Savory Onion Gravy Recipe: Rich Flavor in Every Spoonful

Crafting a delectable onion gravy can elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Caramelized onions bring depth and richness to this classic sauce.

Slow cooking transforms humble ingredients into a velvety masterpiece that dances across your taste buds.

Home cooks adore this simple yet sophisticated recipe that requires minimal effort.

Fragrant and comforting, the gravy pairs beautifully with roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or hearty breads.

A drizzle of this silky sauce promises to spark culinary joy at your next gathering.

You will want to savor every last drop of this irresistible accompaniment.

Why Try Delia Smith Onion Gravy With Meals

• Craft Slow-Cooked Flavor: Carefully caramelizing onions develops deep, rich taste without complicated techniques, making this gravy a flavor powerhouse for home cooks.
• Boost Any Meal Versatility: Perfect companion for roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or as a dipping sauce, transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences.
• Master Simple Cooking Technique: Learning to create smooth, lump-free gravy builds fundamental kitchen skills that elevate your overall cooking confidence and expertise.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Using just a few pantry staples like onions, stock, and basic seasonings, this recipe proves delicious sauces don't require expensive or hard-to-find ingredients.

Ingredients in Delia Smith Onion Gravy Recipe

• Onions: Sweet and flavorful base that provides rich depth to the gravy.
• Stock: Liquid foundation that creates the smooth and savory gravy texture.

• Mustard Powder: Adds a subtle tangy and sharp flavor to enhance the gravy's complexity.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a deep umami and slightly tart finish to the gravy.

• Oil, Butter, Flour: Essential components for creating a smooth and thick gravy base with a golden color and rich texture.

Making Delia Smith Onion Gravy Step-by-Step

Step 1: Caramelize Onions

Get a frying pan sizzling hot with oil. Toss in sliced onions and start stirring frequently. Keep the heat high for the first 10 minutes, then lower it down. Continue cooking and stirring for another 10 minutes until the onions turn a deep golden brown and develop a rich, sweet flavor.

Step 2: Create Smooth Roux

Drop butter into the pan and sprinkle flour over it. Whisk everything together until you’ve got a silky, lump-free mixture that looks creamy and smooth.

Step 3: Boost Flavor Profile

Sprinkle in mustard powder to give your gravy an extra kick of tangy depth.

Step 4: Build Liquid Base

Slowly stream in stock while continuously stirring. This prevents any lumps and helps create a velvety texture.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Let the gravy bubble gently on low heat. Watch it transform and thicken over 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Final Flavor Touches

Splash in Worcestershire sauce for a final flavor punch. Add salt and pepper to match your taste preferences.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pour the piping hot gravy into a warm serving jug. This keeps it heated and ready to drizzle over your favorite dishes like roasted meats or mashed potatoes.

Tips for Getting Delia Smith Onion Gravy Just Right

• Slice Slowly: Use a sharp knife and cut onions thinly and evenly for consistent caramelization and smooth texture.
• Control Heat Wisely: Start with high heat for initial searing, then reduce to medium-low to prevent burning and achieve deep golden-brown color.
• Stir Consistently: Keep stirring onions every few minutes to ensure even browning and prevent sticking to the pan.
• Thicken Carefully: Whisk flour and butter thoroughly to avoid lumps, creating a smooth base for the rich gravy.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar during onion cooking for extra complexity and richness.

Unique Ways to Customize Delia Smith Onion Gravy

• Vegan Onion Gravy: Replace butter with plant-based margarine and use vegetable stock for a dairy-free version.
• Low-Sodium Option: Substitute regular stock with low-sodium broth and reduce Worcestershire sauce amount.
• Herb-Infused Gravy: Add fresh thyme or rosemary during onion caramelization for extra depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Use cornstarch instead of flour and ensure gluten-free Worcestershire sauce for celiac-friendly preparation.

Dishes That Go Great With Delia Smith Onion Gravy

• Pair with Roasted Meats: This rich, savory onion gravy perfectly complements roasted beef, lamb, or chicken. The deep caramelized onion flavor enhances the meat's natural juiciness and adds depth to each bite.
• Elevate with Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine's robust character matches the gravy's intense flavor profile, creating a harmonious dining experience.
• Serve alongside Hearty Sides: Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or crusty bread become extraordinary when drizzled with this luxurious onion gravy. Each side absorbs the sauce's complex, umami-rich taste.
• Match with Comfort Dishes: Pair with shepherd's pie, pot roast, or classic meatloaf.

Save and Reheat Delia Smith Onion Gravy Easily

• Store leftover onion gravy in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled gravy into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months, ensuring a tight seal to maintain quality.
• Transfer gravy to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching.
• Warm gravy in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of stock or water if it becomes too thick, restoring smooth consistency.

Onion Gravy Recipe Questions Answered

• What ingredients are crucial for the best onion gravy?

Choose sweet onions like Vidalia for natural sweetness, unsalted butter for rich flavor, and high-quality beef or chicken stock for depth. A dash of Worcestershire sauce adds complexity.

• Can I make this gravy without using flour?

Traditional onion gravy requires flour as a thickening agent. Without flour, your gravy will remain thin and lack the classic smooth texture. Use all-purpose flour or gluten-free alternatives if needed.

• How do I prevent my onions from burning during caramelization?

Maintain medium-low heat after the first 10 minutes and stir frequently. If onions start to stick, add a small splash of stock or water to prevent burning and promote even browning.

Onion Gravy Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Hearty onion gravy delivers comfort straight from classic British kitchens, blending caramelized onions with rich, savory depth. Slow-cooked and silky smooth, you’ll savor this traditional sauce that elevates every plate with its soul-warming embrace.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 425 milliliters (14.4 fluid ounces) vegetable stock
• 1 rounded dessertspoon (2 tablespoons) plain flour

Fat and Oil:

• 1 dessertspoon (1 tablespoon) groundnut oil or lard
• 1 small knob of butter

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 dessertspoon (1 tablespoon) Worcestershire sauce (plus more to finish)
• 1 level teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm a frying pan with oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Sauté onions, stirring frequently, reducing heat to medium after 10 minutes to prevent burning. Continue cooking for total of 20 minutes until deeply caramelized and golden brown.
3. Lower heat and incorporate butter, whisking in flour to create a smooth, cohesive roux without lumps.
4. Sprinkle mustard powder into the roux, mixing thoroughly to distribute evenly.
5. Slowly stream stock into the mixture, stirring continuously to prevent clumping and ensure a silky consistency.
6. Reduce heat to low and allow gravy to simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and develops rich flavor.
7. Finish by adding Worcestershire sauce for depth, then season with salt and pepper to enhance overall taste profile.
8. Transfer to a warm serving jug or gravy boat, ensuring sauce remains hot and ready to complement main dishes.

Notes

• Caramelize onions slowly to develop deep, rich flavor by stirring frequently and reducing heat midway through cooking.
• Use unsalted butter for better control of salt levels, allowing precise seasoning at the final stage.
• Add Worcestershire sauce at the end to preserve its vibrant, tangy flavor profile without losing complexity during cooking.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour, ensuring smooth texture and consistent thickness.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 70 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg