Tomato Gravy

When it comes to southern traditions I think that Tomato Gravy is high up on that list. It is easy to make and uses up some of the canned tomatoes you have been holding on to. Typically in the south we always have some form of tomatoes canned in the pantry. It can be homemade or storebought it doesn’t matter. They cook the same although the flavor is a bit different from fresh to storebought canned, however, they are both delicious.

You have a delicious gravy for those biscuits with just a few simple ingredients, making it so easy to make.

let me share with you how I make my tomato gravy. It is the old-school way. lol.

INGREDIENTS:

1 can (14 oz) canned diced or crushed tomatoes
3 – 4 Tbsp Bacon grease (OR) a neutral flavored oil or lard
3-4 Tbsp flour – all-purpose
Water
Salt and Pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add the oil or lard to a large skillet over medium-low heat and let it melt and get hot.
2. Once the oil is hot add in the flour and whisk to combine. Keep whisking until the flour taste has been cooked out. About 1 minute.
3. Add in the tomatoes and whisk to combine well. It will get thick.
4. Slowly add in a little water at a time, about a 1/2 cup, until the mixture thickens. This depends on how much flour you used at the beginning. So add a 1/2 cup and whisk to combine and add a little more until it comes together and thickens.
5. Add some salt and pepper and stir to combine with a whisk or spoon. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, spoon it into a serving dish or bowl, and serve it hot.

• Variations: If you want to make this a bit more of a richer gravy 1/2 water and 1/2 milk. Add 1/2 cup of milk to the gravy and finish off with water to thicken.
• Typically this is served with biscuits either with breakfast or as a side dish with Dinner (lunch). Typically ( back in the day) supper was reserved for a lighter meal as dinner (lunch) was the heavier of the two meals. It has changed around since then so whatever you call it biscuits and tomato gravy is delicious.
• You can also serve this gravy with fried pork chops as I know many Southerners who do this as well. Typically the older generation.