Brilliant Mushroom Gravy

By California Walnuts
Total Time
30 Mins
Serves
8
Meal
Dinner

DESCRIPTION

This smart take on the classic gravy recipe is sure to be a perfect complement to any fall or winter dinner.

Prep Time
10 Mins
Cook Time
20 Mins
Total Time
30 Mins
Calories
35
Total Fat
2
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.25
Cholesterol
0
Sodium
90
Carbohydrates
3
Dietary Fiber
0
Protein
1

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 pound mushrooms
  • Pinch of thyme, dried
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (add more, to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced or crushed
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, unbleached
  • 2 cups chicken broth, low-sodium (use vegetable or mushroom broth if preferred)
  • Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste (optional)

Preparation

  1. Clean the mushrooms and, if the stems are firm and tight, leave them on. If they are soft and beginning to separate, remove them.
  2. Chop the mushrooms into very small pieces or thin slices.
  3. Place a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat for 30 seconds.
  4. Add the oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the mushrooms, thyme, and salt, and sauté for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the mushrooms are reduced in size and they have expressed some juices.
  5. Stir in the garlic. Add the broth, and heat until it is hot but not boiling.
  6. Place the flour in a small bowl, and ladle in enough broth to dissolve the flour (approximately 3/4 cup).
  7. Use a small whisk to beat this mixture until smooth, then pour it back into the hot broth. Whisk the broth as you pour.
  8. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 5 to 8 minutes, or until lightly thickened.
  9. Add salt and pepper to taste, if desired. (Keep this in a tightly lidded jar in the refrigerator and use as needed over the period of a week. You can also freeze it.) This gravy perfectly complements Walnut-Coated Smart "Fried" Chicken.