Southern Tomato Gravy Recipe
Introduction
Southern Tomato Gravy is a comforting and flavorful sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over biscuits, grits, or fried chicken. This easy-to-make gravy combines the rich taste of tomatoes with a smooth, savory base for a classic Southern delight.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons fat (vegetable oil, shortening, bacon grease, or rendered sausage fat)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/3 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, whisk the flour into the warm fat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the flour just starts to brown and smells nutty.
- Step 2: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and stir until smooth. Add the undrained diced tomatoes along with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 3: Cook the gravy until it thickens, about 5 minutes, stirring very frequently to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Serve the tomato gravy hot over biscuits, grits, or your favorite Southern dishes.
Tips & Variations
- Use rendered bacon or sausage fat for extra smoky flavor and richness.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
Storage
Store leftover tomato gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the gravy thickens too much when chilled, stir in a little broth or water to loosen it.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Southern tomato gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the gravy in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it slowly on the stove before serving to maintain its smooth texture.
What can I serve with tomato gravy?
Southern tomato gravy is delicious over warm biscuits, creamy grits, fried chicken, or even scrambled eggs for a hearty meal.
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Southern Tomato Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Southern Tomato Gravy is a savory, comforting sauce made by combining a rich roux with tender tomatoes and flavorful chicken broth. This classic Southern recipe is perfect for pouring over biscuits, grits, or fried chicken, offering a deliciously tangy and creamy texture with a mild kick of black pepper.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons fat (vegetable oil, shortening, bacon grease, or rendered sausage fat)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Liquid and Seasoning
- 1 1/3 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the roux: In a skillet over medium heat, whisk the flour into the warm fat. Continue stirring constantly until the flour starts to brown slightly and emits a nutty aroma, which usually takes a few minutes.
- Add broth and tomatoes: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to maintain a smooth consistency. Then add the undrained diced tomatoes, mixing well to combine.
- Season and thicken: Add salt and black pepper to taste. Cook the mixture, stirring very frequently, until it thickens nicely, about 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Serve the hot tomato gravy over warm biscuits, creamy grits, or your favorite Southern dishes for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use any fat available such as bacon grease or sausage fat for extra flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use vegetable oil as the fat.
- Cook the roux carefully to avoid burning, as this will affect the gravy’s taste.
- Adjust the thickness by cooking longer for thicker gravy or adding more broth for a thinner consistency.
- Best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce/Gravy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: Southern tomato gravy, tomato gravy recipe, gravy for biscuits, Southern sauce, tomato sauce, easy gravy, chicken broth gravy
