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Ever crave that rich gravy flavor but worry about the carbs? Say hello to our Low-Carb Gravy! This recipe is a game-changer for anyone following a healthy diet. It’s all about bringing that classic gravy taste to your table without the usual carb load.
Started as a personal kitchen experiment back in 2015, this gravy has evolved into a must-have for low-carb and keto diets. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and goes perfectly with everything from a Sunday roast to your favorite veggies. Best part? It’s gluten-free and can be whipped up in a snap!
Why You’ll Love This Low-Carb Gravy
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Perfect for staying on track with your ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-Free: Ideal for those with gluten sensitivities or preferences.
- Versatile: Pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, from roasts to vegetables.
- Rich & Flavorful: Offers a depth of taste that enhances any meal.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find, whole food ingredients.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Heads up: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below.
Getting this Low-Carb Gravy just right is a breeze, especially with these simple, whole food ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Dried Porcini Mushrooms: Add a rich, earthy flavor that’s unbeatable in gravies.
- Onion & Garlic: Essential for that savory base every good gravy needs.
- Sage and/or Rosemary: Bring a burst of freshness and depth.
- Cooking Fat: Adds smooth richness to the gravy. Ghee, duck fat or olive oil work well.
- Worcestershire Sauce: For a tangy kick and extra layers of flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: Gives the gravy a subtle, spicy twist.
- Lemon Juice: A hint of citrus to balance the flavors.
- Bone Broth: The liquid foundation of your gravy, full of nutrients. You can easily make your own bone broth.
- Sea Salt and Ground Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Heavy Whipping Cream (Optional): For an extra creamy texture.
Yes, absolutely! Instead of using heavy whipping cream, you can use coconut milk to give the gravy a creamy texture without any dairy.
Easy! Simply swap the bone broth or chicken stock with a rich vegetable stock. You’ll still get a lovely depth of flavor that’s completely vegetarian-friendly.
Balsamic vinegar is a great substitute for Worcestershire sauce. Just be mindful to choose a variety that’s not aged, as aged balsamic can be higher in sugar, which you might want to avoid on a keto diet.
Sure thing! Use vegetable stock as your base, and for the fat, opt for a plant-based alternative like olive oil or an avocado oil. Omit the Worcestershire sauce or use balsamic vinegar, as some brands contain anchovies.
How To Make Creamy Low-Carb Gravy
Prepare the Mushrooms. Start by soaking the dried Porcini mushrooms in a cup of boiling water for about 30 minutes. This rehydrates the mushrooms and infuses the water with flavor.
Sauté the Base. While the mushrooms are soaking, peel and dice the onion and garlic. In a hot pan greased with ghee (or your chosen fat), cook the onion over medium heat until translucent. Then, add the garlic and chopped herbs, cooking for another minute to release their aromas.
Combine Ingredients. Pour in your choice of bone broth, chicken, or vegetable stock, along with the lemon juice. Add the soaked mushrooms, including the soaking liquid, for an extra depth of flavor. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce (or balsamic vinegar) and Dijon mustard.
Final Touches. Season your gravy with salt and pepper to taste. If it’s too thin, cook it a bit longer on the stove to thicken. If it’s too thick, add a few tablespoons of water or broth. For a creamier texture, stir in the optional heavy whipping cream or coconut milk.
Serve or Store. Serve the gravy hot with your favorite dishes, or let it cool and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat as needed.
Tips for Best Low-Carb Gravy
Making the perfect Low-Carb Gravy is easy with these handy tips. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying this recipe for the first time, these suggestions will help you get the best results:
- Mushroom Choice Matters: Using dried Porcini mushrooms significantly enhances the gravy’s flavor. If Porcini isn’t available, other dried mushrooms like Shiitake can also work well.
- Sautéing is Key: Take your time sautéing the onions and garlic. This step builds a flavor foundation that can’t be rushed. Aim for a nice translucent look on the onions and slight caramelization before adding the garlic. Garlic cooks faster so do not add it with the onions.
- Herb Flexibility: While sage and rosemary are great, feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or oregano to suit your taste.
- Blending for Smoothness: For a truly smooth gravy, blend thoroughly. An immersion blender works great directly in the pot, but a regular blender can achieve an even silkier texture.
- Adjust Consistency as Needed: Remember, you can always adjust the thickness of your gravy. If it’s too thin, simmer it a bit longer. If it’s too thick, add a bit more broth or water. This recipe will make about 2 cups of thick & creamy gravy, or up to 3 cups of thinner gravy.
Storage Instructions
You can keep the gravy refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s fully cooled before storing.
Yes, this gravy freezes well. Pour it into a freezer-safe container or bag, and it should be good for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to use. The gravy may separate slightly when thawed. Just give it a good stir or a quick blend to bring back its creamy consistency.
Reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If the gravy has thickened too much in storage, you can thin it out with a bit of broth or water while reheating.
How to Serve Low-Carb Gravy
Got a batch of this awesome Keto Gravy ready? Here are some cool ways to use it:
- Roasts and More: Sure, it’s great on your Sunday roast, but why not try it on a grilled steak or pork chop? It’s a game changer. Try with our Ginger Spiced Pork Roast or Roast Turkey.
- Veggie Boost: Boring veggies? Not anymore. This gravy makes even simple steamed veggies taste amazing.
- With Cauliflower Mash: Swap out regular gravy on your mashed cauliflower for a low-carb win.
- Casserole and Zoodles: Level up your keto casseroles or zucchini noodles with a good pour of this gravy.
- Breakfast Upgrade: Morning eggs or a veggie frittata with this gravy? Yes, please!
Tools for Creamy Low-Carb Gravy
- Food Processor, Stand Blender or Immersion Blender: Essential for combining your ingredients quickly and getting perfectly smooth sauce.
Creamy Low-Carb Gravy
Ingredients
- ½ cup dried Porcini mushrooms
- 1 cup boiling water (to soak the mushrooms)
- 1 yellow onion (medium )
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped herbs (sage, rosemary, or herbs of choice)
- 2 tbsp ghee (or duck fat or olive oil)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (or balsamic vinegar)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups bone broth (or chicken stock or vegetable stock)
- sea salt and ground pepper (to taste)
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream or coconut milk (optional)
Instructions
- Soak the dried Porcini mushrooms in a cup of boiling water for about 30 minutes.
- Peel and dice the onion and garlic. In a hot pan greased with ghee (or your chosen fat), cook the onion over medium heat until translucent. Then, add the garlic and chopped herbs, cooking for another minute.
- Pour in the bone broth, along with the lemon juice. Add the soaked mushrooms, including the soaking liquid. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard.
- Season your gravy with salt and pepper to taste. If it's too thin, cook it a bit longer on the stove to thicken. If it's too thick, add a few tablespoons of water or broth. For a creamier texture, stir in the optional heavy whipping cream or coconut milk.
- Serve the gravy hot with your favorite dishes, or let it cool and to store.
Nutrition
Notes
- Serving Size: ¼ cup (60 ml). Depending on the desired thickness, this recipe makes 2 ½ to 3 cups (10 to 12 servings).
- Storage: Let it cool down and store in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you want to use the cream, opt for coconut cream, and use duck fat or olive oil.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable stock instead of bone broth.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve on roasts, steaks, pork chops or turkey. You can also serve this gravy over steamed or roasted vegetables or with cauliflower mash.
