Southern Tomato Gravy: A Comfort Food Classic
Southern tomato gravy is a comforting and versatile dish that’s been gracing tables across the South for generations. Simple to make yet deeply flavorful, it’s the perfect accompaniment to biscuits, grits, chicken-fried steak, or even just a slice of crusty bread. This guide will walk you through the steps to create a truly authentic and delicious Southern tomato gravy, complete with tips, variations, and serving suggestions.
What is Southern Tomato Gravy?
Unlike Italian tomato sauce, Southern tomato gravy isn’t about a complex, simmered-for-hours flavor. It’s a quick gravy, usually made with a roux base, canned tomatoes (though fresh tomatoes can be used when in season), and seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and sometimes a touch of sugar. The key is in the texture – thick, creamy, and clinging to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Canned Tomatoes:** The base of our gravy. Crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, or tomato puree can all be used. Each will provide a slightly different texture. Crushed tomatoes provide a rustic, slightly chunky gravy, while puree creates a smoother sauce. Diced tomatoes offer visible pieces of tomato in the final product.
* **Flour:** Used to create the roux, which thickens the gravy. All-purpose flour works perfectly fine.
* **Fat:** This is where personal preference and tradition come into play. Bacon grease is the classic choice, lending a smoky, savory flavor to the gravy. Butter offers a richer, more delicate flavor. Vegetable oil or shortening can also be used for a more neutral base. You can even use a combination of fats, such as bacon grease and butter, for a balanced flavor profile.
* **Liquid (Optional):** Some recipes call for a small amount of liquid to thin the gravy to the desired consistency. Water, milk, or broth can be used.
* **Seasonings:** Salt and pepper are essential. A pinch of sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Other optional seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat), and dried herbs like thyme or oregano.
* **Optional Ingredients:** Bacon (cooked and crumbled), diced onion, diced green bell pepper.
Detailed Recipe: Southern Tomato Gravy
This recipe provides a basic foundation. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your liking. The most important aspect of making a good gravy is tasting as you go, and adjusting the seasonings to make sure the flavors are balanced.
**Yields:** About 2 cups
**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 2 tablespoons bacon grease (or butter, vegetable oil, or a combination)
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, or tomato puree (undrained)
* 1/2 cup water or milk (optional, for thinning)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1/8 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
**Equipment:**
* Medium saucepan
* Whisk
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Your Ingredients:** Gather all your ingredients and have them measured and ready to go. This will help the cooking process flow smoothly.
2. **Melt the Fat:** In a medium saucepan, melt the bacon grease (or butter, oil, or combination) over medium heat. Allow the fat to heat up until it’s shimmering, but not smoking.
3. **Make the Roux:** Sprinkle the flour into the melted fat. Immediately whisk the flour into the fat continuously to create a smooth roux. The roux is the base of your gravy and will thicken it as it cooks. Continue whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes, until the roux is a light golden brown color. Be careful not to burn the roux, as this will give the gravy a bitter taste. Adjust heat as needed.
4. **Add the Tomatoes:** Pour the undrained canned tomatoes into the saucepan with the roux. Be careful, as the mixture may splatter slightly. Immediately whisk the tomatoes into the roux until well combined. At first, the mixture will appear thick and pasty. Keep stirring.
5. **Simmer and Thicken:** Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. As the gravy heats up, it will begin to thicken. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, or until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. The longer it simmers, the thicker it will become.
6. **Adjust Consistency (Optional):** If the gravy is too thick, add a little water, milk, or broth, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir well after each addition.
7. **Season to Taste:** Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may need to add more salt or pepper depending on your preference. If the gravy tastes too acidic, add a little more sugar.
8. **Add Optional Ingredients (Optional):** If using, stir in cooked and crumbled bacon, diced onion, or diced green bell pepper during the last few minutes of simmering. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
9. **Serve:** Serve the tomato gravy hot over biscuits, grits, chicken-fried steak, or your favorite Southern comfort food.
Tips for Perfect Tomato Gravy
* **Don’t Burn the Roux:** The roux is the foundation of your gravy, so it’s important to cook it properly. Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly to prevent it from burning. A burnt roux will make the gravy taste bitter.
* **Use Quality Tomatoes:** The flavor of the tomatoes will greatly impact the flavor of the gravy. Choose high-quality canned tomatoes for the best results. San Marzano tomatoes are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a richer flavor.
* **Adjust the Seasonings:** Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Taste the gravy as it simmers and add more salt, pepper, sugar, or other spices as needed.
* **Control the Thickness:** The thickness of the gravy can be adjusted by simmering it for a longer or shorter period of time. If the gravy is too thick, add a little water or milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, continue simmering it until it thickens.
* **Deglaze the Pan (If Using Bacon):** If you’re using bacon, cook the bacon first and remove it from the pan. Then, use the bacon grease to make the roux. Before adding the flour, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of vinegar or water to loosen any browned bits from the bottom. These browned bits will add extra flavor to the gravy.
* **Low and Slow:** Allowing the gravy to simmer slowly for a longer period will allow the flavors to meld together and create a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Whisk, Whisk, Whisk:** Consistent whisking is key to a smooth gravy. Whisking prevents lumps from forming and ensures that the roux is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
* **Fresh Tomatoes:** If you are using fresh tomatoes, peel, seed, and chop them before adding them to the gravy. You may need to simmer the gravy for a longer period of time to allow the fresh tomatoes to break down and thicken.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
Variations on Southern Tomato Gravy
* **Creamy Tomato Gravy:** Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the gravy during the last few minutes of simmering for a richer, creamier texture.
* **Spicy Tomato Gravy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or some chopped jalapeños to the gravy for a spicy kick.
* **Tomato Gravy with Sausage:** Brown some ground sausage in the pan before making the roux. Remove the sausage and set aside, then use the sausage grease to make the roux. Add the sausage back to the gravy during the last few minutes of simmering.
* **Tomato Gravy with Ham:** Dice cooked ham and add it to the gravy during the last few minutes of simmering.
* **Tomato Gravy with Onions and Peppers:** Sauté diced onions and green bell peppers in the pan before making the roux. Remove the vegetables and set aside, then use the remaining oil to make the roux. Add the vegetables back to the gravy during the last few minutes of simmering.
* **Mushroom Tomato Gravy:** Sautee sliced mushrooms in the pan before making the roux. Remove the mushrooms and set aside. Add the mushrooms back to the gravy during the last few minutes of simmering.
* **Herbed Tomato Gravy:** Add dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil to the gravy for extra flavor.
* **Smoked Paprika Tomato Gravy:** Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Southern tomato gravy is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes.
* **Biscuits:** The classic pairing! Warm, fluffy biscuits smothered in tomato gravy are a Southern breakfast staple.
* **Grits:** Another Southern favorite. Creamy grits topped with tomato gravy make a hearty and satisfying meal.
* **Chicken-Fried Steak:** Tomato gravy is the perfect accompaniment to crispy, breaded chicken-fried steak.
* **Fried Chicken:** Add a Southern twist by serving tomato gravy alongside fried chicken.
* **Pork Chops:** Pan-fried or grilled pork chops are delicious with a generous helping of tomato gravy.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** For a comforting side dish, serve tomato gravy over mashed potatoes.
* **Rice:** Tomato gravy can also be served over white rice or brown rice for a simple and satisfying meal.
* **Eggs:** Serve over fried or poached eggs for a flavorful breakfast or brunch.
* **Vegetables:** Drizzle tomato gravy over roasted vegetables like green beans, okra, or squash.
* **Open-Faced Sandwiches:** Spread tomato gravy on toast and top with a fried egg or cooked bacon for a hearty open-faced sandwich.
Storing and Reheating
* **Storing:** Leftover tomato gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little water or milk to thin it out if it has thickened too much during storage. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Conclusion
Southern tomato gravy is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its creamy texture, tangy tomato flavor, and comforting warmth, it’s the perfect way to elevate any meal. So gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy a taste of Southern hospitality in every bite!
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
Per serving (1/2 cup):
* Calories: Approximately 100-150
* Fat: 6-10g
* Saturated Fat: 3-6g
* Cholesterol: Varies depending on the fat used (higher with bacon grease or butter)
* Sodium: Varies depending on added salt
* Carbohydrates: 8-12g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 2-4g
* Protein: 1-2g
**Disclaimer:** This nutritional information is an estimate and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice. Always consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider for personalized dietary recommendations.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade Southern Tomato Gravy!