Classic Ham with Redeye Gravy: A Southern Staple Recipe

Redeye gravy, a quintessential Southern dish, gets its distinctive name and flavor from the ham drippings used in its preparation. This simple yet flavorful gravy, often served alongside country ham, grits, and biscuits, embodies the essence of Southern comfort food. The combination of salty ham and the slightly bitter, coffee-infused gravy is a taste experience unlike any other. This recipe delves into the history and techniques behind creating the perfect ham with redeye gravy, offering detailed instructions and tips to ensure a delicious and authentic result.

What is Redeye Gravy?

Redeye gravy is a thin gravy made from the drippings of fried country ham. Traditionally, it’s created by deglazing the pan with black coffee, although water can also be used. The gravy is named for its appearance – the thin layer of fat that separates on top resembles a reddish “eye.” It’s a simple gravy, relying on the quality of the ham drippings for its flavor, with the coffee adding a subtle bitterness that balances the saltiness of the ham. The gravy is often served as a sauce for the ham itself, as well as for grits, biscuits, or even scrambled eggs.

The History of Redeye Gravy

The exact origins of redeye gravy are shrouded in Southern culinary lore, but several popular theories abound. One common tale attributes the name to Andrew Jackson, who, upon seeing the gravy, remarked that it looked like the tired, red eyes of his cook. Another theory suggests that the gravy got its name because it was a common breakfast dish for those working long hours and needing a strong cup of coffee to keep their “eyes open” and stay alert. Regardless of the true origin, redeye gravy is deeply ingrained in Southern culinary tradition, representing resourcefulness and the ability to create something delicious from simple ingredients.

Choosing the Right Ham

The star of this dish is, without a doubt, the ham. The type of ham you choose will significantly impact the flavor and overall success of the recipe. Here’s a breakdown of the best options:

* **Country Ham:** This is the traditional choice for redeye gravy. Country ham is dry-cured, heavily salted, and often smoked. It has a very intense, salty flavor and a firm texture. This is the ham that will give you the most authentic redeye gravy experience. Be aware that country ham needs to be soaked to reduce the salt content before cooking (more on that later).
* **City Ham:** City ham is wet-cured and typically fully cooked, making it a convenient option. It’s milder in flavor and less salty than country ham. While you can use city ham, the resulting gravy will be less flavorful and may require additional seasoning.
* **Prosciutto:** While not a traditional choice, thinly sliced prosciutto can be used in a pinch. It offers a salty, savory flavor that can work well in redeye gravy, but the texture is very different from country or city ham.
* **Smithfield Ham:** A specific type of country ham, Smithfield ham is dry-cured in Smithfield, Virginia, and is known for its high quality and intense flavor. It’s a premium option that will elevate your redeye gravy.

For the most authentic and flavorful redeye gravy, **country ham is highly recommended.**

Ingredients for Ham with Redeye Gravy

Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic dish:

* **1 pound Country Ham, sliced about 1/4 inch thick:** As mentioned earlier, country ham is the traditional and preferred choice.
* **2 cups Black Coffee, strong:** Use a good quality coffee for the best flavor. Strong brewed coffee is important, so adjust the amount of coffee grounds accordingly.
* **1-2 tablespoons Butter or Cooking Oil (optional):** If your ham is very lean, you may need to add a little fat to the pan for frying.
* **Salt and Black Pepper (to taste):** Be cautious with the salt, as country ham is already very salty. Taste the gravy before adding any additional salt.
* **Pinch of Sugar (optional):** A pinch of sugar can help balance the bitterness of the coffee and the saltiness of the ham.
* **Red Pepper Flakes (optional):** For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Skillet or Frying Pan:** A cast iron skillet is ideal for even cooking and excellent heat retention.
* **Tongs:** For handling the ham slices.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Serving Platter:** For serving the ham and gravy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect ham with redeye gravy:

**Step 1: Prepare the Ham (Important for Country Ham)**

If you’re using country ham, it’s crucial to reduce its saltiness before cooking. This involves soaking the ham in water for several hours, or even overnight. Here’s how:

1. **Rinse the Ham:** Rinse the ham slices under cold running water to remove any excess salt on the surface.
2. **Soak the Ham:** Place the ham slices in a large bowl or container and cover them with cold water. You can also do this in a large skillet, if it’s big enough.
3. **Soaking Time:** Soak the ham for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, changing the water every few hours. The longer you soak it, the less salty it will be. For very salty ham, you may need to soak it for up to 24 hours.
4. **Taste Test:** After soaking, taste a small piece of the ham. If it’s still too salty for your liking, continue soaking it for a longer period.
5. **Drain and Pat Dry:** Once the ham is soaked to your desired salt level, drain the water and pat the ham slices dry with paper towels.

**Note:** City ham does not require soaking.

**Step 2: Fry the Ham**

1. **Heat the Skillet:** Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. If your ham is very lean, add 1-2 tablespoons of butter or cooking oil to the skillet to prevent sticking. The fat from the ham will render during cooking; more fat might be required if the ham is very lean.
2. **Fry the Ham Slices:** Add the ham slices to the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking. Cook the ham for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it’s lightly browned and slightly crisp around the edges. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the ham slices and the heat of your skillet. The goal is not to fully cook the ham as country ham is already cured. The cooking process should be gentle and should aim to render fat and release its flavors.
3. **Remove the Ham:** Once the ham slices are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Keep them warm while you prepare the gravy.

**Step 3: Make the Redeye Gravy**

This is where the magic happens! The ham drippings are the key to creating the authentic redeye gravy flavor.

1. **Deglaze the Pan:** With the skillet still over medium heat, pour in the strong black coffee. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits are packed with flavor and will add depth to the gravy.
2. **Simmer the Gravy:** Bring the coffee to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, or until the gravy has slightly thickened and reduced. The gravy should be thin, not thick like a traditional cream-based gravy. It should have a consistency closer to that of a thin sauce. Watch the gravy carefully, as it can reduce quickly and become too salty if overcooked.
3. **Season the Gravy:** Taste the gravy and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Be cautious with the salt, as the ham drippings are already salty. If the gravy is too bitter, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If the gravy is too salty add a little bit more of coffee or water to dilute it, and taste test it again.
4. **Return the Ham (Optional):** You can return the ham slices to the skillet during the last minute or two of cooking to warm them through in the gravy. This is optional, but it allows the ham to absorb some of the gravy’s flavor.

**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**

1. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the ham and redeye gravy immediately while it’s hot.
2. **Traditional Accompaniments:** Redeye gravy is traditionally served with grits, biscuits, and eggs. It’s also delicious with cornbread, toast, or even rice.
3. **Presentation:** Arrange the ham slices on a serving platter and drizzle generously with the redeye gravy. Serve the accompaniments alongside.

Tips for Making the Best Ham with Redeye Gravy

* **Don’t Skip the Soaking:** If you’re using country ham, don’t skip the soaking step! This is essential for reducing the saltiness and making the ham palatable.
* **Use Strong Coffee:** The coffee is a key ingredient in redeye gravy, so use a good quality, strong brewed coffee for the best flavor. If you’re not a coffee drinker, you can substitute water, but the flavor will be different.
* **Don’t Overcook the Gravy:** Redeye gravy is meant to be thin, so don’t overcook it. Simmer it gently until it’s slightly thickened, but don’t let it reduce too much or it will become too salty.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the gravy frequently and adjust the seasoning as needed. Be cautious with the salt, and don’t be afraid to add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
* **Use a Cast Iron Skillet:** A cast iron skillet is ideal for making redeye gravy because it heats evenly and retains heat well. This helps to create a nice sear on the ham and ensures that the gravy simmers gently.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** While the traditional recipe is simple, you can experiment with adding other flavors to the gravy. Try adding a splash of bourbon, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, or a sprig of fresh thyme.
* **Adjust the Coffee:** The amount of coffee can be adjusted depending on personal preference. Some people prefer a stronger coffee flavor, while others prefer a more subtle flavor. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to taste.
* **Don’t be afraid of the fat:** The fat from the ham is essential for flavor. Don’t drain all of the fat from the pan after frying the ham. Leave enough to create a flavorful gravy.
* **Use High-Quality Ham:** The quality of the ham will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Choose a high-quality country ham for the best results. Consider Smithfield Ham for a premium experience.

Variations on Ham with Redeye Gravy

While the classic recipe is delicious on its own, here are a few variations you can try:

* **Bourbon Redeye Gravy:** Add a splash of bourbon to the gravy during the last few minutes of cooking for a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Spicy Redeye Gravy:** Add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the gravy for a spicy kick.
* **Mushroom Redeye Gravy:** Sauté some sliced mushrooms in the ham drippings before adding the coffee for an earthy, savory flavor.
* **Creamy Redeye Gravy:** For a richer, creamier gravy, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the gravy during the last minute of cooking. This is not traditional but adds richness.
* **Onion Redeye Gravy:** Sauté finely chopped onion in the ham drippings before adding the coffee for a sweeter, more savory flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Ham with redeye gravy is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Breakfast:** Serve with grits, biscuits, and fried eggs for a hearty Southern breakfast.
* **Lunch:** Serve on toasted bread with lettuce and tomato for a flavorful sandwich.
* **Dinner:** Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread for a comforting Southern dinner.
* **Appetizer:** Serve sliced ham and redeye gravy on crackers as an appetizer.

How to Store Leftovers

* **Storage:** Store leftover ham and redeye gravy in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
* **Refrigeration:** Leftover ham will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Redeye gravy will keep for up to 2-3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the ham in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Reheat the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
* **Freezing:** While the ham can be frozen, the gravy is not recommended for freezing as the texture may change upon thawing.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the type of ham used and the amount of fat added.)

* **Calories:** 300-400 per serving
* **Fat:** 20-30g
* **Sodium:** 1000-1500mg
* **Protein:** 20-30g
* **Carbohydrates:** 5-10g

Conclusion

Ham with redeye gravy is a true Southern classic, offering a unique and unforgettable flavor experience. The combination of salty ham, slightly bitter coffee-infused gravy, and comforting accompaniments like grits and biscuits makes for a truly satisfying meal. With this detailed recipe and helpful tips, you can easily recreate this Southern staple in your own kitchen and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Embrace the tradition, savor the flavor, and enjoy the taste of Southern comfort food at its finest.

Recipe Card

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes (plus soaking time for country ham)
**Cook time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound Country Ham, sliced about 1/4 inch thick
* 2 cups Black Coffee, strong
* 1-2 tablespoons Butter or Cooking Oil (optional)
* Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
* Pinch of Sugar (optional)
* Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

**Equipment:**

* Large Skillet or Frying Pan
* Tongs
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Serving Platter

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Ham (Important for Country Ham):** Rinse and soak country ham slices in cold water for at least 4 hours, changing the water every few hours. Drain and pat dry.
2. **Fry the Ham:** Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add butter or oil if needed. Fry ham slices for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Remove ham and set aside.
3. **Make the Redeye Gravy:** Pour coffee into the skillet and scrape up browned bits. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, until slightly thickened.
4. **Season the Gravy:** Taste and season with salt, pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes as desired.
5. **Return the Ham (Optional):** Return ham to the skillet to warm through in the gravy.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve immediately with grits, biscuits, and eggs.

**Notes:**

* Use country ham for the most authentic flavor.
* Don’t skip the soaking step for country ham.
* Use strong brewed coffee.
* Don’t overcook the gravy; it should be thin.
* Adjust seasoning to taste, being cautious with salt.

Enjoy your delicious ham with redeye gravy!