As a food enthusiast with a deep appreciation for Southern cuisine, I’ve always been drawn to dishes that are rich in tradition and flavor. Recently, I stumbled upon a recipe for Brenda Gantt’s tomato gravy that promised to capture the essence of classic Southern cooking in a single dish.
Intrigued by the idea of a comforting gravy made with fresh tomatoes, I decided to delve deeper into this culinary gem.
What is Brenda Gantt Tomato Gravy?
Brenda Gantt’s tomato gravy is a beloved Southern recipe that combines the simplicity of fresh ingredients with the rich, savory flavors that characterize traditional Southern cooking.
This gravy is a versatile condiment that can be served over biscuits, meats, or even vegetables, adding a burst of tomato goodness to any dish.
Why You’ll Love Brenda Gantt Tomato Gravy?
The beauty of Brenda Gantt’s tomato gravy lies in its simplicity and vibrant flavors. Made with just a handful of basic ingredients, this gravy manages to pack a punch with its rich, creamy texture and tangy tomato taste. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to win you over with its comforting and flavorful appeal.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Medium Ripe Tomatoes: The ripe tomatoes are the star ingredient of the gravy, providing a rich and tangy flavor as well as natural sweetness. They form the base of the sauce and give it its vibrant red color.
Whole Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess and richness to the tomato gravy. It helps balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and creates a smooth and velvety texture. The milk also helps mellow out the flavors of the sauce, making it more indulgent.
All-Purpose Flour: Flour is used as a thickening agent in the tomato gravy. It helps give the sauce body and viscosity, ensuring that it coats the pasta or biscuits evenly. The flour also helps prevent the sauce from becoming too thin or watery.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a savory and aromatic flavor to the tomato gravy. It enhances the overall taste profile of the sauce, providing depth and complexity. The garlic powder also contributes to the comforting aroma of the gravy as it simmers.
Water: Water is used to thin out the tomato gravy to the desired consistency. It helps adjust the thickness of the sauce and ensures that it is not too thick or heavy. The water also helps distribute the flavors evenly throughout the gravy.
Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning the tomato gravy and enhancing its flavors. It helps balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and brings out the natural sweetness of the sauce. The salt also adds depth and complexity to the overall taste profile.
Pepper: Pepper adds a hint of warmth and spice to the tomato gravy. It complements the other flavors in the sauce and adds a subtle kick to each bite. The pepper also helps round out the flavors of the gravy, making it more well-rounded.
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is used for sautéing the tomatoes and creating the base of the gravy. It provides a neutral flavor and a silky texture to the sauce. The oil also helps prevent the tomatoes from sticking to the pan and ensures even cooking.
Rosemary sprig: The rosemary sprig adds a fragrant and herbaceous flavor to the tomato gravy. It infuses the sauce with a subtle earthiness and complements the other ingredients beautifully. The rosemary also adds a touch of freshness to the gravy.
Step by Step Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
Wash two medium-sized ripe tomatoes under cold running water. Once cleaned, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. With a sharp knife, carefully dice the tomatoes into small, uniform pieces. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat the Vegetable Oil
Place a medium-sized saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the saucepan and allow it to heat up until it shimmers slightly. This indicates that the oil is hot and ready for sautéing.
Step 3: Sauté the Tomatoes
Once the oil is hot, add the diced tomatoes to the saucepan. Stir them gently to coat them evenly with the oil. Allow the tomatoes to sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and develop a slight caramelization.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour and Garlic Powder
Evenly sprinkle 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the sautéed tomatoes in the saucepan. Use a spoon or spatula to mix the flour into the tomatoes, ensuring that it coats them evenly. Then, add a pinch (about 1/8 teaspoon) of garlic powder to the pan and stir it in with the tomatoes and flour mixture.
Step 5: Add Milk and Water
Slowly pour 1/2 cup of whole milk and 1/4 cup of water into the saucepan with the tomatoes and flour mixture. Stir continuously as you pour to prevent any lumps from forming in the gravy.
Step 6: Thicken the Gravy
Keep stirring the mixture over medium heat until it thickens to a smooth and velvety consistency, similar to gravy. This should take a few minutes as the mixture simmers and thickens.
Step 7: Season with Salt and Pepper
Once the tomato gravy reaches the desired thickness, season it with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Stir well to incorporate the seasoning evenly throughout the gravy.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the tomato gravy to a serving dish. If desired, garnish the gravy with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs, such as rosemary from your small sprig. Serve the tomato gravy hot over your favorite dish and enjoy your homemade creation!
Notes:
– Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
– Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
– For a richer gravy, you can substitute part of the milk with cream.
– Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can be added for extra flavor.
– Stir the gravy frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Storage Tips:
Store any leftover tomato gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to thin out the consistency.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 108 kcal
Serving: 2 servings
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 5g
Sodium: 300mg
Total Carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 3g
Serving Suggestions:
– Over Biscuits: Serve the tomato gravy over freshly baked biscuits for a classic Southern breakfast.
– With Fried Chicken: Drizzle the gravy over crispy fried chicken for a delicious savory twist.
– On Mashed Potatoes: Top creamy mashed potatoes with the tomato gravy for a comforting side dish.
– As a Pasta Sauce: Use the gravy as a flavorful sauce for pasta dishes.
– With Roasted Vegetables: Add a spoonful of tomato gravy to roasted vegetables for an extra burst of flavor.
What Other Substitute Can I Use in Brenda Gantt Tomato Gravy?
– Canned Tomatoes: If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute. Drain off the excess liquid before adding them to the gravy.
– Tomato Sauce: In a pinch, you can use tomato sauce or puree as a substitute for fresh tomatoes. Adjust the seasoning and thickness as needed.
– Soy Milk: For a dairy-free version of the gravy, you can use soy milk as a substitute for whole milk.
– Cornstarch: If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can substitute cornstarch for the all-purpose flour in the recipe. Be sure to adjust the amount as needed for thickening.
– Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley to customize the flavor profile of the gravy.
Brenda Gantt Tomato Gravy Recipe
Equipment
- Knife
- Saucepan
- Teaspoon and Tablespoon
- Measuring Cups
- Spatula
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- – 1 and 1/2 tbsp. All-Purpose Flour
- – 1/4 tsp. Pink Salt
- – 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper
- – 1/2 Cup Milk Whole
- – 1/8 tsp. of Garlic Powder
- – 2 tbsp. of Vegetable Oil
- – 1/2 Rosemary Sprig Small
- – 2 Ripe Tomatoes Medium
- – 1/4 Cup of Water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
- Wash two medium-sized ripe tomatoes under cold running water. Once cleaned, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. With a sharp knife, carefully dice the tomatoes into small, uniform pieces. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat the Vegetable Oil
- Place a medium-sized saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the saucepan and allow it to heat up until it shimmers slightly. This indicates that the oil is hot and ready for sautéing.
Step 3: Sauté the Tomatoes
- Once the oil is hot, add the diced tomatoes to the saucepan. Stir them gently to coat them evenly with the oil. Allow the tomatoes to sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and develop a slight caramelization.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour and Garlic Powder
- Evenly sprinkle 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the sautéed tomatoes in the saucepan. Use a spoon or spatula to mix the flour into the tomatoes, ensuring that it coats them evenly. Then, add a pinch (about 1/8 teaspoon) of garlic powder to the pan and stir it in with the tomatoes and flour mixture.
Step 5: Add Milk and Water
- Slowly pour 1/2 cup of whole milk and 1/4 cup of water into the saucepan with the tomatoes and flour mixture. Stir continuously as you pour to prevent any lumps from forming in the gravy.
Step 6: Thicken the Gravy
- Keep stirring the mixture over medium heat until it thickens to a smooth and velvety consistency, similar to gravy. This should take a few minutes as the mixture simmers and thickens.
Step 7: Season with Salt and Pepper
- Once the tomato gravy reaches the desired thickness, season it with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Stir well to incorporate the seasoning evenly throughout the gravy.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the tomato gravy to a serving dish. If desired, garnish the gravy with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs, such as rosemary from your small sprig. Serve the tomato gravy hot over your favorite dish and enjoy your homemade creation!
Notes
- Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- For a richer gravy, you can substitute part of the milk with cream.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can be added for extra flavor.
- Stir the gravy frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. Can I freeze Brenda Gantt’s tomato gravy?
Yes, you can freeze the tomato gravy in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Q2. Is this gravy suitable for a vegan diet?
While the traditional recipe calls for dairy milk, you can easily adapt it for a vegan diet by using plant-based milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.
Q3. Can I make this gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tomato gravy in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Q4. What can I serve alongside Brenda Gantt’s tomato gravy?
This gravy pairs well with a variety of dishes, including biscuits, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, pasta, and roasted vegetables.
Q5. Can I omit the garlic powder from the recipe?
If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can leave out the garlic powder or substitute it with other seasonings like onion powder or paprika.
Q6. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried in this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of the tomato gravy even further. Just be sure to adjust the quantities to your taste preferences.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Brenda Gantt’s tomato gravy is a testament to the timeless appeal of Southern comfort food. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients and versatile nature, this gravy has the potential to become a staple in your kitchen.
Whether enjoyed over biscuits for breakfast or as a savory topping for dinner, this recipe captures the essence of Southern hospitality in every spoonful. So why not dive into the world of Brenda Gantt’s tomato gravy and unlock the true flavors of the South?
