Brown the mushrooms: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until their released liquid evaporates and they develop golden-brown edges. Cook in batches if necessary.
16 oz cremini mushrooms, 2 tablespoons Butter, 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Cook the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and garlic; cook for 1 minute, until softened. Then add the chopped garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is nice and soft. Lastly, add thyme and cook for another 30 seconds.
1 small Onion, 3 cloves Garlic, ½ teaspoon Thyme
Add the flour: Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring continuously to coat the mushrooms and cook the flour.
¼ cup All-Purpose Flour
Pour in the broth: Gradually add vegetable broth, stirring well after each addition to prevent lumps. Scrape up the browned bits from the pan.
3 cups Vegetable Broth
Simmer: Stir in soy sauce and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy coats the back of a spoon.
2 teaspoons Soy Sauce, ¼ teaspoon Black Peppercorns
Adjust and serve: Stir in optional cream. Taste and add salt as needed. Add more broth if too thick, or simmer longer if too thin. Garnish with parsley, if using, and serve warm.
Salt, 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream, 1 tablespoon Parsley