Jamie Oliver Vegan Gravy Recipe

When I first went vegan, one of the toughest things to give up was gravy. I didn’t just miss it, I craved it. The thick, rich sauce that made everything on my plate taste better. So, I set out to find a vegan gravy recipe that could fill that void. That’s when I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s vegan gravy recipe. I was skeptical at first-how could a gravy made without butter or meat still have that depth of flavor? But after trying it, I was hooked. It was rich, savory, and packed with umami-everything you want in a gravy.

This recipe quickly became a staple in my kitchen. It’s versatile, full of flavor, and easy enough to whip up for a last-minute dinner or a special holiday meal. Whether you’re vegan or not, this gravy can elevate any dish. Let me walk you through it.

Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Gravy Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s approach to vegan gravy is all about layers of flavor. He uses a combination of roasted vegetables, herbs, and seasonings to create a rich, savory base. There’s no need for animal products, but somehow, the result is still incredibly satisfying. The beauty of this gravy is that it brings out the best in whatever it’s poured over. I’ve used it on mashed potatoes, vegan roasts, and even roasted veggies, and it never disappoints.

Ingredients Needed

When I first made this gravy, I was surprised at how simple the ingredients list was. You likely already have most of these in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

Olive oil – For roasting and sautéing the veggies.
Carrots – They add a natural sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
Onions – A must for the base of any gravy. They add depth and richness.
Celery – For that aromatic, herby flavor.
Garlic – Adds a punch of flavor to the gravy.
Tomato paste – Rich and umami-packed. It helps give the gravy body.
Mushrooms – These are the secret to adding a meaty flavor without the meat.
Herbs (Thyme and Rosemary) – Fresh herbs that add brightness and depth.
Vegetable stock – The liquid base for your gravy.
Soy sauce or tamari – For umami and a bit of saltiness.
Cornstarch or flour – To thicken the gravy to that perfect, smooth consistency.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Gravy

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to cook. The process is simple, but there’s something special about roasting the vegetables first. Here’s how to do it:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the vegetables. Chop the carrots, onions, and celery into roughly equal-sized chunks. Don’t worry about them being perfect-they’re going to be roasted.
Roast the vegetables. Spread them out on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast for about 30 minutes or until the veggies are soft and caramelized.
Sauté the garlic and mushrooms. In a large pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and chopped mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown.
Add the tomato paste. Stir it into the mushroom mixture and cook for another 2-3 minutes. It should darken and become aromatic.
Combine roasted veggies and mushroom mix. Add the roasted vegetables to the pan with the mushrooms. Pour in your vegetable stock, soy sauce, and fresh herbs.
Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Let everything mingle together to develop the flavors.
Blend and thicken. Remove from heat and either use an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender. Puree until smooth. If it’s too thick, add more stock until you get the consistency you like.
Season to taste. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra soy sauce if needed.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

What makes Jamie Oliver’s vegan gravy so delicious? Let’s break down a few of the key ingredients and their magic:

Mushrooms – These guys bring the umami. They contain glutamates, which are compounds that naturally boost savory flavors. When you cook them down, they release all that richness without the need for animal products.
Carrots – When roasted, carrots caramelize, adding a natural sweetness that balances the savory, earthy mushrooms and herbs. The Maillard reaction (the process that creates those golden, crispy bits) adds depth to the flavor.
Tomato paste – This concentrated ingredient is packed with glutamates and sugars, which help deepen the gravy’s flavor profile. It’s a simple trick to add richness without needing animal fats.

Expert Tips

After making this recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few things that can elevate it even further:

Don’t rush the roasting. Let the vegetables get caramelized in the oven. This step adds sweetness and depth to the gravy.
Use a variety of mushrooms. If you can find cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms, they will add complexity. The more variety, the richer the flavor.
Adjust the thickness. If your gravy is too thick, just add a bit more vegetable stock. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for longer to reduce and thicken.
Herb variety. If you don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme, try other herbs like sage or tarragon. They’ll change the flavor profile a bit, but it’s still delicious.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt to your taste. Here are a few variations to try:

Mushroom-less Gravy – If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can omit them. The carrots, onions, and celery will still give you a delicious gravy, but it will be a bit lighter in flavor.
Spicy Gravy – Add a bit of smoked paprika or chili flakes for some heat. It’s a fun twist if you like a little kick.
Herb-Heavy Gravy – If you love herbs, add extra thyme, rosemary, and a little sage. This makes it feel fresh and aromatic.
Wine Reduction – For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of red wine to the gravy after sautéing the mushrooms. Let it cook down before adding the stock. It adds complexity and depth.

Final Words

If you’ve been looking for a vegan gravy recipe that’s as satisfying as the real deal, look no further. Jamie Oliver’s recipe brings the richness, depth, and umami without any animal products. It’s one of those recipes that you’ll make time and time again-whether for a holiday feast or just because you’re craving something comforting.

FAQs

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Gravy Ahead Of Time?

Yes! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat it before serving.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Gravy Gluten-free?

It can be! If you use gluten-free flour and check the ingredients of your stock, it’s easily made gluten-free.

Can I Add More Flavor To Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Gravy?

Absolutely! You can experiment with adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth of flavor.