20 The Best Southern Tomato Gravy Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Apr 30, 2024
Tomato gravy is a staple in southern cuisine, often served over creamy grits or fluffy biscuits. It's a simple dish that packs a punch of flavor, and every southern cook has their own version of the perfect recipe. But if you're looking for the ultimate southern tomato gravy recipe, look no further. This recipe is tried and true, passed down from generations of southern cooks and guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.
One of the most classic and beloved dishes in the South is sausage gravy. This creamy and flavorful gravy is the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes, but it truly shines when paired with beer can chicken. The combination of the rich sausage gravy with the moist and tender chicken is a match made in heaven.
A close relative to sausage gravy, tomato gravy is a staple in Southern households. Made with a simple roux and canned or fresh tomatoes, this gravy is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. It adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to beer can chicken, making it a must-try for any Southern food lover.
For a twist on traditional tomato gravy, try making it with a mixture of different types of tomatoes. The combination of cherry, heirloom, and Roma tomatoes creates a depth of flavor that will take your beer can chicken to the next level. Serve it over the chicken or as a dipping sauce on the side.
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Doves with Southern Tomato Gravy
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Finely Chopped Onion, Cornmeal, Diced Tomatoes
If you want to take your beer can chicken to the next level, try using dove breasts instead of chicken. The rich and gamey flavor of the dove pairs perfectly with the tangy tomato gravy, creating a unique and delicious dish that will impress any dinner guest.
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Creamy Tomato Gravy
Main Ingredients: Bacon Fat, Diced Onion, Garlic, Salt, Freshly Ground
If you prefer a creamier and richer gravy, try making a creamy tomato gravy for your beer can chicken. This version adds heavy cream to the traditional tomato gravy recipe, making it more indulgent and perfect for special occasions. Serve it over the chicken or use it as a dipping sauce for a decadent meal.
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Southern Style Tomato Gravy
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Butter, Flour, Tomatoes, Salt, Ground Black
For a true taste of the South, make your tomato gravy with bacon drippings. This adds a smoky and savory flavor to the gravy that pairs perfectly with the beer can chicken. Serve it over the chicken with a side of mashed potatoes for a classic Southern meal.
Believe it or not, spaghetti sauce can also make a fantastic topping for beer can chicken. This Southern-style spaghetti sauce is made with ground beef, onions, and a variety of spices for a hearty and flavorful sauce. Pour it over the chicken and let it cook for a delicious and effortless meal.
Stewed tomatoes are a classic Southern side dish, but they also make a delicious topping for beer can chicken. The tangy and slightly sweet tomato sauce adds a burst of flavor to the chicken, making it a great addition to any meal. Serve it with a side of rice or cornbread for a complete Southern feast.
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Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits
Main Ingredients: Grits, Milk, Vegetable Broth, Butter, Cheddar, Shrimp
For a truly unique and delicious take on beer can chicken, try using shrimp and grits as a topping. This classic Southern dish is made with creamy grits and seasoned shrimp, creating a flavorful and hearty topping for the chicken. Serve it with a side of collard greens for a true taste of the South.
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Savory Oxtail In A Rich And Thick Gravy.
Main Ingredients: Oxtails, Tomatoes, Onions, Celery, Black Pepper, Hot
Oxtail is a popular dish in Southern cuisine, and it also makes a fantastic topping for beer can chicken. The rich and flavorful meat is cooked in a thick and savory gravy, creating a unique and delicious topping for the chicken. Serve it over the chicken or use it as a dipping sauce for a truly indulgent meal.
No list of Southern recipes would be complete without a classic Southern gravy. Made with a simple roux and chicken broth, this gravy is the perfect topping for beer can chicken. It adds a rich and savory flavor to the chicken, making it a must-try for any Southern food lover.
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The Best Southern Hoppin' John
Main Ingredients: Rice, Peas, Bacon Fat, Tomato, Green Onions, Shredded
Hoppin' John is a traditional Southern dish made with black-eyed peas, rice, and a variety of seasonings. This hearty and flavorful dish is a great topping for beer can chicken, adding a unique twist to the classic dish. Serve it over the chicken or use it as a side dish for a complete Southern meal.
For a truly indulgent topping for beer can chicken, try making a giblet gravy. This rich and flavorful gravy is made with the giblets from the chicken, adding a depth of flavor that is unmatched. Pour it over the chicken and let it cook for a delicious and indulgent meal.
Gumbo is a classic Southern dish that is known for its rich and flavorful broth. Made with a variety of vegetables, spices, and seafood, this dish is a great topping for beer can chicken. The combination of the tender chicken and the hearty gumbo is a match made in heaven.
Biscuits and gravy is a staple in Southern cuisine, and it also makes a delicious topping for beer can chicken. The buttery and flaky biscuits are topped with a creamy and savory gravy, creating a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for any meal. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Cornbread is a quintessential Southern dish, and it also makes a fantastic topping for beer can chicken. This Southern-style cornbread is made in a skillet, creating a crispy and flavorful crust. Serve it with the chicken and some honey butter for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Southern Ghoulash
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Yellow Onion, Green Bell Pepper
Ghoulash is a hearty and flavorful dish that is popular in the South. Made with ground beef, tomatoes, and a variety of spices, this dish is a great topping for beer can chicken. Serve it over the chicken or use it as a side dish for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Southern Beef Tips & Gravy
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onions, Garlic, Grass Fed Beef, Olive Oil
For a hearty and flavorful topping for beer can chicken, try making beef tips and gravy. Tender beef tips are cooked in a rich and savory gravy, creating a delicious topping for the chicken. Serve it with a side of mashed potatoes for a classic Southern comfort food meal.
Scalloped tomatoes are a popular side dish in Southern cuisine, but they also make a fantastic topping for beer can chicken. The tangy and slightly sweet tomatoes are topped with a cheesy and breadcrumb topping, creating a delicious and indulgent dish. Serve it with the chicken for a complete meal.
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Cheese Grits Stuffed Poblanos With Tomato Gravy
Main Ingredients: Grits, 2 Milk, Water, Stone Ground Grits, Kosher Salt
For a unique and flavorful twist on stuffed peppers, try making them with cheese grits and topping them with tomato gravy. The creamy and cheesy grits add a delicious and unexpected twist to the classic dish. Serve it with the chicken and some roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Making the Perfect Roux
Southern cooks know that the key to a delicious tomato gravy is in the roux. This simple mixture of flour and fat is the base for many southern dishes, and it's what gives the gravy its thick and creamy texture. To make the perfect roux, you'll need equal parts flour and fat (traditionally butter or bacon grease) in a hot skillet. Cook the flour and fat together, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden brown color. This process will add depth and richness to your gravy.
Related main keyword: Tomato
Choosing the Right Tomatoes
To achieve the best flavor in your southern tomato gravy, it's important to use the right kind of tomatoes. While canned tomatoes can work in a pinch, fresh tomatoes are always the preferred choice. Look for ripe, juicy tomatoes at your local farmer's market or grocery store. Roma or plum tomatoes are ideal for gravy because they have a higher pulp content and less water, resulting in a thicker and more flavorful gravy.
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Adding the Perfect Seasonings
While the roux and tomatoes are the stars of the show, the seasonings are what take this southern tomato gravy to the next level. Every southern cook has their own secret blend of spices, but a few staples include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. For a little extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Just be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Related main keyword:Flavor
Serving Suggestions
Once your tomato gravy is cooked to perfection, it's time to serve it up. As mentioned earlier, it pairs perfectly with grits or biscuits, but don't be afraid to get creative. Try it over fried chicken, mashed potatoes, or even as a topping for hamburgers. And for a truly southern experience, top your gravy with some chopped green onions or a sprinkle of crispy bacon.
Related main keyword:Southern cuisine
In Conclusion
There's no denying that southern tomato gravy is a beloved dish in the south. And with this tried and true recipe, you'll be able to recreate that comforting, homemade taste in your own kitchen. So gather your ingredients, get your skillet hot, and get ready to enjoy the perfect southern tomato gravy.