Go Back
–+ servings

Southern Tomato Gravy

A rich and flavorful Southern-style tomato gravy, perfect for serving over biscuits, rice, or fried chicken. This comforting dish combines fresh tomatoes, spices, and a touch of sweetness for a delightful experience.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: gravy, Sauce
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Tomato Gravy
  • 2 cups fresh tomatoes chopped, preferably vine-ripened
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour for thickening
  • 1 cup chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 teaspoon sugar to balance acidity
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped, for garnish

Method
 

Prepare the Base
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This will help sauté the onions and garlic, releasing their flavors.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Garlic can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it.
Make the Gravy
  1. Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute. This helps to create a roux, which will thicken the gravy.
  2. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to stir until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
  3. Add the chopped tomatoes, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken.
Finish and Serve
  1. Once the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  2. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.
  3. Serve the tomato gravy warm over biscuits, rice, or fried chicken for a true Southern experience.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For a smoother gravy, you can blend the mixture with an immersion blender before serving. Adjust the thickness by adding more broth if necessary.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!