Gravy Substitute or Making Own Gravy for Shepherd's Pie

rlmiller73190

Hi y'all. I'm making an adapted version of hungry girl's squash-tastic shepherd's pie. I'm a vegetarian and usually I just use mushroom gravy, but I have none here. Does anyone have any suggestions for a substitute for gravy in Shepherd's Pie or an EASY way to make my own gravy? I saw a recipe that said basically melt butter, add flour, then add vegetable stock until the gravy thickens. I don't even really like the texture of gravy, so all suggestions are welcomed!

Thanks!

MeeshyBW

You could use wine and reduce it down?

I make a puy lentil shepherd-less pie and use vegetable stock, touch of wine, some thyme and garlic.

rlmiller73190

ooh thanks for the suggestion!

MeeshyBW

Let me know how it goes. I would love the recipe for your shepherds pie if you can PM me it or post it on here?

BamBam125

I saw a recipe that said basically melt butter, add flour, then add vegetable stock until the gravy thickens.
Thanks!

That sounds about right as it is. I've only made gravy from meats, but it's pretty easy.

After cooking something flavorful (meat, mushrooms, onions, whatever) in a skillet (cast iron is really good), drain off most of the extra fat but keep the charred bits of yummy stuff that tried to stick to the pan. (I don't have to add butter because fat in the meat drippings works. You might need to add butter if whatever you cooked didn't leave enough fat behind in the pan.) The more left over gunk in the pan when you start, the more flavorful the gravy will be.

I think Medium or Low temp works. Don't go High or it will burn the gravy.

Sprinkle with a tablespoon or two of flour. Scrape and stir. Be sure to get all that gunk from the pan mixed into your gravy and unstuck from the bottom of the pan. Slowly add milk (or I suppose broth might work too). Don't add it all at once. Stir and let it thicken before you add more liquid. Do not add more flour. Just be patient and keep stirring and it will thicken back up after each round of liquid is added. You'll think it will never thicken and then suddenly it will seem to thicken rapidly and you'll worry that it's too thick. Add liquid in batches until you get enough gravy for your needs. Add salt and pepper at the end to taste.

rlmiller73190

I ended up making gravy on my own, but you can find the recipe (if you're interested) and a picture of the completed meal on my blog!

undercoverdiva-asitcom.blogspot.com