Tomato Gravy (Traditional Southern Recipe)
Tuba
Tomato Gravy is a comforting Southern classic that brings rich, tangy flavors to your table in just 25 minutes. This velvety sauce, made with ripe tomatoes, savory bacon drippings, and a hint of sweetness, is a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 177 kcal
- 3 Tablespoons bacon drippings, or unsalted butter, vegetable oil, sausage drippings…
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ⅓ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 ripe beefsteak tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
- ½ teaspoon white granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh basil, finely chopped, for garnish (optional)
In a large skillet, heat the bacon drippings (or chosen fat) over medium heat until hot.
Add the all-purpose flour to the skillet, stirring constantly. Cook the flour and fat mixture (roux) for about 2-3 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown. This helps to cook out the raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in the low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Add the undrained diced tomatoes and the chopped beefsteak tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Add the white granulated sugar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The gravy should thicken and the flavors should meld together.
Taste the gravy and modify the seasoning as needed, adding additional salt, pepper, or sugar to achieve the desired flavor.
Once the gravy has reached the desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat.
Garnish with finely chopped fresh basil if desired.
Serve the Tomato Gravy hot over biscuits, rice, or your favorite dish. Enjoy!
Calories: 177kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 486mgPotassium: 671mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1537IUVitamin C: 33mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 2mg
Keyword comfort food, homemade gravy, southern cooking, tomato gravy, traditional recipe