Heart Healthy Brown Gravy

5 3/4 cups water
1 onion, chopped
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup soy sauce
Freshly ground pepper

Place 1/4 cup of the water and onion in a medium sauce pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens, about 5 minutes: Add the flour and mix in well. Continue to cook for another 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
(This will toast the flour and give it a rich flavor.) The flour and onion will clump together. Add the remaining water and soy sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat.

Blend in batches in a blender jar until smooth. Place in a clean pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens, about 10 to 15 minutes. Season with freshly ground pepper to taste.

Hint: If the gravy fails to thicken to your satisfaction, you may want to add an extra thickener to it. Use a mixture of 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed in 1/4 cup cold water. Add a small amount to the gravy while stirring
until it is thick enough for serving.