A good onion gravy can turn even the simplest meal into something special. Whether you’re serving it over sausages, mashed potatoes, or a hearty roast, the right gravy brings warmth, depth, and rich flavour to your plate. These three onion gravy recipes—classic caramelised onion, a quick and easy version, and red onion gravy with a twist—are perfectly portioned for one. No need to make a giant batch—just enough to enjoy a cosy, comforting meal without leftovers.
Caramelised Onion Gravy
This rich and savoury caramelised onion gravy is a delightful blend of sweet, caramelized onions and a hint of balsamic vinegar, creating a depth of flavour that elevates any dish. Perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, this recipe respects traditional methods while adding a creative touch with the addition of fresh thyme and a splash of balsamic for added complexity. It’s a comforting, vegetarian-friendly option that meets dietary needs without compromising on taste.
Recipe Times & Servings
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Servings:
1
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted.
- Add the sliced onions and brown sugar, stirring to coat the onions.
- Cook the onions for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown.
- Add the balsamic vinegar and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the fresh thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
- Serve warm over your favourite dishes.
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories:
150
Protein:
2
Carbs:
20
Fat:
7
Fiber:
2
Sugar:
8
Quick Onion Gravy
This Quick Onion Gravy combines the rich, savoury flavours of caramelized onions with a smooth, velvety texture, perfect for drenching over meats or mashed potatoes. With a hint of balsamic vinegar for depth and a touch of fresh thyme for an aromatic lift, this recipe balances traditional gravy techniques with a creative twist, making it both appealing and satisfying. It meets dietary needs as a gluten-free option when using gluten-free flour.
Recipe Times & Servings
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Servings:
1
Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup vegetable broth (or beef broth for a richer flavour)
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a medium skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until melted.
- Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to coat, cooking for an additional minute.
- Gradually add the broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps, and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper, and let the gravy simmer for another 3-5 minutes until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories:
150
Protein:
2
Carbs:
20
Fat:
7
Fiber:
1
Sugar:
3
Red Onion Gravy with a Twist
This Red Onion Gravy combines the classic sweetness of caramelized red onions with a splash of balsamic vinegar for a creative twist. Perfectly balanced, this rich and savoury sauce is ideal for drizzling over meats or serving alongside mashed potatoes. It’s easy to prepare and meets various dietary preferences.
Recipe Times & Servings
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Servings:
1
Ingredients:
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced red onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for another 2 minutes to deglaze the pan.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld. If a thicker consistency is desired, mix cornstarch with a little cold water and stir into the gravy until thickened.
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories:
150
Protein:
1
Carbs:
20
Fat:
7
Fiber:
2
Sugar:
5
My Final Thoughts
With these three simple onion gravy recipes, you can add a burst of savoury goodness to any solo meal. Whether you take your time with caramelised onions or need a quick fix, there’s a gravy to match your schedule and taste. So go ahead, drizzle generously, and enjoy every bite—because a great meal deserves great gravy!
