Tomato Gravy
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Tomato Gravy
Don’t be under the misconception that this is a heavy, fat-laden gravy. As my Granny would say, “They ain’t a thing in here that’ll hurt cha.” Well, there is a tablespoon of bacon grease. So, if you eat the whole skilletfull, you will have consumed a tablespoon of unhealthy saturated fat. It is my contention that if you eat a whole skilletfull of Tomato Gravy at one sitting, your problems might extend well beyond the tablespoon of unhealthy fat that you just consumed.
1 tablespoon bacon drippings
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 cups water or chicken stock
salt and pepper to taste
honey (or sugar), optional
You start by making a roux. My family didn’t call it a roux. They called it “browning your flour”. Heat one tbsp. bacon drippings and one tablespoon olive oil. Or, go on and use two tablespoons bacon drippings if you’d like. Add two tablespoons flour and stir constantly until floured starts to turn golden brown.
Add one pound diced fresh or canned tomatoes. Keep stirring until tomatoes and flour mixture are well incorporated.
Add liquid. You can add water or stock. I prefer chicken stock. Add as much as you need to achieve the desired consistency. I added about 2 cups. Keep stirring until the gravy is smooth. Taste for seasoning and adjust. If the tomatoes are acidic, add a little honey to balance along with salt and fresh ground black pepper. Good over meats or hot biscuits.
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We would make ours with homemade tomato juice for a smoother gravy.Either way it is delish………
Sandy,
Using tomato juice is a great idea for folks who might have an aversion to the chunky texture. Thanks for sharing!
Love tomato gravy. I’ve even poured it on bread.
my mom makes this and it is sooooo good! We always eat it over rice and serve it with fried chicken…she makes the gravy from some of the leftover fried chicken grease…YUM
Leslie,
You described a delicious meal! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us!
I made tomato gravy tonight for my Mississippi husband, it was a hit! He said it was as close to his ‘grandma’s’ as he’d ever get. Thank you!!
Jolene,
What a compliment! Thank you so much. I’m thrilled to know your husband enjoyed it.
Jackie
I was raised eating tomato gravy made like this. I can even make a meal on a cold winter night off nothing but tomato gravy and crackers.
Ellen,
There is something comforting about tomato gravy, no doubt. And, when you get right down to it, it just flat tastes good! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment!
We always made ours with Cube Steak and Rice or Mashed Potatoes, the way my Othermother taught me also onions…..Cube steak seasoned with S&P then dredge in flour and fry, remove steak and most of oil, saute onions, add flour, brown then add Fresh or Fresh Canned Tomatoes and couple jars of water, bring to boil then add steak back and simmer for 30 minutes and server over rice or mashed pots……….think I’m gonna have to make it soon,,,just made myself hungry..
Thanks for the reminder……..True Northwest Florida Southern Girl…
Elaine,
That’s very similar to Swiss Steak. I love it! Thanks for stopping by.
I’ve been making tomato gravy for over 35 years. I’ve just always used bacon drippings & flour to make the roux and add salt & pepper during the browning process (to me – it makes a difference in the final outcome), diced tomatoes and then thinned it with water to get the right consistency. I will have to try the chicken broth. Our favorite way to eat this is over rice, but grits or biscuits follow it closely! Friends at church love it when I bring it to potluck lunches – never any leftovers!
Beth,
I like using chicken stock because it adds a little more flavor. Nothing beats good tomato gravy!
love tomato gravy, my Granny made it with milk, and buttermilk biscuits
Wanda,
Tomato gravy is wonderful made with milk! You have some wonderful food memories of your Granny. Thanks so much for sharing.
Welcome home!
I am so happy to find your site!! It’s hard to find people other than family who cook like we do!! We have always made tomato gravy and you make it just like I do!!
Are you from the same family as me????
Betty,
Aren’t we all kin in the South?
..and I thought my mom was the only one who knew about how delicious this was and how to make it! She and I also made toad in the hole for my baby sister.Oh hw your posts bring back memories!
Vicki,
Welcome home!
Never made Tomato Gravy before, but my husband has expressed his desire for it for many years. It’s whats for dinner tonite!!! Making Cubed Steak to simmer in the tomato gravy. Will top over white rice! Thanks for sharing your great recipes!
Gma Rudd,
Your dinner sounds wonderful! Set a place for me!