Vegan Sausage And Gravy is a hearty and satisfying dish that captures the essence of comfort food, all while adhering to a plant-based lifestyle. This recipe will guide you through creating a flavorful vegan sausage gravy, perfect for smothering over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy biscuits, or even crispy tofu.
What Makes This Vegan Sausage and Gravy So Special?
This isn’t your average gravy. We’re using a simple blend of herbs and spices to infuse incredible flavor into the vegan sausage, creating a base that’s bursting with savory goodness. The creamy, savory gravy is then taken to the next level with a touch of sweetness from maple syrup and a hint of tang from Dijon mustard.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Vegan Sausage:
- 1 cup cooked lentils, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Vegan Gravy:
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegan sausage ingredients arranged on a wooden board
Let’s Get Cooking!
Making the Vegan Sausage:
- Combine the lentils and walnuts: In a food processor, pulse the lentils and walnuts until finely chopped but not completely smooth. You want a bit of texture for that authentic sausage feel.
- Add the remaining sausage ingredients: Add the nutritional yeast, tamari, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper to the food processor. Pulse until well combined.
- Shape the sausage: Form the mixture into small patties or sausages. Set aside.
Close-up of vegan sausage mixture in a food processor
Making the Vegan Gravy:
- Prepare the roux: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour until a smooth paste forms. This is your roux, the base for your luscious gravy.
- Slowly whisk in the milk: Gradually whisk in the plant-based milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Add the flavor enhancers: Stir in the nutritional yeast, tamari, Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, and maple syrup. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your liking.
- Season to taste: Season generously with salt and pepper. Remember, tasting as you go is key to achieving the perfect flavor.
Bringing it All Together:
- Cook the vegan sausage: You can either pan-fry the vegan sausage patties in a bit of oil over medium heat until browned on both sides or bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy: Pour the hot vegan gravy over your cooked vegan sausage and serve immediately. It’s absolutely divine over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy biscuits, or even crispy tofu.
Vegan sausage and gravy served with mashed potatoes
Tips from a Seasoned Vegan Chef
“For a richer flavor, try toasting the walnuts before adding them to the sausage mixture. This enhances their nutty flavor and adds depth to the overall taste.” – Chef Anya Green
“Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices in your vegan sausage. A touch of fennel seeds or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can add wonderful complexity.” – Chef Anya Green
FAQ
Can I make the vegan sausage ahead of time?
Absolutely! The vegan sausage can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What type of plant-based milk is best for the gravy?
Unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or cashew milk work best for this recipe as they provide a creamy texture and neutral flavor.
Can I freeze the vegan sausage and gravy?
While you can freeze the gravy, it’s not recommended to freeze the cooked vegan sausage as it can become dry.
What are some other ways to serve vegan sausage and gravy?
Get creative! Try it over polenta, roasted vegetables, or even as a filling for stuffed peppers.
Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
Feel free to adjust the amount of black pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your liking.
With this recipe for vegan sausage and gravy, you can enjoy a comforting classic without compromising your plant-based lifestyle. Enjoy!
