How to Make Creole Sauce AKA Red Gravy

 How to Make Creole Sauce AKA Red Gravy

Creole Sauce, often referred to as "Red Gravy," is a flavorful and versatile sauce that forms the backbone of many classic Creole dishes. This rich and savory sauce combines a medley of vegetables, spices, and tomatoes to create a robust flavor profile that elevates any meal. Whether you're looking to enhance a plant-based dish, pasta, or even use it as a dipping sauce, this Creole Sauce is sure to impress. Let's dive into the recipe and bring a taste of Creole cuisine to your kitchen!

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

28 oz. diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)

½ medium yellow onion, chopped

½ bell pepper, chopped

1 celery stalk, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 green onions, sliced

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp neutral oil

1 Tbsp chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley

2 tsp Creole seasoning

1 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce

1 bay leaf

¼ tsp dry thyme

Sugar, salt, and pepper to taste

For the Roux:

¼ cup flour

¼ cup oil or plant butter

Directions:

1. Make the Roux:

Begin by preparing the roux, which serves as the base for your sauce. In a pan, heat ¼ cup of oil or plant butter over medium heat. Once hot, reduce the heat to low and gradually add ¼ cup of flour, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Cook until the mixture turns a light brown color, creating a smooth and creamy roux.

2. Add the Trinity Vegetables:

The "trinity" in Creole cuisine refers to a combination of onion, bell pepper, and celery. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the roux and stir well to combine. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and release their flavors.

3. Build the Sauce:

Incorporate the minced garlic, dry thyme, bay leaf, and Creole seasoning into the pan. Cook for an additional minute to meld the flavors.

Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegan Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, enabling the flavors to marry and the sauce to thicken slightly.

4. The Finish:

Just before finishing, stir in the sliced green onions and chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

5. Serve and Store:

Remove the sauce from heat and use it as directed in your favorite recipes. Creole Sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used as a base for plant-based dishes, pasta, or even as a flavorful dipping sauce.

To store, allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Why You’ll Love This Creole Sauce:

This Creole Sauce is a celebration of flavors, combining the richness of fire-roasted tomatoes with the aromatic blend of Creole spices and fresh herbs. The addition of a well-cooked roux gives the sauce a smooth, velvety texture that coats your dishes perfectly. With just the right balance of tanginess from the apple cider vinegar and sweetness from the tomatoes, this sauce elevates any meal to new culinary heights.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this Creole Sauce is a must-have in your recipe repertoire. It's easy to prepare and brings a depth of flavor that will make your dishes truly unforgettable. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the rich, savory taste of Creole Sauce in your kitchen.

Let’s Geaux!!! Veg Out Daily & Eat More Plants 🌿🍅✨

Dr. Omilade

Veg Out Daily