This gravy is so smooth, creamy and rich in umami flavors! Serve with vegan holiday roasts, mashed potatoes, eggless noodles or anywhere gravy is a great fit. —CS
MAKES 2 CUPS (490 G)
¾ oz (20 g) dried shiitake mushrooms
Filtered water
2 tbsp (36 g) white miso
3 tbsp (45 ml) unsweetened plain plant-based creamer or milk
1½ tsp (8 ml) Ponzu Sauce
2 tbsp (30 ml) grapeseed oil or peanut oil
1 shallot, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp (15 g) all-purpose flour
Coarse kosher salt, to taste
In a large glass measuring cup, add the mushrooms and cover them with enough filtered water to reach the 2-cup (470-ml) mark. Let them stand for at least 30 minutes, or until softened.
Once ready, line a fine-mesh sieve with a paper towel. Remove the mushrooms, squeezing the excess liquid back into the measuring cup, and place in another fine-mesh sieve. Filter the soaking water through the sieve lined with paper towel in order to remove potential grit. Reserve the soaking water. Gently rinse the mushrooms to remove grit, squeezing out the excess liquid. Discard the stems and mince the mushrooms. Place the miso in a small bowl. Take 3 tablespoons (45 ml) out of the reserved soaking water and whisk to combine. Set it aside.
Stir the creamer and ponzu sauce into the remaining reserved soaking water, and whisk to combine. Set this aside.
In the meantime, heat the oil over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Add the minced mushrooms, shallot and garlic. Cook until fragrant and lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Stir occasionally and adjust the heat as needed. Add the flour and cook until toasted, about 2 minutes, stirring frequently and adjusting the heat as needed. Using a whisk, slowly add the reserved soaking water (not the one containing miso!). Be sure not to add the liquid too quickly in order to prevent lumps. Continue cooking over medium heat and whisking occasionally until the gravy thickens, about 8 minutes. Add the miso-containing reserved liquid and whisk to combine. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes, or until the gravy is thickened to taste. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat slowly.