Southern Tomato Gravy

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Southern Tomato Gravy is a classic Southern dish. People love to eat it but often will not attempt to make it. We share our recipe for a perfect and easy tomato gravy. Add that bacon on top and you will be hooked!

A Southern Favorite

Southern Tomato Gravy is a classic recipe that lots of people love but seem a litle afraid to make. Just like our WHITE ROUX RECIPE, it really is a lot easier than you may think.

We love to show you how to take traditional, scratch made recipes and turn them into family favorites.

We also like to show you how cooking these things are nothing to be afraid of. So just fix up a big old batch of our HOMEMADE BUTTERMILK BISCUITS, sit back and let us show you how easy this tomato gravy is!

Taking simple ingredients like tomatoes, tomato juice and the normal gravy components produces a delicious result. Let’s show you how to do it.

How to Make It

We use simple ingredients to make this classic recipe. Nothing fancy here. You may not even have to go out and buy anything.

~Ingredients

I Tablespoon Butter – butter provides the fat needed to thicken this gravy without the addition of milk.
2 Tablespoons bacon grease – a second fat that add the thickening agent as well as flavor.
1 & 1/2 cup chopped onion – onion provides more texture and flavor.
2 tablespoons plain flour – the base of the gravy as used in most all gravy bases.
1 & 1/8 teaspoon salt – to flavor the flour base.
1 & 1/8 teaspoon pepper – to add a little kick.
1, 14oz can diced tomatoes – why it is tomato gravy after all!
2 cups tomato juice– the wet property to add body and flavor.
6 slices, cooked bacon, optional – I keep bacon grease on hand but adding cooked, crumbled bacon to the top is fantastic with this!

~Method

Heat bacon grease a butter in a large Skillet over medium heat. Add onions t cook until soft. 1-2 minutes.
Add flour, salt & pepper mix until soft ball or paste forms. Cook for I minute stirring.
Gradually add tomatoes & tomato juice. Boil at medium heat a whisk to combine. Lower heat to low & cook about 10 minutes or until thickens. Serve over biscuits and sprinkle with cooked bacon.

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Tips and Tricks

Can I use fresh tomatoes?

You sure can, just be sure to blanch them and remove the skins first. This will ensure you have a smooth gravy. I also like to skim the seeds out too!

Do I have to serve with Bacon?

You do not. However, since using bacon grease in the gravy itself, it does really add to the flavor and texture of the gravy.

Why is this not made with milk?

You can certainly add milk but in my opinion, that turns it into a really good tomato soup! Nothing against creamier gravies, but this one is best made without to highlight the flavors of the tomato.

Southern Made Easy and Delicious

Talk about a simple and delicious! we hope you make this over and over again. Taking recipes like this one will instil heirloom recipes into your families routine as well as help preserve them for years to come.

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