Thick and Creamy Mushroom Gravy

What would a festive meal be without gravy? A pretty dry event, if you ask me! My family and I love sauces and gravies, and they are an essential part of any holiday feast. This gluten free gravy stands out due to its creaminess and exquisite flavor. It partners perfectly well with any vegan roast and is also absolutely delicious with just pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Be warned: once you’ve tried it, you’ll keep spooning it onto your plate! 😉

You need:

• a high speed blender

Ingredients: (for 6-8 servings)

• 1 generous cup (140 g) raw, unsalted cashews, soaked in filtered water overnight or for at least 4 hours, drained
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) filtered water
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 24 oz (680 g) crimini mushrooms, cleaned and thinly sliced
• 5 garlic cloves, chopped
• ½ cup (120 ml) gluten free soy sauce or tamari
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) filtered water – you can add more later to adjust thickness to your liking
• leaves of 1 small sprig fresh rosemary, minced or 2 tsp dried rosemary
• 4 Tbsp (or more) fresh parsley, minced

Preparation:

Place cashews with water into your high speed blender and process on the highest setting for about 3 minutes. Set aside.

Preheat a large pot or saucepan on medium heat. Add olive oil with onion and sauté for about 10 minutes until soft.

Add mushrooms and garlic, increase heat to medium high, and sauté for another 10-15 minutes until liquid has completely evaporated and some mushrooms are lightly browned. Stir occasionally.

Stir in soy or tamari sauce, black pepper, maple syrup, water, and rosemary.

Add the cashew cream and bring the gravy to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook for about 5 minutes until thick and creamy. Stir frequently.

You can adjust the thickness by adding more water. At the very end, season to taste with more black pepper and add parsley. Enjoy!

Notes:

• Gluten free!
• I used crimini mushrooms, but feel free to use any kinds of mushrooms you have on hand or that are available. Depending on which variety you use, taste and texture will be a little different.
• Perfect with vegan roast, lentil patties, or simply with your favorite pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.