Onion Gravy

Onion Gravy: The Perfect Sauce for Roasts

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make sauce, onion gravy is the ideal choice! This sauce, specific to British cuisine, is often made from the juices left over after roasting meat, but today I’ll show you how to make it simply and with accessible ingredients. Whether you serve it with beef, sausages, and mashed potatoes or with vegetables, this onion gravy will transform any meal into a true culinary delight.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 50g butter (for frying)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 beef stock cubes, diluted in a cup of warm water (or the juices left from a roast)
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onion. A well-chopped onion will add a rich and aromatic flavor to your sauce. It’s essential to have all the ingredients prepared before you start cooking so you can work quickly and efficiently.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a medium pan, add the 50g of butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once the butter is completely melted, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes translucent. This step is crucial, as sautéing the onion will release its natural sweetness and add depth to the sauce.

3. Adding the balsamic vinegar: Once the onion is translucent, add the balsamic vinegar. This will bring a note of acidity and balance the sweetness of the onion. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Incorporating the flour: Now it’s time to add the flour. Sprinkle one tablespoon of flour over the sautéed onion and mix vigorously. This step will help thicken the sauce. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes to lightly cook the flour so it doesn’t taste raw.

5. Adding the stock: Start gradually incorporating the diluted beef stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. The heat should be low to allow the sauce to thicken gradually. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired consistency.

6. Seasoning: Finally, adjust the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If you used the juices from the roast, you may not need to add salt, as it is already salty.

7. Serving: Onion gravy is perfect for pouring over your favorite roast or alongside sausages and mashed potatoes. It is a versatile sauce that can add an extra flavor boost to any meal.

Practical tips:
- If you want an even more intense flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to your gravy.
- Instead of balsamic vinegar, you can experiment with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for another interesting flavor.
- Onion gravy can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it before serving, adding a little water or stock to restore its consistency.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use red onion instead of white onion?
- Yes, red onion will give a slightly different taste and a more vibrant color to the sauce.

2. How can I make the sauce spicier?
- You can add a bit of hot pepper sauce or chili flakes for an extra kick.

3. Is this sauce suitable for vegans?
- You can adapt the recipe using olive oil instead of butter and vegetable broth instead of beef stock.

Nutritional benefits:
Onion gravy is not only delicious but also beneficial. Onions are rich in antioxidants and contain essential nutrients that contribute to heart health and strengthen the immune system. Additionally, the sauce can add an extra portion of moisture and flavor to your meals without adding many calories. A serving of onion gravy contains about 70-100 calories, depending on the exact amounts of ingredients used.

Possible variations:
- Caramelized onion gravy: Let the onion sauté longer until it becomes golden and caramelized for a more complex and sweet flavor.
- Mushroom gravy: Add finely chopped mushrooms at the beginning of the cooking process, sautéing them together with the onion for a richer aroma.

Serving suggestion:
For a truly special meal, serve the onion gravy alongside oven-roasted meats and creamy mashed potatoes. You can also add steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a contrast of textures and flavors.

This simple and delicious onion gravy is undoubtedly a sauce that will quickly become your favorite. So put on your apron and let’s cook!