Is there anything more comforting than a big bowl of mashed potatoes smothered in gravy? It’s a classic combination for a reason!
And the best part is, you don’t have to miss out if you have dietary restrictions. Both mashed potatoes and gravy can be made gluten-free and vegan. We’ll show you how.
Mashed Potatoes: The Foundation
Before you can add gravy, you need a good bed of mashed potatoes. Here’s how to make them.
Potato selection and preparation
Yukon Gold potatoes are a great choice for mashed potatoes because they’re naturally creamy. Russet potatoes are another option, but they tend to be a bit starchier.
You can peel your potatoes or leave the skins on, depending on your preference. Then, boil them until they’re tender.
Achieving creamy texture
Butter, garlic, and oat milk are the holy trinity of creamy mashed potatoes. The butter adds richness, the garlic adds flavor, and the oat milk thins them out to the perfect consistency.
Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes, but be careful not to over-mash them. Over-mashing can release too much starch, which can make the potatoes gluey.
Crafting the gravy
The right gravy can elevate your mashed potatoes from side dish to culinary masterpiece. Here’s how to make a gravy that complements your potatoes perfectly.
Base and flavor profile
For a gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly option, vegetable broth is a great choice. If you’re not vegetarian, chicken or beef broth can add a richer dimension to your gravy.
To enhance the flavor, consider adding tamari, onion powder, garlic powder, and thyme. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other herbs and spices to customize the gravy to your taste.
Thickening the gravy
For a gluten-free gravy, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. It’s important to stir continuously as you add the flour to the broth to prevent lumps from forming.
Simmer the gravy over low heat until it thickens to your desired consistency. If it gets too thick, simply add more broth. If it’s too thin, continue simmering until it reaches the perfect texture.
Dietary considerations and variations
Gravy and mashed potatoes can be adapted to a variety of dietary needs, and you can change up the flavors to suit your preferences.
Gluten-free adaptations
To make the dish gluten free, be sure to use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the gravy, and tamari instead of soy sauce. Scrutinize the ingredient labels of all your ingredients to make sure they’re truly gluten free.
Vegan-friendly options
To make the dish vegan, substitute vegan butter for dairy butter and a plant-based milk alternative, such as oat milk or cashew milk, for cow’s milk.
Flavor variations
You can add roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or sauteed mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor and umami. Seasonings such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried rosemary can also be added to your gravy for a custom taste.
In Conclusion
Mashed potatoes and gravy can be the star of your plate or an ideal side dish for almost any main course. Don’t be shy with the gravy!
If you have any leftovers, store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for up to a week, so you can enjoy them again soon.