Gravy (Psst... It's vegan and it's delicious)

When I was a kid and didn't feel good I would request mashed potatoes and gravy, they were the ultimate comfort food for me. Even now that I'm a 'grown-up' I still want this when I need a bowl of comfort. This weekend was one of those times. I ran across this recipe for mushroom gravy a while ago and I make it all the time, it's super savory and a great alternative if you don't eat meat but want a full flavored gravy. I hope you love it as much as me and maybe it will help with your Thanksgiving meal. I found this on Eating Well.com.

-Portobello Gravy- 2 c. chunky gravy or 1 c. smooth gravy, serves 8

1 T. olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves (I use more), minced
1 1/2 c. chopped cleaned portobello mushrooms (I use baby bellos or baby shitakes)
2 1/4 c. vegetable broth (I use homemade broth)
3 T. tamari or reduced sodium soy sauce (I use liquid amino's)
1/4 t. dried thyme leaves
1/8 t. crumbled dried sage (I use fresh sometimes)
1 T. cornstarch
2 T. water
freshly ground pepper

1. Heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook, stirring often, until softened about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring often, until they begin to release their juices, about 10 minutes.
2. Add broth, tamari or soy sauce, thyme and sage, simmer 10 minutes. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir into the sauce and simmer, stirring often until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes more. Season with pepper.
- If you prefer a smooth gravy, pass it through a fine sieve, discard the solids (I use a hand held blender and blend the gravy until smooth and discard nothing). Serve hot. ENJOY!