Tomato gravey cooked in cast iron skillet. First cooked bacon in the skillet & then used the grease to make the gravey. ** I just can not believe all the comments on this simple meal. Its a Southern thing.** Recipe added: cook your bacon, then pour off all bacon grease till just the bottom of skillet is covered. Lower heat to med-low. Sprinkle 3-4 Tablespoons of Self Rising flour on top & stir, stir, stir. Stir till light brown. When brown as you want it to be add 1/2C water & stir like crazy till well combined. When well combined, add 1 can of diced tomatoes, salt, & pepper. Stir till well combined. Turn heat off & enjoy.(Some people add milk instead of water. It is NOT a sauce & NOT Spaghetti sauce & NOT for pasta. It’s for biscuits, toast, rice, &/or taters. Many people eat it for breakfast.)
Cast Iron Skillet Tomato Gravy with Bacon
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bacon
- 3-4 tablespoons self-rising flour
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup water
- Optional: milk (instead of water)
Instructions:
- Cook Bacon: In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Prepare Gravy Base: Pour off excess bacon grease, leaving just enough to coat the bottom of the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle 3-4 tablespoons of self-rising flour evenly over the bacon grease in the skillet. Stir continuously until the flour is well incorporated and begins to turn light brown. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine with Liquid: Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of water (or milk if preferred) while stirring vigorously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Tomatoes: Carefully add the can of diced tomatoes to the skillet, along with any juices. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the tomatoes are fully incorporated into the gravy mixture.
- Finish and Serve: Once the gravy is heated through and well combined, turn off the heat. Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the gravy. Stir to distribute the bacon evenly throughout the gravy.
- Serve: Tomato gravy is traditionally served over biscuits, toast, rice, or potatoes. Enjoy this hearty Southern dish for breakfast or any time of day!
This savory gravy is a comforting Southern classic, perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes.
Here are some tips to enhance your Cast Iron Skillet Tomato Gravy with Bacon:
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality bacon and diced tomatoes for the best flavor. If you have access to fresh tomatoes, you can also dice and use them instead of canned.
- Bacon Rendering: To ensure crispy bacon, start with a cold skillet and gradually increase the heat. This allows the fat to render slowly, resulting in crispy bacon. Remove the bacon from the skillet when it reaches your desired crispiness and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Flour Browning: Take your time when browning the flour in the bacon grease. Stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure even browning. This step adds depth of flavor to the gravy.
- Liquid Incorporation: When adding the water or milk to the flour mixture, pour it slowly while stirring vigorously. This helps prevent lumps from forming and ensures a smooth gravy consistency.
- Seasoning: Don’t forget to season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences for a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Bacon Addition: Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the finished gravy just before serving. This adds a delicious smoky flavor and textural contrast to the dish.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the gravy according to your taste preferences. You can add additional herbs and spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the tomato gravy over warm biscuits, toast, rice, or potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal. You can also enjoy it alongside fried or scrambled eggs for a classic Southern breakfast.
By following these tips, you’ll elevate your Cast Iron Skillet Tomato Gravy with Bacon to new heights of flavor and deliciousness
