Boom! Done! Red eye gravy is pretty easy to make, isnt it? Super simple, and huge on flavor. I like to sprinkle on some spicy red chili flakes because, hey, I like everything with a touch of heat and spice. Give it a go!
Galderarik al duzu? Galdetu urrun! Pozik nago laguntzen. Errezeta hau gozatzen baduzu, izar batzuekin iruzkin bat utziko duzula espero dut. Gainera, partekatu sare sozialetan. Ez ahaztu #chilipeppermadness-en etiketatzea. Ziur egon partekatzen! Eskerrik asko! — Mike H.
Instead of discarding liquid left over from the Roasted Ham, use it in soups and stews to get the same effect as adding a ham hock, or make this non-traditional but delicious version of redeye gravy to serve with sliced ham and grits.
Less traditional preparation techniques do not always result in the red eye appearance, leading to folk legends surrounding the origin of the name. For instance, one story is that former United States President Andrew Jackson requested ham with gravy as red as his cook's eyes, which were bloodshot from drinking the night before, or that the black coffee in the gravy will keep people awake.
Other recipes exist, using water instead of coffee, or adding coffee with grease still present in the pan. When the coffee is added to the grease in this manner, a heterogeneous mixture may result that lacks the red eye appearance.
One of my all-time favorite meals for breakfast is biscuits, country ham and red eye gravy. If you are not familiar with red eye gravy, you are missing something. This makes a breakfast treat on the weekends.
A classic Southern breakfast that you may have never heard of, but should definitely try! Buttery and creamy grits are topped with sauted ham and red eye gravy for a hearty breakfast that will help you get through all the food preparation later.
Why is red eye gravy called that?
Country hamis the traditionalpairing with this gravy, but in theory, you could use a different type of meat. BUT it would have to be a meat thats known for leaving a greasy, flavorful residue in the pan after cooking.
All that being said, bacon is the most common substitution Ive seen, with boneless and skinless chicken thighs coming in as a close second. Ive never made this recipe with bacon or chicken before, so unfortunately, I dont have many suggestions on how this recipe would work when substitutingwith them.
How long does red eye gravy last?
On breakfast tables in some parts of the South, country ham with redeye gravy is just about as common as bacon. The origin of the name is debated, but the most common belief is that the gravya very thin, salty saucetakes on a reddish tone from the browned bits scraped from the bottom of the skillet. Some Southerners make their gravy with water, others with coffee or cola. I use a mixture of cola and water to balance the salt and add sweetness and caffeine. When it comes to waking up, I usually need all the help I can get.
Red-eye gravy is a Southern favorite. It requires just two ingredients: the drippings of pan-fried country ham and black coffee. It may sound unusual, but it's quite tasty, with a bitter coffee flavor contrasting the ham fat's sweet-saltiness. Easy to cook and a fun way to spruce up an old-fashioned Southern meal, red-eye gravy is often served over ham and sopped up withbuttermilk biscuits. Many people also enjoy it on top of grits, cornbread, or fried potatoes.
Also known as red ham gravy, bird-eye gravy, cedar gravy, and bottom sop, the curious name red-eye gravy can easily be explained. It's believed to reference the slightly reddish circle of liquid fat that forms on the gravy's surface when it's reduced.
I made the recipe with a large, thin slice of country ham and very strong coffee, and it was delicious. Served on biscuits, you can't beat it! It might be difficult to find country ham outside of the South, but it is shelf-stable, so you can easily find it online. —Diana Rattray
