This is a gravy served in several Chicago area diners that specialize in vegetarian foods. The gravy is vegetarian and can be used with many dishes, both vegetarian and meat-containing.

Chicago Vegetarian Diner Gravy

Start with the Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups yeast
• 1/3 cup dried parsley flakes
• 2 Tablespoons salt
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 3 Tablespoons onion powder
• 2 Tablespoons dried dill weed
• 3 tablespoons celery seed
• 2 teaspoons basil
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 2 teaspoons thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary

In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients and mix. ingredients well. Make an extra batch and store in a covered, clean glass jar for the future.

Now Make a Good Roux

A roux is equal parts fat and flour.

• 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or whatever you like best)
• 1/2 cup flour, your choice but not self rising!

Using a medium sized saucepan, heat the EVOO over moderately high heat. Next, whisk in the flour and remember to whisk to blend the flour and oil. Continue whisking until the roux is a light brown and has a nutty-like smell. Take it off the heat now before it burns.

Next Ingredients

• 4 cups water or light vegetable stock (non vegetarians can use chicken stock)
• 1/2 cup low-sodium spy sauce
• 1/3 cup of the special mixture you made out of the Dry Ingredients above.

In a large pot, combine all of these base ingredients and heat slowly to a point just above simmering over moderate heat. Next, take the roux that is waiting to the side and slowly and thoroughly whisk it into the mixture in the pot a little at a time. Don't add more until the first batch is completely bended in. Now, continue to heat the entire mixture until it is as thick as you want it to be.

Taste the gravy and re-season as necessary. You can even add a little heat (a pinch of fine ground red pepper) if you wish, depending what you will pour this gravy onto. Don't overdo it, though. You can always add hot sauce at the table.

The following links introduce you to Chicago city and Chicago area Vegetarian Diners, many of them vegan. Some of these diners deliver theri meals and others offer additional services, such as classes of differernt varieties (food preparation, meditation, yoga), banguets, catering, delvery, etc. All offer excellent meals.

• Chowpatti
• Alice N Friends Vegetarian Cafe
• Amitabul Korean, 100% vegan.
• Arya Bhavan.
• Karyn's Fresh Corner & Karyn's Inner Beauty Center
• Lake Side Cafe
• Soul Vegetarian East
• The Heartland Cafe
• Udupi Palace
• Vegetarian Fun Foods Supreme
• Victory's Banner
• Blind Faith Cafe
• Shree Vegetarian Restaurant