Vegetarian Caramelized Onion Gravy

Total time55 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time45 min

4.5

(28)

Rich, slow-cooked onions are the backbone of a truly great gravy, and this version leans into that fully — giving the onions a solid 30-plus minutes in the pan until they're deeply golden, jammy, and almost melting. The result is a sauce with serious depth that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually did. Coconut aminos add a savory, umami-forward note, while turmeric, ginger, and fresh thyme bring warmth and a subtle herbal lift that makes this feel anything but ordinary. Arrowroot starch does the thickening work here, creating a glossy, silky texture that clings beautifully to whatever you pour it over. A final splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens everything up and keeps the richness from feeling heavy. This is the kind of gravy that makes roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple grain bowl feel genuinely special — no meat drippings required.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

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
Chef's tip
Use the same amount of low-sodium vegetable broth. It won't give the body or richness of bone broth, so it's best where broth is mainly a cooking liquid or flavor base.
1 tbsp coconut aminos
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.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!