Red eye gravy is a classic Southern American condiment often served with country ham and biscuits. It’s a simple yet flavorful sauce made with pan drippings, coffee, and sometimes other ingredients. Here’s a basic recipe for red eye gravy:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ham drippings (from cooking ham slices)
- 1 cup strong black coffee
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Ham:
- Start by cooking your ham slices in a skillet until they are done. Remove the ham slices from the skillet and set them aside.
- Collect Drippings:
- Collect about 1/2 cup of the drippings from the cooked ham. If you don’t have enough drippings, you can add a bit of bacon grease or butter to make up the difference.
- Prepare the Gravy:
- Place the skillet with the drippings over medium heat.
- Pour in 1 cup of strong black coffee. Use brewed coffee or instant coffee dissolved in hot water.
- Season the Gravy:
- Add brown sugar to the gravy if you prefer a slightly sweet taste. Stir the gravy and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Season the red eye gravy with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness and saltiness according to your preference.
- Serve:
- Pour the red eye gravy over the cooked ham slices.
- Serve the ham and red eye gravy with biscuits, grits, or other traditional Southern sides.
- Optional Variations:
- Some variations of red eye gravy include adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for additional flavor.
Remember, red eye gravy is a versatile condiment, and you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy this delicious Southern classic!
