What Can You Substitute For Milk In Biscuits And Gravy?
You can use several alternatives to dairy milk when making biscuits and gravy. Here are a few of them:
Almond Milk: This is a popular substitute in many recipes due to its light, nutty flavor that does not overpower the other ingredients.
Soy Milk: Soy milk is the most similar to cow's milk in terms of protein content, which can be helpful in achieving the right texture in some recipes. It also has a neutral flavor.
Oat Milk: This type of milk has gained popularity recently and can be a great option due to its creamy texture and slight sweetness.
Coconut Milk: In canned form, it is extremely rich and creamy, making it a good choice if you want your gravy to have a richer texture. Note that it does impart a coconut flavor which may not be desired in all dishes.
Cashew Milk: This is another great option due to its creamy consistency and mild flavor.
Remember, when choosing a substitute, consider how the flavor of the milk alternative might impact the overall flavor of the dish. Always use unsweetened varieties of these milk alternatives when cooking savory dishes to avoid adding unexpected sweetness.
What Is Vegan Gravy Made Of?
Vegan gravy is typically made from a combination of savory vegetable broth, flour or cornstarch for thickening, and various seasonings for flavor. A basic recipe might include ingredients like:
Vegetable Broth: This forms the base of the gravy and provides most of the liquid. It can be store-bought or homemade.
Flour or Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the broth and give the gravy its characteristic texture.
Soy Sauce or Tamari: These add a depth of flavor and a touch of umami.
Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast is often used in vegan cooking for its cheesy, nutty flavor.
Spices and Herbs: Common choices include onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, thyme, and sage.
Vegan Butter or Olive Oil: Some recipes start with a roux made from flour and vegan butter or olive oil, which is then whisked with vegetable broth until smooth.
The ingredients can be adjusted based on your personal preference and the flavor profile you're aiming for. For instance, for a "mushroom gravy," you might sauté mushrooms and onions before adding the broth and flour. Or for a "white pepper gravy," you might use a generous amount of white pepper and perhaps a plant-based milk for a creamier consistency.
Please note that while the above are typical, every recipe may differ slightly based on personal preference and desired end-result.
How Do You Thicken Biscuits And Gravy?
The key to thickening biscuits and gravy – or any sauce or gravy – is to create a roux or use a starch like cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Here are the steps to thickening your gravy:
- Start by melting butter (or in a vegan recipe, a butter substitute or oil) in a pan over medium heat.
- Sprinkle an equal amount of flour into the pan and whisk it into the butter until a thick paste forms. This is your roux.
- Cook the roux for a couple of minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add your liquid (in the case of biscuits and gravy, this would be a plant-based milk or broth) while whisking constantly. The roux will start to absorb the liquid and thicken it.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember that the gravy will thicken even more as it cools.
Using Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder:
- If you want to thicken gravy without using flour, you can use a cornstarch or arrowroot slurry instead.
- Mix equal parts of cornstarch or arrowroot powder and cold water to make a slurry.
- Slowly pour this slurry into your simmering gravy, stirring constantly. The gravy will thicken immediately.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to cook out the starchiness.
Remember that it's always better to add less at the beginning and then add more if needed. It's easy to thicken your gravy, but thinning a gravy that's become too thick can dilute the flavors.
How Do You Eat Biscuits with Gravy?
Eating biscuits with gravy might seem confusing to the uninitiated, but it's pretty straightforward, and, more importantly, incredibly delicious. Here's how to enjoy this classic comfort food:
Cutting the Biscuits: Start by cutting your biscuit in half horizontally. You can use a knife, or for a fluffier texture, you can break it open with your hands.
Applying the Gravy: Spoon a generous amount of gravy over the two halves of your biscuit. You want to make sure there's enough gravy to soak into the biscuit without making it too soggy.
Eating the Biscuits: You can eat biscuits and gravy with a fork and knife, or, if the biscuit is sturdy enough and you're not in polite company, you might just pick it up and eat it with your hands.
Pairings: Biscuits and gravy can be a meal on their own, especially for breakfast or brunch. However, they also make a great side dish. Try them alongside a tofu scramble for a vegan breakfast feast, or with a hearty salad for lunch.
Biscuits and gravy are a comfort food staple in Southern cuisine, but this vegan version is a treat that everyone can enjoy. Regardless of how you eat it, you're sure to love the creamy, savory goodness of biscuits and gravy.
What To Serve with Vegan Biscuits and Gravy?
When serving Vegan Biscuits and Gravy, you'll want to complement the rich and comforting flavors with delicious side dishes. Here are some tasty options to serve alongside:
Roasted Potatoes: Crispy and flavorful roasted potatoes make a wonderful addition to the meal. Season them with herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra savory goodness.
Sautéed Greens: Serve a side of sautéed greens such as spinach, kale, or Swiss chard. Add garlic and a dash of lemon juice for a burst of flavor.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with a mix of seasonal fruits adds a touch of brightness to balance the richness of the biscuits and gravy.
Vegan Scrambled Tofu: Scrambled tofu seasoned with turmeric, nutritional yeast, and your favorite spices can be a delicious alternative to eggs and complements the biscuits and gravy.
Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado slices with toasted bread are a great way to add some healthy fats and a refreshing element to the dish.
History of Biscuits And Gravy
Biscuits and gravy is a timeless dish that has its roots in Southern United States cuisine. Its history stretches back to Revolutionary times, when hearty and filling meals were a necessity for the hard-working folk of the time. Traditionally, this dish consists of soft biscuits smothered in a white, sausage gravy. However, the beauty of this classic is in its adaptability. Today, various versions cater to different dietary preferences, including keto, gluten-free, and vegetarian alternatives.
Speaking of keto biscuits and gravy, this variant replaces traditional wheat flour with almond or coconut flour to maintain a low carb count. Gravy can be keto-friendly by using heavy cream and xanthan gum for thickening. With the right balance of flavors, you won't miss the original. On the other hand, gluten-free biscuits and gravy cater to those with gluten sensitivities or preferences. Using gluten-free flour blends, anyone can still enjoy this classic dish without the worry.
For those who wish to avoid meat, vegetarian biscuits and gravy offer a fantastic solution. Instead of sausage, a hearty, vegetable-based gravy can provide an equally satisfying meal. Mushrooms, for instance, can add a savory depth that matches beautifully with the flaky biscuits. If you're vegan, plant-based milk and butter substitute are perfect for making vegan biscuits, while a gravy based on vegetable broth and flour will complete the dish.
As with any dish, it's important to be mindful of the calories in biscuits and gravy. Traditional biscuits and gravy can be heavy on calories, but don't fret. By making some smart swaps, like using whole grain flour, plant-based milk, and loading up on vegetables, you can create a lighter version of this beloved meal. As always, balance and moderation are key to incorporating biscuits and gravy into a healthy diet.
Biscuits and gravy have come a long way since their humble Southern origins. These tasty adaptations mean that whether you're following a keto, gluten-free, or vegetarian diet, you can still enjoy this hearty, comforting meal. No matter your dietary needs or preferences, there's a biscuits and gravy recipe out there for you to enjoy.
