How to Make Red Eye Gravy: A Southern Classic

Red eye gravy is a traditional Southern gravy that is often served with country ham or biscuits. It is a unique and flavorful sauce that combines the salty and savory flavors of ham drippings with the bitterness of black coffee. Despite its name, red eye gravy doesn’t actually contain any red eye, but rather is named for the way the coffee creates a “red eye” effect in the gravy.

Making red eye gravy is a simple and satisfying process that involves just a few ingredients. If you’re looking to add some Southern flavor to your mealtime, learning how to make red eye gravy is a great place to start. With a little bit of know-how and some basic ingredients, you can create a delicious sauce that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. So grab your ham drippings and your coffee, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for Red Eye Gravy

When it comes to cooking red eye gravy, having the right ingredients can make all the difference. While the classic recipe is simple, there are a few key ingredients you’ll need to make it taste just right.

Ham

The star of any red eye gravy recipe is the ham. You’ll want to choose a high-quality ham that’s been cooked low and slow for the best flavor. Some recipes call for country ham, while others use a smoked ham or even a spiral ham.

Coffee

The other essential ingredient in red eye gravy is coffee. You’ll want to choose a strong, bold coffee for the best flavor. If you don’t have any coffee on hand, some recipes suggest using black tea as a substitute.

Butter

Butter is used to give the gravy a rich, savory flavor. You’ll want to use unsalted butter to avoid making the gravy too salty.

Flour

Flour is used to thicken the gravy and give it a smooth, velvety texture. You’ll want to use all-purpose flour for the best results.

Water

Water is used to dilute the coffee and create the base for the gravy. You’ll need enough water to cover the ham halfway when it’s cooking.

Brown Sugar

Some recipes call for a touch of brown sugar to balance the bitterness of the coffee and add a subtle sweetness to the gravy.

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are used to season the gravy to your taste. Be careful not to overdo it, as the ham will already be salty.

Cooking Oil

You’ll need a small amount of cooking oil to coat the bottom of the skillet and prevent the ham from sticking.

Pan Drippings

The pan drippings that are left behind after cooking the ham are used to make the gravy. These drippings are rich in flavor and will give the gravy a depth of flavor that you can’t get from using store-bought broth.

Additional Flavorings

While the classic red eye gravy recipe is simple and straightforward, feel free to experiment with additional flavorings to make it your own. Some recipes suggest adding mustard or Worcestershire sauce for a tangy kick, while others call for a splash of bourbon or hot sauce for a spicy twist.

The Ultimate Guide on Making Red Eye Gravy

Red Eye Gravy, also known as ham gravy, is a classic southern dish that is both sweet and savory at the same time. This flavorful gravy is the perfect complement to crispy fried ham and biscuits. In this article, we will be giving you a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious and succulent gravy. Without further ado, let’s dive into the heart of the matter!

Ingredients

The first step in making red eye gravy is to gather all the necessary ingredients. You’ll need:

-Ham steaks
-Coffee
-Water
-Butter
-Brown Sugar

Preparing the Ham Steaks

The key to making perfect red eye gravy is choosing the right ham steaks. To get the best flavor, we recommend using a good quality, thick- cut, fully-cooked smoked ham steak. Start by browning the ham steaks in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each side for approximately two to three minutes or until golden brown.

Making the Gravy

Once the ham steaks are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside in a warm place. In the same skillet, add brown sugar, coffee and water. Whisk the ingredients together and cook over high heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the mixture has reduced to about a third of its original volume.

Getting the Perfect Consistency

At this point, you should have a delicious looking gravy. However, you may need to adjust the consistency to your liking. If the gravy is too thin, you can add a little more brown sugar and let it cook for a few more minutes until it thickens. On the other hand, if it’s too thick, you can add a little bit of water.

Tasting and Adjusting Seasoning

After getting the perfect consistency, the next step is to taste the gravy and check if the seasoning is right. If the gravy seems a bit bitter, simply add more brown sugar to sweeten it. On the other hand, if the gravy is a bit salty, you can add more water or a bit of butter to balance the flavors.

Warming the Ham Steaks

Once you’ve got the perfect gravy, it’s time to reheat the ham steaks. You can return them to the skillet and let them heat up in the gravy for a few minutes. This will help them absorb the flavorful gravy and become even more delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Red Eye Gravy is traditionally served over a plate of ham steaks and biscuits. The gravy adds a sweet, yet tangy flavor that perfectly compliments the salty ham. Feel free to serve your gravy and ham with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, fried okra, or collard greens.

Storing Red Eye Gravy

If you have leftover gravy, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for up to two weeks. The gravy may thicken while stored, you can simply add water and heat it on the stove to get it back to the right consistency.

The Bottom Line

Red Eye Gravy is a classic southern dish that is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. With a little bit of skill and patience, you can have it on your plate and enjoy the perfect homely flavors. Follow our step-by-step guide and prepare it for your family and friends, it’s bound to become their new favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Red eye gravy is a simple, yet flavorful condiment that can perfectly complement your southern-style breakfast. Traditionally, red eye gravy is made with a few simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious gravy:

Steps to Follow

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, let’s delve into the steps you should follow to make perfect red eye gravy.

Step #1 – Cook the Ham

The first step is to cook the country ham. Start by melting some butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced country ham to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until browned.

Step #2 – Prepare the Gravy

Once the ham is nicely browned, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate. To make the gravy, reduce the heat to low and deglaze the pan with 1 cup of coffee. Stir the mixture until all the bits from the ham are mixed in.

Step #3 – Add Water and Simmer

Next, add 1/2 cup of water to the skillet and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld together.

Step #4 – Season and Serve

Once the gravy is ready, season it with salt and pepper to taste. Stir it well and pour it over the cooked country ham. Alternatively, you can serve the gravy on the side.

Step #5 – Enjoy your Red Eye Gravy

Your red eye gravy is now ready to be served and enjoyed. It pairs well with biscuits or toast, eggs, and bacon. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it yours by adding other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, molasses, or brown sugar.

In conclusion, red eye gravy is an easy yet tasty addition to your breakfast table. Follow these simple steps and treat yourself to a delightful southern favorite.

That’s how you make Red Eye Gravy: A simple and delicious Southern classic!

Thanks for sticking around and reading this article on how to make Red Eye Gravy. I hope you learned something new and feel inspired to try making it yourself. This hearty dish is perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion, and it’s a great way to start your day with a burst of flavor. So go ahead and give it a try – and don’t forget to let us know how it turned out! And be sure to visit us again for more delicious and easy-to-follow recipes. Bye for now!