravy.
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, dried rosemary can be used, but use about half the amount because dried herbs are more concentrated. Add it during the simmering step to allow the flavor to infuse.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a vegan gravy that doesn’t compromise on flavor or comfort, this Roasted Garlic Vegan Gravy Recipe is a must-try. It’s rich, hearty, and filled with layers of deliciousness that invite you to savor every spoonful. Grab those garlic bulbs and give it a whirl—your taste buds will thank you endlessly.
PrintRoasted Garlic Vegan Gravy Recipe
This Roasted Garlic Gravy is a rich and flavorful vegan-friendly sauce, perfect for complementing your favorite dishes. Made by roasting whole garlic bulbs to caramelized perfection, then simmering with shallots, vegan butter, and vegetable broth, this gravy offers deep, savory notes enhanced by rosemary and soy sauce. Blended until smooth, it’s an ideal plant-based alternative for holiday dinners or everyday meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic
- 2 garlic bulbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus up to an additional tablespoon as needed
Sauce Base
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter
- 1 medium shallot, diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (3-inch) sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for roasting the garlic bulbs.
- Prepare Garlic Bulbs: Cut the tops off each garlic bulb to expose as many garlic cloves as possible, creating a flat surface for roasting.
- Oil Garlic Bulbs: Place each bulb on a sheet of foil and drizzle evenly with 1 tablespoon olive oil to coat the exposed cloves.
- Roast Garlic: Loosely wrap the garlic bulbs in the foil and place them in the oven. Roast for 30 to 45 minutes until the cloves become soft, golden, and caramelized.
- Extract Roasted Garlic: Remove the garlic from the oven and open the foil. Allow to cool slightly, then squeeze the soft roasted garlic cloves out onto a small plate.
- Sauté Shallots: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the vegan butter. Add the diced shallot and sweat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until very soft and beginning to brown.
- Create Roux: Stir in the flour with the vegan butter and shallots, mixing well. Cook the mixture for approximately one minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add Broth and Aromatics: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rosemary sprig along with the roasted garlic. Whisk thoroughly to combine and remove any lumps.
- Simmer Gravy: Bring the mixture to a boil over higher heat, then reduce to a low simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes until the gravy thickens slightly.
- Remove Rosemary and Add Soy Sauce: Take out the rosemary sprig. Stir in the soy sauce for a savory depth.
- Blend Gravy: Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a standard blender and blend until completely smooth.
- Season: Taste the gravy and season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Serve: Pour the gravy into a serving dish and enjoy it warm alongside your favorite meals.
Notes
- Use foil sheets large enough to wrap the garlic bulbs loosely to prevent burning while allowing steam to circulate.
- If the gravy appears too thick after simmering, add a splash more vegetable broth to achieve desired consistency.
- This gravy pairs excellently with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or vegan holiday dishes.
