Gravy, that luscious, savory sauce, is a staple on many dinner tables, especially during holidays and special occasions. But for vegetarians, navigating the world of gravy can be tricky. Traditionally, gravy is made with meat drippings, rendering it off-limits. Fear not, plant-based eaters! A growing number of delicious and readily available vegetarian gravy options exist. This comprehensive guide will explore the landscape of vegetarian gravy brands, helping you find the perfect complement to your mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and other plant-based dishes.
Understanding Vegetarian Gravy: What to Look For
Before diving into specific brands, it’s essential to understand what makes a gravy vegetarian. The key is the absence of meat-based ingredients. This typically means no meat drippings, meat broth, or meat extracts. Vegetarian gravies rely on vegetable broths, mushroom broths, or other plant-based liquids to create a rich and flavorful base. Thickeners like cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot are used to achieve the desired consistency.
Reading ingredient labels is paramount. Look for telltale signs of meat-derived products, such as “beef broth,” “chicken fat,” “pork gelatin,” or even vague terms like “natural flavor” which, while not always from animal sources, can sometimes be.
It’s also important to note the difference between vegetarian and vegan gravy. Vegetarian gravy may contain dairy products like milk or butter, while vegan gravy excludes all animal-derived ingredients. If you’re strictly plant-based, be sure to double-check the label for any dairy or egg products.
Popular Vegetarian Gravy Brands and Options
Several brands offer excellent vegetarian gravy options, catering to a range of tastes and preferences. Availability may vary depending on your location, but many of these brands can be found in major grocery stores or online.
Bisto Vegetarian Gravy Granules
Bisto, a well-known gravy brand, offers a vegetarian gravy granules option. This is a convenient and quick way to make gravy by simply adding hot water to the granules. Bisto Vegetarian Gravy Granules are a popular choice because of their ease of use and classic gravy flavor. They are readily available in many countries, making them a convenient option for vegetarians worldwide. The ingredients typically include potato starch, salt, wheat flour, vegetable oil, color (caramel E150c), dried onion, sugar, yeast extract, flavorings, and spices.
Amy’s Kitchen Gravy
Amy’s Kitchen is a brand known for its organic and vegetarian-friendly products. Their gravy options are typically vegetarian and often vegan. Amy’s offers both canned and jarred gravies, providing a convenient solution for a quick and easy meal. Amy’s Kitchen gravies often boast a rich, savory flavor derived from organic vegetables and herbs. They offer options like mushroom gravy and vegetable gravy, catering to different flavor profiles. The ingredient lists are usually transparent and easy to understand, making it simple to confirm their vegetarian status.
Imagine Foods Vegetarian Gravy
Imagine Foods offers a range of organic soups and broths, and they also produce vegetarian gravy. Their gravy is typically made with organic vegetables and herbs, providing a wholesome and flavorful option. Imagine Foods Vegetarian Gravy is often appreciated for its clean ingredient list and commitment to organic farming. It’s a good choice for those seeking a more natural and less processed gravy option. Look for flavors like mushroom or vegetable.
Trader Joe’s Vegetarian Gravy
Trader Joe’s, the popular grocery chain, often carries its own brand of vegetarian gravy during the holiday season. This gravy is typically a seasonal item, so availability may be limited. However, when it’s in stock, it’s often a popular choice due to its flavor and price point. Trader Joe’s Vegetarian Gravy is known for its rich flavor and affordable price, making it a holiday favorite. Be sure to check the ingredient list to confirm its vegetarian status, as offerings may vary from year to year.
Pacific Foods Vegetarian Gravy
Pacific Foods is another brand that specializes in organic and natural foods. They offer a variety of vegetarian broths and soups, and they may also offer vegetarian gravy options. Their gravy is typically made with organic vegetables and herbs, and it’s often a good choice for those seeking a healthier and more natural option. Pacific Foods gravy generally has a more delicate flavor than some other brands, making it a good base for adding your own spices and seasonings.
Other Brands and Store-Bought Options
Beyond these popular brands, many other vegetarian gravy options are available in grocery stores. Look for store-brand vegetarian gravies, which can often be a more affordable option. Read the ingredient labels carefully to ensure that the gravy is truly vegetarian.
DIY Vegetarian Gravy: Making Your Own
While store-bought vegetarian gravies offer convenience, making your own from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking. Homemade vegetarian gravy is surprisingly easy to make and often tastes even better than store-bought versions.
Basic Vegetarian Gravy Recipe
A basic vegetarian gravy recipe typically involves creating a roux (a mixture of fat and flour) and then whisking in vegetable broth until the desired consistency is reached. You can add various herbs, spices, and vegetables to enhance the flavor.
Here’s a simplified recipe to get you started:
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter or vegan butter alternative in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups of vegetable broth, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs and spices, such as thyme, sage, or rosemary.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
The possibilities for customizing your vegetarian gravy are endless. Here are a few ideas:
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Mushroom Gravy: Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter or oil before making the roux. Add the mushrooms to the gravy along with the vegetable broth for a rich, earthy flavor.
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Onion Gravy: Caramelize sliced onions in butter or oil before making the roux. Add the caramelized onions to the gravy along with the vegetable broth for a sweet and savory flavor.
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Herb Gravy: Add fresh or dried herbs, such as thyme, sage, rosemary, or parsley, to the gravy during the simmering process for an aromatic and flavorful gravy.
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Wine Gravy: Add a splash of red or white wine to the gravy during the simmering process for a more complex and sophisticated flavor.
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Nutritional Yeast: Add a tablespoon or two of nutritional yeast to the gravy for a cheesy, savory flavor.
Tips for Finding and Choosing Vegetarian Gravy
Finding the perfect vegetarian gravy requires careful attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips:
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Read Ingredient Labels Carefully: This is the most important step. Look for any meat-derived ingredients.
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Look for Vegetarian or Vegan Labels: Many brands will clearly label their vegetarian or vegan products.
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Check Online Reviews: See what other vegetarians have to say about different gravy brands.
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Experiment with Different Brands and Flavors: Don’t be afraid to try different gravies to find one you love.
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Consider Making Your Own: Homemade gravy allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking.
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Be Aware of Cross-Contamination: If you have strict dietary restrictions, be mindful of potential cross-contamination in food preparation areas. Choose brands that are certified vegetarian or vegan, or make your own gravy at home.
Enhancing the Flavor of Store-Bought Vegetarian Gravy
Even if you opt for store-bought vegetarian gravy, you can still enhance its flavor with a few simple additions.
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Sautéed Vegetables: Sauté onions, mushrooms, or garlic and add them to the gravy for extra flavor and texture.
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Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the gravy while it’s simmering.
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Spices: Add spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder to enhance the savory flavor.
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Wine or Vinegar: A splash of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar can add depth and complexity to the flavor.
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Soy Sauce or Tamari: A dash of soy sauce or tamari can add umami and richness to the gravy.
Pairing Vegetarian Gravy with Plant-Based Dishes
Vegetarian gravy is a versatile sauce that can be paired with a variety of plant-based dishes. Here are a few ideas:
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Mashed Potatoes: Gravy is a classic accompaniment to mashed potatoes.
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Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle gravy over roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or potatoes.
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Vegetarian Meatloaf: Serve gravy with a vegetarian meatloaf made from lentils, beans, or vegetables.
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Stuffing: Use gravy to moisten and flavor vegetarian stuffing made from bread, vegetables, and herbs.
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Tofu Scramble: Top a tofu scramble with gravy for a savory and satisfying breakfast or brunch.
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Biscuits: Serve gravy over warm biscuits for a comforting and delicious meal.
Conclusion: A World of Vegetarian Gravy Options
The world of vegetarian gravy has expanded significantly in recent years, offering a wide range of delicious and convenient options for plant-based eaters. Whether you prefer store-bought gravy or homemade gravy, there’s a vegetarian gravy out there to suit your taste. By reading ingredient labels carefully, experimenting with different brands and flavors, and customizing your gravy with herbs, spices, and vegetables, you can enjoy the savory goodness of gravy without compromising your vegetarian principles. Remember, the key is to be informed and resourceful. With a little effort, you can easily find or create the perfect vegetarian gravy to complement your favorite plant-based meals.
What ingredients typically make gravy non-vegetarian?
Gravy traditionally relies on animal-derived ingredients for its rich flavor and texture. The most common culprits are meat drippings (usually from roasted poultry or beef) used as a base, and rendered animal fat added for richness. Some gravies may also contain meat-based broths or stocks, further excluding them from vegetarian diets.
Beyond the obvious meat products, some gravies use gelatin, derived from animal collagen, to achieve a thicker consistency. Additionally, Worcestershire sauce, often added for its umami flavor, usually contains anchovies. Always check the ingredient list carefully, even for products labeled “vegetarian,” as cross-contamination can sometimes occur during manufacturing.
Are there readily available vegetarian gravy brands in grocery stores?
Yes, there are several vegetarian gravy brands available in most major grocery stores. Look for brands that specifically label their products as “vegetarian” or “vegan” on the packaging. Common options include Amy’s Kitchen, Imagine Foods, and Pacific Foods, all of which offer vegetarian gravy varieties in jars or cartons.
Beyond these dedicated vegetarian brands, some conventional gravy brands offer plant-based options, although these might require closer scrutiny of the ingredient list. Also, consider looking in the organic or natural foods section of your grocery store, as these areas often have a wider selection of vegetarian and vegan alternatives, including gravy mixes or ready-to-eat gravies.
What are the key ingredients in vegetarian gravy that replace meat products?
Vegetarian gravies primarily rely on vegetable-based ingredients to mimic the flavor and texture of traditional meat-based gravies. Common base ingredients include vegetable broth, mushroom broth, or a combination of vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery cooked down to create a flavorful foundation. These provide the savory notes traditionally derived from meat.
To achieve the desired thickness and richness, vegetarian gravies often utilize cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or tapioca starch as thickening agents. Plant-based fats, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, are sometimes added for richness. Spices, herbs, and seasonings play a crucial role in enhancing the flavor profile, often including ingredients like sage, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder.
How can I easily identify vegetarian gravy on a product label?
The most straightforward way to identify vegetarian gravy is to look for the “vegetarian” or “vegan” label prominently displayed on the product packaging. Many vegetarian gravy brands also use certifications from recognized vegetarian organizations to further reassure consumers.
Carefully examine the ingredient list if no specific vegetarian label is present. Avoid gravies containing meat drippings, meat broth, gelatin, or animal fat. Be cautious of ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, which often contains anchovies. If unsure, contact the manufacturer to confirm the gravy’s vegetarian status.
Are vegetarian gravy mixes a convenient option?
Yes, vegetarian gravy mixes offer a convenient and often cost-effective alternative to ready-made vegetarian gravies. These mixes typically consist of a blend of vegetable-based ingredients, spices, and thickening agents that can be easily prepared by adding water or vegetable broth and simmering until thickened.
Several brands offer vegetarian gravy mixes, making them readily available in most grocery stores. These mixes are often shelf-stable and can be stored for extended periods, providing a convenient option for occasional gravy needs. Ensure the mix is explicitly labelled vegetarian and review the ingredients to confirm its suitability for your dietary preferences.
Can I make my own vegetarian gravy at home?
Absolutely! Making your own vegetarian gravy at home is a rewarding and relatively simple process. This allows you to customize the flavor profile to your liking and control all the ingredients used, ensuring it meets your dietary requirements and preferences.
Starting with a base of vegetable broth or mushroom broth, sautéed vegetables like onions, garlic, and mushrooms can be added for depth of flavor. Cornstarch or another starch of your choice can be used to thicken the gravy, and herbs and spices like sage, thyme, and rosemary can be incorporated to create a savory and aromatic gravy.
What are some creative ways to enhance the flavor of store-bought vegetarian gravy?
Even store-bought vegetarian gravy can be elevated with a few simple additions. Sautéing mushrooms, onions, or garlic and adding them to the gravy can boost its savory depth. A splash of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce can also add umami and complexity to the flavor profile.
Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage, finely chopped and stirred into the gravy, can provide a burst of freshness and aroma. For a richer flavor, consider adding a dollop of plant-based butter or cream. Experiment with different combinations of these ingredients to find your perfect gravy flavor.