Delia Smith’s Classic Onion Gravy: A Vegetarian Twist on a Traditional Favorite

Delia Smith’s Onion Gravy is a classic recipe that has won the hearts of many. It’s a simple yet delicious sauce that adds a rich, comforting layer of flavor to a variety of dishes. Made with tender, caramelized onions and a blend of savory stock and seasonings, this gravy is a testament to how a few basic ingredients can be transformed into something truly special. Whether you’re drizzling it over roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or using it as a base for other recipes, Delia Smith’s Onion Gravy brings warmth and depth to any meal. Its straightforward preparation and mouthwatering taste make it a favorite for both everyday dinners and special occasions.

How To Make Delia Smith’s onion gravy Recipe Overview

The recipe I’m sharing today is inspired by the essence of traditional gravies but is entirely vegetarian-friendly. It’s an adaptation that considers those who might not consume meat or meat by-products, including the careful selection of Worcestershire sauce made without anchovies, catering to true vegetarians. The preparation takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and yields approximately 500ml of gravy, enough to serve 4 to 6 people depending on your serving size.

Ingredients and Details

Onions: 2 large, peeled and roughly chopped

The heart of the gravy, onions are slowly caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

Groundnut Oil: 2 dessertspoons

A neutral oil that’s perfect for frying the onions without overpowering their taste.

Butter: 2 small knobs

Adds a rich, creamy texture and a layer of flavor that makes the gravy irresistibly smooth.

Worcestershire Sauce: 2 dessertspoons (vegetarian version)

Provides a tangy, umami depth that enhances the overall savoriness of the gravy.

Mustard Powder: 2 level teaspoons

Introduces a gentle heat and complexity, tying the flavors together.

Vegetable Stock: 850ml, preferably made with Marigold Swiss vegetable bouillon

Forms the base of the gravy, contributing a robust and hearty vegetable flavor.

Sauce Flour or Plain Flour: 2 rounded dessertspoons

Thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency, making it rich and luxurious.

Salt and Freshly Milled Black Pepper: to taste

Essential seasonings that elevate the gravy, highlighting its rich onion base and savory notes.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Onions: Begin by heating the groundnut oil and one knob of butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions to the pan, and gently fry them until they’re soft and caramelized, stirring occasionally. This should take around 10-15 minutes.
2. Make the Gravy Base: Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the flour to coat the onions well. Cook for another 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually add the vegetable stock while stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.
3. Season: Add the Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Allow the gravy to simmer gently for another 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened to your liking. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
4. Final Touches: Finish the gravy by stirring in the remaining knob of butter until it’s completely melted and mixed through. This will give your gravy a lovely glossy finish and rich flavor.
5. Serve: Serve the gravy hot over your choice of dishes.

Nutritional Value

Calories: Approximately 50 per serving

Also Try: Cozy Up with Delia Smith’s Venison Casserole Recipe

FAQs

How long can I store this gravy?

You can keep this gravy in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s in a covered container. When you want to use it again, just warm it up. If it’s too thick, add a little water to get the right consistency. If you need to store it longer, freezing is an option. In a freezer-safe container, it can last for 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it before serving.

Can I adjust the thickness of the gravy?

Absolutely! If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a bit more flour during the cooking process. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach your desired consistency. On the other hand, if the gravy is too thick for your liking, you can thin it out with a bit of water or additional vegetable stock. Adjusting the thickness is easy and allows you to customize the gravy to suit your preferences perfectly.

Is this gravy vegan?

This gravy can be made vegan with a few adjustments. Use vegan butter or skip the butter altogether. Ensure the Worcestershire sauce is both vegetarian and vegan-friendly. With these changes, the gravy will be suitable for vegans. It’s important to check the ingredients of the Worcestershire sauce, as some brands may contain anchovies. By choosing vegan alternatives, you can enjoy this delicious gravy guilt-free.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can use a different type of oil if you prefer. Olive oil or any vegetable oil with a high smoke point will work well. These oils will add their own unique flavor to the gravy, so choose one that complements your dish. Just make sure not to use oils with strong flavors that might overpower the other ingredients. Experiment with different oils to find the one you like best for your onion gravy.

Conclusion

This onion gravy for vegetarians shows how simple items can be used to make something really tasty and comforting. There’s no wrong way to serve this gravy. It goes well with a Sunday roast, over mashed potatoes, or to give vegetarian meals more flavour. Remember that the best onion gravy is made when the onions caramelise and the Worcestershire sauce and mustard powder work well together. You don’t have to eat meat to enjoy the rich, savoury flavours of this tasty gravy.

Delia Smith Onion Gravy

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Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine British

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• Onions: 2 large peeled and roughly chopped
• Groundnut Oil: 2 dessertspoons
• Butter: 2 small knobs
• Worcestershire Sauce: 2 dessertspoons vegetarian version
• Mustard Powder: 2 level teaspoons
• Vegetable Stock: 850ml
• Sauce Flour or Plain Flour: 2 rounded dessert spoons
• Salt and Freshly Milled Black Pepper: to taste

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Onions: Begin by heating the groundnut oil and one knob of butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions to the pan, and gently fry them until they’re soft and caramelized, stirring occasionally. This should take around 10-15 minutes.
• Make the Gravy Base: Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the flour to coat the onions well. Cook for another 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually add the vegetable stock while stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.
• Season: Add the Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Allow the gravy to simmer gently for another 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened to your liking. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
• Final Touches: Finish the gravy by stirring in the remaining knob of butter until it’s completely melted and mixed through. This will give your gravy a lovely glossy finish and rich flavor.
• Serve: Serve the gravy hot over your choice of dishes

Keyword Delia Smith Onion Gravy, onion gravy delia