Name: Vegetarian Gravy
Yield: About 2 cups
Ingredients: 1 medium onion, peeled, quartered, and broken into large chunks; 1 large carrot, peeled and halved lengthwise; 1 fennel bulb, green fronds removed and bulb cut into quarters; 1 medium turnip, peeled and cut into quarters; 5 ounces mushrooms, such as crimini or shiitake, trimmed and cut into quarters (about 2 cups total); 4 medium tomatoes, cut into quarters and seeded; 15 sprigs fresh or 2 teaspoons dried thyme; 3 cups of vegetable broth or water; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, chervil, or tarragon (optional); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Cookbook author and cooking teacher James Peterson created this recipe exclusively for Epicurious. The repeated caramelization of the vegetables is the secret to the gravy's surprisingly rich flavor. For more of Peterson's gravy-making advice, including how to thicken with a roux and avoid lumps, see our Gravy Primer.

Cook's Note:

If you want thicker gravy, use butter and flour to make a roux. In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Sprinkle with the flour and cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture bubbles and turns golden brown, about 5 minutes. Gradually whisk in the gravy and bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and continue cooking until the mixture thickens.

Recipe notes

Smothered Italian Sausage

This is what I call a fridge-eater recipe. The key here is getting a nice sear on the sausage and cooking the tomato down until it coats the sausage and vegetables well.

Salmon With Sizzled Nut Salsa

A savory-hot salsa made with mixed nuts (like the kind dubbed cocktail nuts meant for snacking) gives roast salmon a kaleidoscope of textures and flavors.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.