Growing up in the South, I remember the tantalizing aroma of tomato gravy in my grandmother’s kitchen. This beloved recipe was more than just a sauce. It is a tradition to brought our family together.

Imagine a rich, vibrant sauce that makes ordinary meals special. This tomato gravy recipe is your ticket to a quick, delicious Southern classic. It takes just 20 minutes to prepare. It’s packed with tangy tomato flavors and savory chicken undertones, making it the ultimate comfort food.

With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you’ll create a versatile sauce. It captures the heart of Southern cooking. Whether you’re topping biscuits, rice, or potatoes, this tomato gravy recipe is about to become your new kitchen favorite.

Key Takeaways

• Quick and easy Southern-style tomato gravy in just 20 minutes
• Requires only a few simple ingredients
• Versatile sauce perfect for multiple dishes
• Rich flavor profile combining tomatoes and chicken
• Authentic Southern cooking technique

What Is Southern Tomato Gravy?

Southern tomato gravy is a beloved tradition in Appalachian cooking. It started as a way to make a tasty meal from simple ingredients during hard times. It has won the hearts of many across the years.

Tomato gravy is more than a sauce. It shows Southern resourcefulness and taste. It turns fresh or canned tomatoes into a warm, comforting sauce.

Origins of Tomato Gravy

The story of tomato gravy begins in rural Southern kitchens. Home cooks found clever ways to make meals with little. Key traits include:

• Developed during economic challenges
• Predominantly used in Appalachian regions
• Created as an affordable alternative to meat-based gravies

Different Types of Tomato Gravy

Southern cooks have made many versions of this favorite sauce:

Regional Variations

Every Southern state has its own twist on tomato gravy. From Georgia’s sweeter versions to Alabama’s spicier renditions, it shows local tastes and what’s available.

“Tomato gravy is more than a recipe – it’s a taste of Southern history on your plate.”

Why You’ll Love This Tomato Gravy Recipe

Get ready to transform your meals with this incredible tomato gravy recipe. It brings Southern comfort right to your kitchen! In just 20 minutes, you’ll create a versatile sauce. It elevates everything from breakfast to dinner.

Here are some compelling reasons why this tomato gravy will become your new favorite culinary secret:

• Incredible Versatility: Perfect for topping biscuits, scrambled eggs, grits, and even meatloaf
• Quick Preparation: Ready in a mere 20 minutes
• Rich Flavor Profile: Tangy, savory, and absolutely delicious
• Easy Ingredient Substitutions: Adaptable to what you have in your pantry

The beauty of this tomato gravy recipe lies in its simplicity. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and foolproof. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

“A good tomato gravy can turn an ordinary meal into something extraordinary!” – Southern Cooking Tradition

Nutrition-conscious home cooks will appreciate that this tomato gravy is not just tasty but also relatively light. Each serving contains approximately 158 calories and offers a balance of proteins and healthy fats. The recipe serves 8 people, making it perfect for family gatherings or meal prepping.

Best of all, your homemade tomato gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This ensures you can enjoy this delectable sauce throughout the week. Bring it out to jazz up breakfast, lunch, or dinner – the possibilities are endless!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Tomato Gravy

Making a tasty tomato gravy recipe begins with picking the right ingredients. The best tomato gravy comes from fresh tomatoes, needing careful choice and prep.

Choosing the Right Tomatoes

The flavor of your gravy depends on the tomatoes. Beefsteak tomatoes are perfect, with their bright color and thick flesh. When ripe, they release a lot of liquid, which is key for the right gravy texture.

• Fresh beefsteak tomatoes (preferred)
• San Marzano tomatoes for enhanced sweetness
• Whole peeled or crushed canned tomatoes as alternatives

Chicken and Fat Options

The base of a rich tomato gravy is its fat. Thick-cut chicken adds amazing flavor with its drippings. If chicken isn’t your thing, butter makes a smooth roux.

Seasoning Guidelines

Getting the flavors right is crucial in your tomato gravy. A bit of granulated sugar balances the tomato’s acidity. Herbs and spices add more depth.

• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional herbs: basil, thyme, or oregano

Pro tip: Blanch fresh tomatoes for easy peeling by boiling for one minute and transferring to an ice bath.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make the perfect tomato gravy, you need some key kitchen tools. These tools are crucial for getting great results. Make sure you have the right equipment before starting this classic Southern dish.

• Cast Iron Skillet: Perfect for rich, flavorful gravies with even heat
• Measuring cups and spoons for exact ingredient amounts
• Sturdy wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Whisk for smooth roux and blending
• Sharp kitchen knife for chopping
• Cutting board

A cast iron skillet is the best choice for tomato gravy. These pans are great for cooking meat and making pan drippings. If you don’t have a cast iron, a heavy stainless steel pan works too.

“The right tools can transform a good tomato gravy recipe into an extraordinary culinary experience.”

Pro tip: Keep your tools clean and ready before cooking. This makes the cooking process smoother and lets you focus on flavor.

Step-by-Step Tomato Gravy Recipe

Making the perfect tomato gravy is all about precision and care. This Southern-style gravy combines rich flavors with traditional cooking. It will make your meal even better.

Preparing the Chicken Base

Begin by picking high-quality chicken. Cut it into half-inch pieces, which don’t have to be perfect. Cook the chickenin a cast-iron skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy.

• Cut chicken into roughly ½-inch pieces
• Cook until crisp and golden brown
• Remove chicken, leaving drippings in the skillet

Creating the Perfect Roux

The roux is the base of your tomato gravy. Sprinkle flour into the hot chicken drippings, stirring constantly. Aim for a light golden color for rich flavor.

Adding Tomatoes and Seasonings

Slowly whisk in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. The secret to great tomato gravy is finding the right balance of flavors.

• Add 1 ⅓ cup chicken broth
• Incorporate diced tomatoes
• Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar

Pro tip: A pinch of sugar helps balance the tomatoes’ natural acidity.

Let your gravy simmer for 10-12 minutes until it’s thick and luxurious. Add crumbled chicken on top for more flavor in your Southern tomato gravy.

Tips for Perfect Consistency

To get the perfect consistency in your tomato gravy, follow a few important steps. The texture of your gravy can really make or break the dish. So, paying close attention to a few key details is crucial for a delicious result.

• Peeling Technique: Use the blanch and shock method to quickly remove tomato skins
• Compensate for fresh tomato moisture by adding extra chicken stock
• Adjust liquid content based on tomato ripeness and water content

Several factors affect consistency:

1. Roux preparation (2-3 minutes of careful cooking)
2. Cooking time for simmering (10-15 minutes)
3. Liquid-to-tomato ratio

“The secret to perfect tomato gravy is patience and careful observation during cooking.”

Pro tip: If your tomato gravy is too thick, add warm chicken stock or water slowly. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer or mix a cornstarch slurry to thicken it quickly.

Keep in mind that different tomato varieties can change your gravy’s texture. Beefsteak tomatoes are especially good, adding a rich, meaty flavor to your gravy.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Your tomato gravy recipe opens up a world of delicious possibilities across different meals. This versatile Southern classic can transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Breakfast Delights

Start your morning with a hearty tomato gravy adventure. Here are some mouthwatering breakfast options:

• Pour hot tomato gravy over freshly baked buttermilk biscuits
• Serve alongside scrambled or fried eggs
• Complement creamy grits with a generous helping of tomato gravy
• Top crispy salmon patties with warm tomato gravy

Dinner Combinations

The beauty of tomato gravy lies in its incredible versatility during dinner time. Explore these delectable pairings:

• Drizzle over crispy fried chicken
• Use as a unique sauce for homemade meatloaf
• Create an unexpected burger topping
• Enhance roasted vegetables with a splash of tomato gravy

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your tomato gravy recipe. Each meal presents an opportunity to showcase this rich, flavorful Southern staple. The key is to let your culinary creativity shine!

“Good food is all about passion, creativity, and a willingness to try something new.”

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Keeping your homemade tomato gravy fresh is easy. You can store it in the fridge for 3-5 days. This way, you can enjoy its rich taste over and over again.

Refrigeration Storage Tips

• Use an airtight container for storage
• Cool the gravy completely before refrigerating
• Store at temperatures below 40°F

Freezing Your Tomato Gravy

Freezing is another great way to keep your tomato gravy. It stays delicious for up to 3 months in the freezer.

1. Transfer gravy to freezer-safe containers
2. Leave about 1 or 2 inch of space at the top for expansion
3. Label containers with the date of freezing

Reheating Guidelines

There are two main ways to reheat your tomato gravy:

• Stovetop Method: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently
• Microwave Method: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval

“The key to perfect reheated tomato gravy is gentle heating and frequent stirring.” – Southern Cooking Experts

Pro tip: If your gravy thickens too much, add a bit of water or broth to thin it out.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Creating your own tomato gravy with fresh tomatoes is a fun way to get creative in the kitchen. You can change the recipe to fit your diet or try new flavors. These tips will help you make the perfect tomato gravy.

Fresh vs. Canned Tomatoes: Making the Right Choice

You can swap 2 to 3 fresh diced tomatoes for canned ones in your recipe. Fresh tomatoes might need some tweaks:

• Add extra chicken broth to get the right consistency
• Cook fresh tomatoes a bit longer to soften them
• Season more to boost the flavor

Dietary Modifications

Tomato gravy can be made for different diets:

Flavor Enhancers and Regional Twists

Make your tomato gravy even better with these ideas:

1. Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme
2. Incorporate roasted garlic for depth
3. Sprinkle in smoked paprika for complexity

Remember, the beauty of tomato gravy lies in its adaptability. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

With these tips, you can turn a classic tomato gravy recipe into something special. It will match your taste and dietary needs perfectly.

Conclusion

Learning to make the perfect tomato gravy is more than a cooking skill. It’s diving into a rich Southern tradition. This gravy can turn simple meals into unforgettable ones with its bold taste and simple steps.

With only 20 minutes of prep, you can whip up a tasty homemade tomato gravy. It connects you to home cooks through the ages. You can also tweak it to fit your taste, from classic Southern to new twists.

Making tomato gravy is about making memories in your kitchen. Each batch brings a piece of Southern cooking history to your table. Serve it over biscuits, with fried chicken, or as pasta sauce. Your homemade gravy will be a favorite in your kitchen.

Great cooking is an adventure. So, get your ingredients ready, dive in, and enjoy making your delicious tomato gravy!

Tomato Gravy Recipe

Recipe by Chef AmandaCourse: Dinner

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

158

kcal

Ingredients

• 2-3 pieces chicken (cooked and diced)

• 2 tablespoons butter (for making the roux)

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1⅓ cups chicken broth

• Fresh beefsteak tomatoes (or whole peeled/crushed canned tomatoes)

• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional herbs: basil, thyme, or oregano

Directions

• Prepare the Chicken Base
• Dice cooked chicken into small pieces
• Heat butter in cast-iron skillet over medium heat
• Set diced chicken aside for topping
• Make the Roux
• Add flour to melted butter
• Stir constantly until light golden in color
• Add Liquids & Seasonings
• Slowly whisk in chicken broth
• Add diced tomatoes
• Season with salt, pepper, and sugar
• Simmer & Finish
• Let gravy simmer for 10-12 minutes until thick
• Add diced chicken on top

Notes

• Pro Tips :
  – If using fresh tomatoes, blanch them first for easy peeling
  – Add warm chicken stock or water if gravy is too thick
  – A pinch of sugar helps balance tomatoes’ acidity
  – Stir frequently while reheating to maintain smooth consistency