Veganism is becoming more and more popular, and with good reason! Not only does it promote animal welfare, but it’s also better for the environment and your health. One of the challenges that many vegans face when transitioning to their new lifestyle is finding ways to replicate traditional dishes that rely on dairy products like cream and milk.

However, there are plenty of plant-based alternatives available that can create just as delicious and satisfying results. In this article, we’ll explore some of our favorite recipes for creating creamy vegan sauces and gravies.

Basic Vegan White Sauce

This versatile white sauce is perfect for drizzling over pasta, vegetables, or using as a base for casseroles. It has a rich and creamy texture without any dairy products at all!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsweetened soy milk (or other non-dairy milk)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter or vegan butter substitute (such as Earth Balance), cubed and softened
  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy milk, flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. This will take about 5 minutes.
  2. Remove the pan from the heat and add the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and softened butter or butter substitute. Whisk until fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more soy milk or water.
  3. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply place the desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 30-second intervals, stirring between each heating, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat the sauce on the stovetop over low heat until warm.

This basic white sauce is a great starting point for experimenting with different flavors. Try adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or tarragon for a savory twist, or sweeter ingredients like garlic, shallots, or mushrooms for a creamier mushroom sauce. You can also use this recipe as a base for making Alfredo sauce by substituting vegan parmesan cheese for the nutritional yeast and increasing the amount of butter or butter substitute used.

Creamy Mushroom Gravy

This rich and flavorful gravy is perfect for pouring over roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or serving alongside your favorite vegan roasts. It’s made with a combination of mushrooms, flour, and our basic vegan white sauce recipe above.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Basic Vegan White Sauce (see recipe above)
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms (button, cremini, or baby bella)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter or vegan butter substitute (such as Earth Balance), cubed and softened
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as chardonnay or pinot grigio)
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have released their liquid and begun to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the mushrooms to a small bowl and set aside.
  2. Add the cornstarch to the reserved mushroom liquid in the same bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter or butter substitute over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the Basic Vegan White Sauce, followed by the reserved mushroom liquid and cornstarch mixture. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. If using optional wine, add it now and stir to combine. Simmer for another minute or two to allow the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  5. Serve immediately over your favorite roasted vegetables, potatoes, or grains. For a thicker gravy, you can strain the solids through a fine mesh sieve before serving. Leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for up to three months.

We hope these recipes inspire you to create delicious and creamy vegan sauces and gravies that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Bon appétit!