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Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.
onion gravy recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 cups (approx. 4–6 servings) 1x
- Diet: General (adaptable for Vegan, Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, Diabetic-Friendly)
Description
This simple onion gravy recipe provides a rich, savory, and satisfying addition to any meal, from mashed potatoes to roast, with straightforward steps and smart ingredient swaps. It is a hearty, family-friendly gravy that adds a touch of gourmet without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 2–3 large yellow onions (approx. 500–750 g), thinly sliced for even caramelization
- 4 tablespoons butter (56 g), or plant-based butter for dairy-free
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (24 g), or a gluten-free flour blend
- 2–3 cups low-sodium beef or vegetable broth (475–700 mL)
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (5 mL, optional), for depth and tangy sweetness
- 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt (3 g), to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (0.5 g), to taste
Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.
Instructions
- Prep Onions: Peel and thinly slice your yellow onions, aiming for uniform slices about 0.125-inch thick to ensure even caramelization and consistent texture.
- Caramelize Onions: Melt butter in a large 10-inch skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20-30 minutes until deeply golden brown and very tender.
- Build Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the caramelized onions. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, cooking out the raw flour taste and creating a light, thick paste (roux). (If it looks too dry, add an extra tablespoon of butter to help it come together.)
- Deglaze and Whisk: Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Add the balsamic vinegar now, if using. The mixture will start to smooth out as it combines.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the gravy mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes until the gravy visibly thickens to your desired consistency and coats the back of a spoon with a rich, glossy finish.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings generously with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve your delicious homemade onion gravy warm over your favorite hearty dishes.
Notes
Choose firm, unblemished onions for the best caramelization. Freshly cracked black pepper always delivers superior flavor. For lower fat, use less butter and a non-stick pan when caramelizing, or skim any excess fat from your broth. Troubleshooting: Lumpy gravy (whisk off heat, sieve if stubborn); Gravy too thin (simmer more, or add cornstarch slurry); Gravy too thick (whisk in warm broth or water); Onions not caramelizing (keep heat low, patience develops crucial sweet flavors).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.5 cup (120 mL)
- Calories: 160 calories
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg