Ham and Red-eye Gravy
Fried Ham, Red-eye Gravy and Grits
Fried Ham and Red-eye Gravy
I think fried ham has gotten a bad reputation for being full of saturated fat and unhealthy. Hams, in general, are leaner and healthier than they have ever been. Fried doesn’t mean deep-fried. I just coat the bottom of a black cast iron skillet with some olive oil. Once the skillet is good and hot, I add the ham and cook on both sides until it’s nicely colored. This is how it should look.
After the ham is removed from the skillet, add 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup black coffee. Keep scraping the bottom of the skillet to make sure that all the bits and pieces are scraped up. You want that to flavor the gravy. Reduce by one half. I added just a teeny bit of honey, maybe 1/2 teaspoon. The coffee I used was pretty strong and tasted a tad bitter when it was reduced. Pour into your favorite gravy bowl or pitcher. Serve hot with fried ham, biscuits, grits and eggs for a might fine breakfast. This is how grits and gravy look…in case you were wondering.
Grits and Gravy
Kristy Gilbert says
This is just like the breakfasts my grandmother made when I was a little girl. I am making this in the morning because I have been craving it and had no idea how she made it. Thank you!
Jackie Garvin says
Kristy,
I hope it turns out just like you remember. Please let me know! 🙂
Lene says
I love to make this. The only thing I do different is to add just a dash of cayenne pepper to the red eye gravy — I don’t know why, I just always feel like should have that little touch of heat to it. Maybe it’s because I’m from the midwest and not a real southern cook?
Your photos are making me hungry as all get out, i can tell you that! LOL
Jackie Garvin says
Lene,
There’s not a thing in the world wrong with adding a little heat. As I get older, I enjoy more and more heat in my food.
I’m so glad you found us, Lene. Welcome, home! 🙂