Italian Mushroom Gravy
Italian Mushroom Gravy is a rich, savory sauce packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and mushrooms, perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or polenta. Its hearty flavor and thick texture make it an ideal vegetarian main or complement to various dishes, offering a taste of Italy's vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups warm water ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons olive or salad oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped parsley
- 2 to 3 stalks celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced carrot ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced zucchini ⓘ
- 2 cloves minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sage ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 (1 lb.) cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a frypan over medium heat.
- Add chopped parsley, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, and chopped vegetables (celery, carrot, onion, zucchini).
- Cook until vegetables are soft.
- Stir in tomato sauce, canned tomatoes with their liquid, and crushed red pepper.
- Chop fresh mushrooms and add to the pan along with water.
- Can use dried Italian mushrooms with this water as a soaking liquid.
- Cover and simmer until thick, about 3 hours.
- Add salt to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dried Italian mushrooms and soak them in the warm water before adding to the pan. If you want a creamier texture, stir in a bit of coconut cream or cashew cream towards the end of cooking. Fresh herbs are best used, but if unavailable, substitute with dried herbs at a ratio of 1:3.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty mushroom gravy over pasta, like penne or fettuccine, for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian String Beans as a side dish. You can also use it as a sauce for veggie burgers or over polenta for a delicious vegetarian option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover mushroom gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen it if necessary. This gravy also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Mushroom Gravy contains roughly 875 calories, with 23g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (107% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1949mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this mushroom gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this gravy a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier when reheated.
What can I substitute for the mushrooms?
If you prefer, you can substitute mushrooms with diced eggplant or a mix of other vegetables like bell peppers or artichokes for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it will alter the taste of the gravy.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this mushroom gravy is entirely plant-based and suitable for vegan diets. It contains no animal products, making it a great option for those looking for vegan recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).