Easy Lightened Up Mushroom Gravy
Rich and velvety, gravy is the essence of comfort food. However, not the healthiest thing to cover your food with. Gravy should definitely be consumed in moderation. This Lightened Up Mushroom Gravy recipe combines a little bit of butter, olive oil, and whole wheat flour. Try it on my Pretzel Encrusted Schnitzel.
Mushroom Gravy Ingredients
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are loaded with healthy properties. According to the article, 7 Potential Health Benefits of Mushrooms by Jessica Migala, at EverydayHealth.com, mushrooms have many macro and micro nutrients, especially vitamin B. Here are a few other reasons she lists for why we should eat more fungus:
- Mushrooms help support Immunity and Bone Health. A half cup of mushrooms provide 46% of your daily recommendation for Vitamin D.
- They are good for your Blood Pressure, since they contain Potassium.
- Mushrooms have been linked to Cancer Prevention since they contain antioxidants.
- They may boost Brain Health, because they contain Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory properties.
Any type of mushroom will work wonderfully in this gravy. White button or baby ‘bellas are always available.
Butter & Olive Oil
In order to make gravy, you must have fat. Butter has had a bad rep in the past. It is high in fat and calories, but it does have some healthy benefits. According to the article, Is Butter Bad for You or Good, at Healthline.com by Rachael Link:
“Butter contains CLA, a type of fat that may have cancer-fighting properties, help reduce body fat, and improve immune function.”
Rachael Link, MS, RD at Healthline.com
Butter is delicious, but must be consumed in moderation since it is high in fat and calories.
Olive Oil on the other hand, is one of the best oils to consume. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats.
In this recipe, both butter and olive oil are used to make the gravy.
Beef Stock & Balsamic Vinegar
Beef stock goes great with the meaty flavor of mushrooms. Buy a good quality stock. You get what you pay for when it comes to stocks.
Balsamic Vinegar gives this gravy a like acidity. It cuts the richness from the butter and olive oil, and balances out the flavors.
Onions & Garlic
Onions and garlic give the aromatics to the gravy. Do a fine dice on both.
Whole Wheat Flour
Whole wheat flour has way more nutritious components than white. Only 2 tablespoons are needed, so use what you have.
I haven’t tried this recipe with gluten free flour. I have read that a good quality 1:1 ratio gluten free flour, such as King Arthur, works for gravy.
Corn starch can also be used as a thickener, and it’s gluten free. For this, you will need to make a slurry. Take 2 tablespoons of corn starch with 4 tablespoons of cold beef stock, or cold water. Whisk together until all clumps are gone. Add this to the beef stock. It does take a bit longer for cornstarch to thicken.
Thyme & Spices
Thyme and mushrooms go together like Dolly and Kenny. Fresh is best with thyme, but dried will work too. A sprinkle of salt and several grinds of fresh pepper are all you need.
How to Make Mushroom Gravy
This gravy will have your house smelling delicious! Here is a quick run down of how to make it:
- In a large saute pan, add butter & olive oil.
- Saute mushrooms & onion for 5-7 minutes, adding garlic in the last minute.
- Sprinkle with whole wheat flour, stir together, cook flour for 2-3 minutes.
- Add beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release the brown bits, and whisk.
- Whisk in vinegar, thyme, S&P, simmer until thickens about 5 minutes.
This gravy is done in about 20-30 minutes. Ladle it on top of something delicious.
What to Serve with Mushroom Gravy
Hand down, Pretzel Encrusted Schnitzel! It’s the reason I make this gravy the most. It’s also superb on:
- Mashed potatoes
- Steak
- Slow cooker anything
- Baked Chicken
- Pork Chops
- Pretzel Encrusted Schnitzel (the best)
All in moderation with gravy. At least with this recipe there are veggies in it!
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Easy Lightened Up Mushroom Gravy
Equipment
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
- 8 oz Mushrooms sliced
- 2 cups Beef Broth good quality
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil extra virgin
- 1/3 cup Onion small dice
- 2 Garlic Cloves minced
- 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar good quality
- 2 tbsp Whole Wheat Flour see post for subs
- 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoon Salt
- Fresh Ground Pepper
Instructions
- In large saute pan, heat up butter and olive oil. Add onion and mushrooms. Saute for 5-7 minutes until softened and onions are starting to brown slightly. Add in garlic in the last minute.
- Sprinkle with flour, stir, and cook flour for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in beef broth, scraping bottom of pan to release brown bits. Whisk. Add in vinegar, thyme, salt and pepper. Simmer gravy, whisking occasionally for 5-8 minutes until thickened.
- Ladle over mashed potatoes or meat of your choice. Enjoy.