Low Sugar Caramelized Onion Gravy

Total time55 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time45 min

4.5

(28)

Rich, savory gravy is one of those comfort-food staples that often hides a surprising amount of added sugar — whether it's in the store-bought broth, the bottled sauce base, or the flavor packets that most recipes rely on. This version skips all of that entirely, building every drop of sweetness naturally from slow-cooked onions that turn jammy and golden over 30-plus minutes on the stove. Coconut aminos bring a deep, umami-forward depth without any refined sugar, and a bright splash of apple cider vinegar at the finish keeps the whole thing balanced and lively. Turmeric, ginger, and fresh thyme layer in warmth and complexity that make this gravy taste far more involved than it actually is. Arrowroot starch does the thickening work cleanly, giving you that glossy, spoon-coating consistency you want without any cornstarch or flour fuss. Pour it over roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple protein and it instantly elevates the whole plate. Once you see how easy it is to make gravy this good from scratch, the jarred stuff really loses its appeal.

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Ingredients

4 servings

2 tbsp coconut oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp fine sea salt
½ tsp ground turmeric
¼ tsp ground ginger
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
2 cups bone broth
1 tbsp coconut aminos
Chef's tip
Soy sauce is saltier and less sweet; start with less and adjust.
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp arrowroot starch
3 tbsp cold water

Instructions

1
Melt the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the sliced onions and salt, spreading them into an even layer.
2
Cook the onions, stirring every 3–4 minutes, for 30–35 minutes until deeply golden, jammy, and reduced to about one-quarter of their original volume. Lower the heat to medium-low if they begin to brown too quickly at the edges.

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