Red eye gravy is one of the most iconic dishes of the Southern United States. Its rich, earthy flavor makes it a perfect accompaniment to fried chicken, biscuits, and other Southern classics. If you’ve never tried it before, you’re in for a treat. Here’s a simple red eye gravy recipe that you can make at home.
Ingredients
For this red eye gravy recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of bacon fat, butter, or vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of coffee
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional)
Instructions
Begin by heating the bacon fat, butter, or vegetable oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat. When the fat is hot, add the flour, whisking to combine. Continue whisking for about two minutes, or until the flour is lightly browned.
Next, slowly pour in the coffee, whisking constantly. The mixture will become thick and pasty. Continue whisking for about two minutes, or until the gravy is thick and bubbly.
Lower the heat to medium-low and season the gravy with salt and pepper. If desired, you can also add a teaspoon of sugar for a hint of sweetness. Simmer the gravy, stirring occasionally, for about ten minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the gravy to cool slightly before serving. If you’d like, you can also strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps. Serve the gravy over biscuits, fried chicken, or other Southern favorites. Enjoy!
Storage
Leftover red eye gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the gravy in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
Variations
This red eye gravy recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add additional seasonings and ingredients to create unique flavors. Some ideas include:
- Chopped onion or garlic
- Dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary
- Cayenne pepper or other hot spices
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce or apple cider vinegar
You can also use this recipe as a base for other types of gravy. For example, you can replace the coffee with beef or chicken broth to make a delicious pan gravy. Or, for a richer flavor, try using half coffee and half cream.
Tips and Tricks
When making this red eye gravy recipe, it’s important to use a good quality coffee. The flavor of the gravy will be impacted by the flavor of the coffee, so take the time to find a high-quality brand that you enjoy.
You can also adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding more or less flour. Start with the amount given in the recipe, then add more flour if you’d like a thicker gravy.
Conclusion
Red eye gravy is a classic Southern dish that’s sure to please. This simple recipe can be made with just a handful of ingredients and is ready in under 30 minutes. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
