Vegetarian cuisine has come a long way in recent years, offering a plethora of delicious and satisfying dishes. One such classic that has been given a modern update is the vegetarian biscuits and gravy. This old - school dish, once dominated by meat - based ingredients, can now be enjoyed by vegetarians with a few simple ingredient swaps.
Let's start with the biscuits. The key to making perfect vegetarian biscuits lies in the right combination of ingredients and the proper technique. You will need 2 cups of all - purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 cup of cold unsalted butter, and 3/4 to 1 cup of buttermilk. Sift the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. This step is crucial as it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, resulting in light and fluffy biscuits.
Next, take the cold butter and cut it into small pieces. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter is essential here; it creates pockets of fat in the dough that will melt during baking, giving the biscuits their characteristic flakiness. Slowly add the buttermilk, stirring just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to over - mix, as this can make the biscuits tough.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times. Pat the dough into a round about 1 - 1.5 inches thick. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass dipped in flour to cut out the biscuits. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of the biscuits with a little buttermilk for a golden crust. Bake the biscuits in a preheated 450°F oven for 10 - 12 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
Now, let's move on to the gravy. For the vegetarian version, we can use vegetable broth as the base. You will need 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/4 cup of all - purpose flour, 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1/2 cup of soy milk, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a medium - sized saucepan over medium heat.
Add the flour to the hot oil and whisk constantly to form a roux. A roux is a mixture of fat and flour that is used to thicken sauces and gravies. Cook the roux for about 2 - 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden color. This step is important as it removes the raw flour taste from the gravy. Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Once the broth is added, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for a few minutes.
Next, add the soy milk, dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Let the gravy simmer for another 5 - 7 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. If the gravy is too thick, you can add a little more vegetable broth or soy milk. If it's too thin, let it simmer for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
To serve, place a warm biscuit on a plate and top it with a generous ladle of the vegetarian gravy. You can also add some fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. This vegetarian biscuits and gravy is not only delicious but also a great way to start your day or enjoy a comforting meal any time. It's a perfect example of how you can take an old - school dish and make it suitable for a vegetarian diet with just a few simple ingredient substitutions.
Moreover, this dish can be easily customized according to your taste preferences. You can add some sautéed mushrooms or onions to the gravy for extra flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different types of flours, such as whole - wheat flour, to make the biscuits more nutritious. Whether you are a vegetarian or just looking for a new and delicious recipe, this vegetarian biscuits and gravy is definitely worth a try.
In conclusion, the world of vegetarian cooking is full of possibilities, and this updated version of biscuits and gravy is a testament to that. With a little creativity and the right ingredients, you can enjoy a classic dish in a whole new way. So, roll up your sleeves, head to the kitchen, and start making this wonderful vegetarian treat today!
