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brown gravy recipe from scratch
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: General (Vegan and Gluten-Free adaptable)
Description
This easy homemade brown gravy recipe delivers a rich, savory sauce with deep flavors of roasted garlic and balsamic caramelized onions, perfect for elevating family meals beyond store-bought alternatives.
Ingredients
- 1 head garlic
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for caramelizing)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter (or vegetable oil)
- 4 tablespoons (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (720 ml) warm vegetable broth
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic and Onions: Roast garlic at 400(degree)F (200(degree)C) for 30-40 minutes until soft. Slowly caramelize sliced onions in olive oil for 25-30 minutes until deeply golden; stir in balsamic for 5 minutes until reduced and coating the onions.
- Build Flavor Base: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter (or vegetable oil) with the caramelized onions. Stir in mashed roasted garlic paste; cook for 2 minutes, ensuring the fat is fully infused.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the mixture. Whisk constantly for 3-5 minutes over medium heat until the roux achieves a rich, nutty brown color.
- Whisk in Warm Broth: Gradually whisk in warm vegetable broth, a little at a time, preventing any lumps from forming. Keep whisking as the mixture begins to thicken.
- Simmer to Desired Consistency: Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy is smooth, glossy, and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Notes
For vegan gravy, use vegetable oil and vegetable broth. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. For low-carb, thicken with 0.25 teaspoon xanthan gum instead of flour. If gravy is lumpy, whisk vigorously or strain through a fine-mesh sieve. If too thin, simmer longer or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water). If not enough flavor, adjust seasoning with more salt or a dash of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.5 cup (120 ml)
- Calories: 95 calories
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: brown gravy, gravy from scratch, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, easy gravy, family recipe, savory sauce, vegan option, gluten-free option, homemade
