By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on December 11, 2023 | Last Updated on December 11, 2023
If you’re craving some classic Southern comfort food, look no further. Renowned South Carolina cooking legend, Brenda Gantt, has perfected a delicious tomato gravy recipe that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
This savory and creamy gravy is versatile enough to be paired with various dishes and can easily be customized to suit your personal preferences. Whether as a topping for biscuits, a side for fried chicken, or mixed in with your favorite pasta, this tomato gravy is sure to become a family favorite.
So grab your apron and get ready to whip up some Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Gravy in the comfort of your own kitchen. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious dish.
What is Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Gravy?
Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Gravy is a classic Southern-style recipe that is both versatile and delicious. This flavorful gravy is made with diced tomatoes, whole milk, and a few simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder. It’s the perfect addition to any meal and can be served as a topping or side dish.
This recipe has been perfected by Brenda Gantt, a renowned cook from South Carolina known for her traditional Southern cooking.
Her recipe adds an extra layer of depth and flavor to the classic tomato gravy by incorporating garlic powder and balancing out the rich flavors with a bit of water. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to add some Southern flair to their meals.
Why You’ll Love This Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Gravy?
Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Gravy is a beloved Southern dish that has been passed down through generations. Here are some reasons why you’ll love making this:
- Easy to make: With only a few simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this tomato gravy is easy to make even for beginner cooks.
- Versatile: This gravy can be served with numerous dishes, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.
- Packed with flavor: The combination of ripe tomatoes, creamy milk, and savory seasonings creates a deliciously flavorful gravy that will leave you wanting more.
- Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning and consistency of the gravy according to your personal taste preferences. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
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The Ingredients
- Ripe tomatoes: This recipe calls for medium-sized ripe tomatoes, diced. You can use any variety of tomatoes you prefer, but make sure they are ripe and flavorful for the best results.
- Whole milk: The creamy base of this tomato gravy comes from whole milk. You can use low-fat or non-dairy milk as well, but it may alter the flavor and consistency slightly.
- All-purpose flour: Flour is used to thicken the gravy and give it a smooth texture. You can use gluten-free flour if needed.
- Garlic powder: A dash of garlic powder adds depth to the flavor of the tomato gravy.
- Water: Water is added to help thin out the consistency of the gravy and make it easier to pour over your desired dish.
- Salt & pepper: These staple seasonings are used to enhance the overall flavor of the gravy.
- Vegetable oil: Vegetable oil is used to sauté the tomatoes and create a base for the gravy. You can use any neutral-tasting cooking oil as a substitute.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the Tomatoes
- Start by washing and then dicing two medium-sized ripe tomatoes.
- Set the diced tomatoes aside for later use.
Step 2
Sauté the Tomatoes
- In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the diced tomatoes and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized.
Step 3
Add Flour & Garlic Powder
- Sprinkle 1.5 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the sautéed tomatoes and stir well to combine.
- Then, add 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder to the pan and mix it in with the tomatoes and flour.
Step 4
Add Milk & Water
- Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of whole milk and 1/4 cup of water, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Keep stirring until the mixture thickens to a smooth gravy consistency.
Step 5
Season & Serve
- Once the gravy has thickened, add 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, or to taste.
- Remove from heat and serve hot over your desired dish.
Notes & Tips
- For a thicker gravy, use less water or more flour.
- For a thinner gravy, use more water or less flour.
- You can also add in other spices and herbs, such as paprika or thyme, to customize the flavor of the tomato gravy.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger servings.
Nutrition Information
How to store Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Gravy?
Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or milk if the gravy has thickened too much.
You can also freeze this gravy for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed above.
Variations
- Want a spicy kick? Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the gravy.
- Looking for a vegetarian option? Use vegetable broth instead of milk.
- For a creamier texture, add in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or half and half at the end.
Brenda Gantt Tomato Gravy Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Medium Ripe Tomatoes Diced: Vibrant and juicy, these tomatoes add a burst of freshness to the dish, infusing it with a natural sweetness.
- 1/2 Cup Whole Milk: Providing a luscious base the whole milk contributes to a creamy texture, ensuring a velvety and indulgent mouthfeel.
- 1.5 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour: This precise amount of flour acts as a thickening agent creating a smooth consistency and giving the sauce body and substance.
- 1/8 Teaspoon Garlic Powder: Infusing a subtle yet aromatic essence the garlic powder elevates the overall flavor profile, adding a hint of savory complexity.
- 1/4 Cup Water: Balancing the richness this measured quantity of water helps maintain the desired consistency, ensuring the sauce is neither too thick nor too thin.
- 1/4 Teaspoon Each Salt & Pepper: A perfect harmony of flavors the salt enhances the taste of each ingredient, while the pepper adds a gentle kick, creating a well-rounded seasoning.
- 2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil: Functioning as the cooking medium the vegetable oil imparts a subtle earthiness and helps in achieving a smooth sauté, allowing the flavors to meld seamlessly.
Instructions
- Begin by carefully washing two medium-sized ripe tomatoes and then dicing them into small pieces.
- In a medium saucepan, heat up 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat until it is hot enough to shimmer. Once heated, add the diced tomatoes and allow them to sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes or until they are soft and have a slight caramelization.
- Next, sprinkle in 1.5 tablespoons of all-purpose flour onto the sautéed tomatoes and mix well to combine. Then, incorporate 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder into the pan and stir it together with the tomatoes and flour.
- Gradually pour in 1/2 cup of whole milk and 1/4 cup of water, stirring continuously to prevent the formation of any unwanted lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens to a smooth and velvety gravy consistency.
- Once the desired texture is achieved, add in 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, or as per your taste preference. Remove from heat and serve piping hot over your desired dish, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs for an added burst of flavor.
Notes
- For a thicker gravy, use less water or more flour.
- For a thinner gravy, use more water or less flour.
- You can also add in other spices and herbs, such as paprika or thyme, to customize the flavor of the tomato gravy.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger servings.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes in place of fresh ones. Just make sure to drain the excess liquid before adding it to the gravy.
Is this vegan?
No, this recipe is not vegan as it contains whole milk. However, you can use non-dairy milk and vegetable broth to make a vegan version.
Is this gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free flour, this recipe can be made gluten-free.
Is this a safe pregnant woman?
As long as the tomatoes used are ripe and cooked thoroughly, this gravy should be safe for pregnant women. However, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming any food during pregnancy.
Wrapping Up
Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Gravy is a classic Southern dish that will add a burst of flavor to any meal. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can easily recreate this beloved recipe in your own kitchen.
Thank you for trying out this delicious recipe by Brenda Gantt. We hope you love it as much as we do! Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family so they can enjoy it as well.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
