Roasted Garlic Gravy

Throughout my blogging for "Vegan Month of Gravy" I'm going to post a few tried-and-true gravy recipes from some of my favorite vegan cookbook authors. All of these recipes are being posted with permission from the authors, not to worry. And all of them are recipes I refer to over and over, in well-worn cookbooks I use often, by authors I respect and admire for their creativity and passion for vegan cooking.

That said, the first cookbook recipe I'm choosing to share is my "reliable old friend" of vegan gravy recipes - one I learned to make before I was even vegan! It's by Jo Stepaniak, from her wonderful cookbook "Vegan Vittles".

This makes a lovely, and VERY tasty Roasted Garlic Gravy. One I've served at many a vegan dinner to rave reviews. You can't go wrong with roasted garlic, right? And I am always asked for the recipe, from meat-eating types and vegans alike - definitely worth trying! (As a side-note, not trying to sound like an advertisement, but the entire cookbook is good - Jo always has really clear, detailed instructions. Check it out if you're looking to add to your collection!) I tend to fiddle with recipes, even already-perfect ones like this, so I've added my ideas in parentheses, feel free to ignore me if you like.

Roasted Garlic Gravy

Shared with permission from the author - Jo Stepaniak

1 large head of garlic
6 Tbs. whole wheat pastry flour
2 Tbs. olive oil 2 cups water or vegan vegetable broth (I use vegetable broth and add 1/4 cup white wine here)
2 Tbs. soy sauce (I use a little less if the broth is fairly salty)
1 tsp. each: crumbled dried thyme leaves, crumbled dried marjoram leaves (I add sage too).

First, roast the garlic: To roast the garlic, peel off as much papery skin as will come off easily while keeping the head intact. Brush or rub the garlic liberally with olive oil. Place the garlic in a small, shallow baking dish in the toaster (or regular) oven, roast it at 375 until the outside is brown and the innermost cloves are soft, about 20 to 30 minutes. (it usually takes a good bit longer for me, don't know what I'm doing wrong there).

Allow the garlic to cool. Then slice off the top the whole head (I find a serrated knife works best here) and squeeze the roasted cloves from the skin into a small bowl. Mash the garlic with a fork, set it aside. (I like it mashed really smooth - again, just me)

Place the flour in a dry 2 quart saucepan, roast it over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it is fragrant but not browned, just a minute or two. Stir in the olive oil and roasted garlic, cook 5 minutes on low heat, stirring often.

Briskly stir or whisk in the water or broth, soy sauce and herbs. Simmer the gravy for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve hot.