In the realm of Southern cuisine, few dishes hold a more prominent place than tomato gravy. A staple in kitchens across the region, this versatile sauce boasts a rich, savory flavor that elevates everything from biscuits and eggs to fried chicken and mashed potatoes. While countless variations exist, the essence of tomato gravy lies in its ability to capture the essence of ripe tomatoes, carefully simmered with a medley of aromatic vegetables and herbs. This article presents a culinary journey through the world of tomato gravy, offering three distinct recipes that showcase the diverse culinary heritage of the South. From the classic Tarver Tomato Gravy, with its generations-old family tradition, to the unique Roasted Tomato Gravy, bursting with sun-ripened tomato flavor, and the flavorful Smoked Tomato Gravy, infused with a hint of smokiness, these recipes promise to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
OLD-FASHIONED TOMATO GRAVY
My mother-in-law gave me this tomato gravy recipe. It's her very favorite breakfast. We-my husband, our two sons and I-also enjoy it for a light supper. Especially on a cold day, it's great with warm peach cobbler or bread pudding. -Laurie Fisher, Greeley, Colorado
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 30m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard drippings, reserving 2 tablespoons in pan. Add onion to drippings; cook and stir over medium-high heat until tender, 3-5 minutes. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until blended; cook and stir over low heat until mixture is golden brown (do not burn). Gradually whisk in tomato juice. Stir in tomatoes. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until thickened, 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in bacon. Serve over biscuits.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 291 calories, Fat 16g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 14mg cholesterol, Sodium 1059mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 9g protein.
GRANDMA HAWLEY'S TOMATO GRAVY
Provided by Food Network
Time 2h30m
Yield 4 quarts
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Melt the bacon fat and butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. When the bubbles subside, pour in the tomatoes and stir with a wooden spoon until the fat has married with the tomatoes. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring regularly, until reduced by half, 2 hours.
- Heat the evaporated milk and the whole milk in separate saucepans over low heat until they form a skin on the surface. Remove and discard the skin from the evaporated milk, then pour into the tomatoes; stir until incorporated.
- Put the flour in a large mixing bowl. Remove and discard the skin from the whole milk. Quickly pour the milk into the bowl with the flour, whisking vigorously (to avoid clumps). Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into the pot with the tomatoes. Stir with a wooden spoon until incorporated. (The consistency should be velvety.) Season with 2 tablespoons each salt and pepper.
ITALIAN TOMATO GRAVY
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over low heat. Saute the garlic, red pepper flakes, and herbs for 2 minutes until the herbs are fragrant and garlic is golden (but not overly brown.) Raise the heat to medium, add onion and carrot; cook for 5 minutes until they breakdown and are soft. Deglaze with red wine and reduce to evaporate the alcohol. Hand crush the canned tomatoes and add to the pot, along with its liquid. Add a pinch of sugar to cut down on the acidity from the tomatoes; season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 30 minutes, uncovered.
GRANDPA'S TOMATO GRAVY
Handed down from my Grandpa who was born and reared in south Georgia. It is really a sauce (because there is no flour in it) but you can eat it for breakfast over biscuits, eat it at room temperature like a soup at lunch or the way we ate it at his house over rice with hoe cakes for dinner. It is simple to make but tastes so good. It keeps in the refrigerator for several days and I think it tastes better the next day.
Provided by Bud W
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Gravy Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Place the bacon in a Dutch oven, and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fat starts to cook out, about 2 minutes. Add the onion; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to the pan. Season with sugar and black pepper. Simmer until the sauce is reduced by at least 1/4 and up to 1/3, 30 to 45 minutes. Stir in the butter just before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 162.6 calories, Carbohydrate 9.4 g, Cholesterol 18.3 mg, Fat 11.3 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 4.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 649.6 mg, Sugar 6.5 g
SOUTHERN STYLE TOMATO GRAVY
This was a staple in my home growing up and is usually served over biscuits, with corn bread, bacon, eggs, and cheesy grits.
Provided by Bella V.
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Gravy Recipes Pork Gravy
Time 35m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cook the bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Reserving the drippings in the pan, remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Stir the butter and flour into the bacon drippings. Scrape the browned bits of food off of the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon; cook and stir together until beginning to thicken, about 3 minutes. Stir the tomatoes into the mixture, using the spoon to break the tomatoes into small pieces while cooking; season with salt and pepper. Add the cream cheese and heavy cream; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently, until hot and thick, about 10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 197.8 calories, Carbohydrate 5.5 g, Cholesterol 36 mg, Fat 17.8 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 4.8 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 687.6 mg, Sugar 2.4 g
Tips:
- Use ripe tomatoes: The riper the tomatoes, the sweeter and more flavorful the gravy will be.
- Roast the tomatoes: Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their flavor and gives the gravy a smoky depth of flavor.
- Use a variety of herbs and spices: Tarragon, oregano, basil, garlic, and onion are all classic Italian herbs and spices that pair well with tomatoes. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
- Simmer the gravy for at least 30 minutes: This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Serve the gravy over your favorite pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Conclusion:
Tarver Tomato Gravy is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, or for a special occasion dinner. With its simple ingredients and bold flavor, this gravy is sure to become a family favorite.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love