Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Ah, tomato gravy! Just the mention of it brings back images of cozy kitchens and the smell of good food. To me, it is not just welfare; it is a taste of home. I was brought up on my grandmother’s recipe and have adapted it in my own way. Today, I’m excited to share with you my absolutely favorite tomato gravy recipe so you can enjoy the simple, rustic magic of this Southern classic.
Table of contents
The Soul of the South: Understanding Tomato Gravy
This isn’t your average marinara. This is a rich, savory concoction that’s perfect spooned over biscuits, fried chicken, or even a simple plate of grits. It’s a dish rooted in tradition and made with simple ingredients, but don’t let that simplicity fool you; the flavors are anything but basic. When I think about how to make tomato gravy, I think about the love and care that goes into it, and that’s exactly what I’m going to walk you through today.
Ingredients to Make Our Tomato Gravy Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity | Note |
| Diced Tomatoes | 28 oz | Canned or fresh, if available |
| Tomato Paste | 6 oz | For richness and depth of flavor |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 tablespoons | Used as a thickener |
| Vegetable Oil | 3 tablespoons | For sautéing the flour |
| Water | 1 cup | To adjust consistency |
| Bacon grease | 1 tablespoon | Optional, for extra flavor |
| Onion | 1/2 medium | Finely chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced |
| Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon | Just a touch to balance the acidity |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Or to taste |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Freshly ground for the best flavor |
| Dried Thyme | 1/2 teaspoon | Optional but adds great depth |
| Dried Oregano | 1/2 teaspoon | Optional, can be replaced with other herbs |
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Spatula or wooden spoon
How To Make Tomato Gravy: Step-by-Step
- Start with the Aromatics: For your large skillet, put the vegetable oil (and bacon grease if using) into the skillet and place it over medium heat. Stir the chopped onion in the skillet and let it simmer until the onion is soft and tender, taking about 3-5 minutes. Then, put the minced garlic into the mixture and cook for one more minute or until the garlic releases its fragrance.
- Create the Roux: Then add the flour and garlic to the onions and shake it around to ensure it is combined. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes or until the mixture becomes a light golden brown color. This is called a roux, and it is used to thicken the gravy.
- Add the Tomatoes: Pour the diced tomatoes into the skillet along with the tomato paste. Stir to combine everything well. Be sure to gather any browned bits from the bottom of the pan while scraping.
- Season and Simmer: Add the water, sugar, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano (if using). Stir the mixture well and put it over a low heat, and simmer.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover the skillet and let the gravy simmer for at least 20-30 minutes or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking and to make sure all the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the gravy and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to put a bit more salt, pepper or sugar according to your taste.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Tomato Gravy
- Fresh is Best (If You Can): If you have access to fresh, ripe tomatoes during the summer, feel free to use them. Peel and dice about 4-5 medium tomatoes, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Low and Slow: Don’t rush the simmering process. It is because cooking the gravy on low heat for a longer time helps the flavors to set appropriately.
- Don’t Be Afraid of Bacon: I’m a firm believer that a tablespoon of bacon grease can make almost anything better. But if you are not a fan, don’t worry – the recipe is still delicious without it.
- Spice it Up: To give a little bit of a spicy kick, you could also put in a few shakes of red pepper flakes when it is cooking.
- Adjust Thickness: If your gravy is too thick, simply add a bit more water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, cook it a bit longer without the lid.
Tomato Gravy Serving Suggestions
- Biscuits and Gravy: This is a classic pairing! Spoon the warm tomato gravy generously over freshly baked biscuits for a comforting breakfast or brunch.
- Fried Chicken: Drizzle tomato gravy over a piece of crispy fried chicken for a Southern feast.
- Grits: Elevate a bowl of grits with a generous spoonful of tomato gravy and maybe a sprinkle of cheese.
- Meatloaf: It makes a fantastic topping for meatloaf, adding moisture and flavor.
- Pasta: Though it’s not a traditional pairing, tomato gravy is delicious with pasta.
- Eggs: Try it with your favorite style of cooked eggs for a comforting start to the day.
Nutritional Information (Estimated Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 100-150
- Fat: 5-7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
- Protein: 2-3 grams
Please note: Nutritional values are estimated and may change according to the various ingredients and portion sizes used.
Variations and Alternatives to Tomato Gravy
- Creamy Tomato Gravy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a richer, creamier version.
- Spicy Tomato Gravy: Add a little red pepper flakes or about a teaspoon of hot sauce to make it hotter.
- Mushroom Tomato Gravy: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions for a more complex flavor.
- Herbed Tomato Gravy: Experiment with different fresh or dried herbs such as basil, parsley, or rosemary.
- Vegan Option: Ensure that vegetable oil is used instead of bacon grease, and consider adding a touch of smoked paprika to replicate a smoky flavor profile.
Conclusion
My tomato gravy is more than just a side dish; it’s a tradition, a comfort, and a taste of home. I hope this tomato gravy recipe inspires you to recreate some of the Southern charm in your own kitchen. From the rich, savory flavors to the comforting simplicity, it’s a dish that is sure to become a family favorite. I am sure that you will enjoy this tomato gravy whether you take it with biscuits or experiment with other recipes.
Key Takeaways:
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors: You don’t need fancy ingredients to make a fantastic tomato gravy.
- Low and Slow is Key: When the gravy is simmered, it helps the flavors to set in and mix well.
- Versatile Dish: Tomato gravy pairs well with many different dishes.
- Family Favorite: A perfect way to bring the family together.
- A Taste of Home: This recipe is designed to be comforting and familiar.
FAQ Section
Yes, you can. Use about 4-5 medium ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced. You may need to adjust the cooking time as fresh tomatoes often have a higher water content.
Yes, you can. Cool the gravy completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
If you prefer a smoother texture, You can use a hand blender to make the gravy smooth before you serve it. Be careful when blending hot liquids; start slowly and in short bursts.
It’s completely fine to omit the bacon grease. Use an extra tablespoon of vegetable oil instead. The bacon grease adds a nice flavor, but it’s not essential.
Certainly! You can add other finely chopped vegetables as well, such as bell peppers or celery, while sautéing the onions. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Who Should Skip This Recipe!
I do, however, appreciate this tomato gravy recipe, but I get that it may not be for everyone, and that is quite alright! Here is a friendly and humorous handbook for those who may not be interested in trying this out:
- Gluten Sensitivity: Due to the fact that tomato gravy has flour in it, this product is not recommended for people who are allergic to gluten. But do not worry; there are still many other variants to choose from!
- Low-Carb Diet: The following flour, although used in small quantities, may not be very compatible with low carb diets. There are many other tasty alternatives that might be more suitable for you.
- Nightshade Sensitivity: As tomatoes are nightshades, anyone who is sensitive to them might want to skip this recipe. Plenty of equally delicious recipes do not contain nightshades.
- Low-Sodium Diet: This tomato gravy does contain salt, and while it can be adjusted, it is worth noting that people following a strict low-sodium diet may not be able to consume it.
- Those avoiding processed food: If you prefer whole foods or fresh dishes, you may want to check other recipes that do not use tomato paste.
What Do You Think?
I’m so excited for you to try my tomato gravy recipe! It’s a real taste of home for me, and I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen, too. Please let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Did you try it with biscuits, fried chicken, or something else? I’d love to hear about your experience and any variations you might have tried. If you liked this recipe, you might also enjoy some of my other posts!
My personal touch?
You know, I’ve always felt that the best recipes are those that come with a story. This tomato gravy is not just something I make; it’s something I feel. I remember, as a kid, helping my grandma stir the simmering pot, the kitchen filling with that warm, inviting aroma. The slightly sweet, slightly tangy taste would tell me that dinner was on its way and that there was nothing better than being home with my loved ones. Now, when I make it, I’m not just following a recipe; I’m creating a moment, and I am sure you’ll create yours, too; just don’t forget to share your experience with me!
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