Apple and Onion Gravy

This is a lighter play on traditional gravy that gives the same luxurious sauce vibe however, with a sweet undertone.  This recipe omits pan drippings from a roasted or baked meat and can be made vegetarian/vegan by using vegetable stock. The apple and onion are roasted / grilled and pureed with the stock which is added to the sautéed vegetables.

 Tips:

•  The proportions of this yields 2 cups of gravy and can be doubled.

• If using apple cider vinegar vs fresh apple cider adjust to 4 cups of stock with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.

• Stock cubes  dissolved in water can substitute for stock.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 apple grilled

• 1/2 white onion grilled

• 1 teaspoon finely minced / grated onion

• 2 tablespoons finely diced carrot

• 1 tablespoon finely diced celery

• 3 cups of chicken stock

• 1 cup of apple cider

• 1 tablespoon of flour

• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

• 1 teaspoon of butter

• 1 sprig thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

 Preparation:

1. Grill or Roast apple and onion for 20 minutes at 450 F until both are tender and mushy soft . (If there are charred bits that is completely fine).

2. Place the grilled apple and onion in food processor/ blender with the stock and puree until smooth. Set aside until ready for use. (You can strain to remove larger bits and create a smoother gravy ).

3. Preheat vegetable oil in a medium sauce pan on low heat, add in the finely diced carrot, onion and celery and sauté for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are cooked and lightly brown.

4. Add in the flour to the sautéed vegetables and turn to fully incorporate. Keep turning and allow the flour to turn a golden brown colour approximately 5-8 minutes. (If you prefer a darker gravy allow the flour to toast further).

5. Add apple cider and stock mixture  to the saucepan carefully mixing as lumps can form. If this happens use a whisk and carefully mix everything together . 

6. Add in the thyme and lower heat to simmer and allow the gravy to thicken (approximately 10 -15 minutes).

7. Taste the gravy when it thickens and add salt and black pepper to your preference and turn off the heat.

8. Add in the butter and using a wooden spoon or whisk to mix it into the gravy , this gives a glossy and luxurious finish to the gravy.

Serving Suggestion:

Serve with baked / roasted meat , vegetables or potatoes