A sumptuous gravy is the crowning glory of any Christmas dinner, and a UK-based TikTok chef has gone viral with a plant-based version that he claims leaves everyone speechless.
The Viral Gravy That's Captivated Christmas
Recipe creator Ebenezer Odeniyi, known online as Veganezer, shared his method for a "thick, rich, silky" gravy that he says is so good it makes you want to "baptise your whole plate." His video, posted in the run-up to Christmas 2025, has amassed an impressive over 225,200 views and 6,369 likes, sparking widespread debate and admiration.
In the clip, Odeniyi makes a bold declaration about his creation. "This is how you make the Christmas gravy that silences the whole table," he stated, as reported by the Express. "No packets, no shortcuts, just deep, rich, proper flavour." He later added, "Gravies don't get any better than this."
What Makes This Gravy So Special?
The recipe's depth of flavour comes from a robust foundation of sautéed vegetables including shallots, carrot, celery, mushrooms, and garlic. The liquid base is a combination of red wine and vegetable stock, while the unexpected pantry staples provide the signature 'umami' kick.
Odeniyi incorporates soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and a controversial but crucial half-teaspoon of Marmite to build layers of savoury complexity. The mixture is simmered with rosemary and thyme before being strained to achieve a perfectly smooth, luxurious texture.
Mixed Reactions from Viewers
The recipe has won praise from many viewers planning their festive meals. One commenter wrote, "That's my Xmas dinner gravy sorted, looks banging," while another exclaimed, "Omg that looks absolutely fabulous! A proper gravy." Others appreciated the clever use of ingredients, with one noting, "Tomato puree and marmite are a short cut" to big flavour.
However, the recipe has also sparked a traditionalist debate. Some argued it cannot be considered authentic Christmas gravy without meat juices. "I will give it a miss thanks it's not real gravy if there are no meat juices," commented one viewer. Another stated, "Nope that's not Xmas gravy as it doesn't have the juice from the meat in it."
Despite this, the recipe's popularity suggests a growing appetite for impressive plant-based alternatives that stand on their own merits, appealing to a wide audience seeking flavourful Christmas dinner ideas.
Ebenezer Odeniyi's 'Silence the Table' Christmas Gravy Recipe:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 shallots, in chunks
- 1 carrot, 1 celery stalk, 150g mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp tomato puree, 2 tbsp flour
- 1/2 cup red wine, 500ml veg stock
- 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 sprig rosemary, few fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp Marmite, 1/4 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method: Fry the vegetables in oil for 6-8 minutes. Stir in the puree and flour, cook for a minute, then add wine, stock, soy sauce, mustard, herbs, Marmite, sugar, and seasoning. Simmer for 20 minutes. Strain into a clean pot, then reheat to thicken before serving.
