Red-Eye Gravy

Name: Red-Eye Gravy
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 8 oz country ham slices; 1/2 cup strong brewed black coffee; 1/2 cup water; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

A sharp, thin pan sauce made from country ham drippings and strong black coffee, a Southern tradition ladled over ham and grits for a deeply savory breakfast or supper.

15 minEasyServes 490 cal/serving

Southern AmericanSauceStovetopStandardLow CarbGluten-FreeEgg-FreeNut-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

8 oz country ham slices
1/2 cup strong brewed black coffee
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

1

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz country ham slices and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned and the fat has rendered. Transfer the ham to a plate and keep warm.
2

With the skillet still over medium-high heat, pour in 1/2 cup strong brewed black coffee and 1/2 cup water. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon.
3

Let the liquid simmer vigorously for 4 to 5 minutes until it reduces slightly and the raw coffee aroma cooks off.
4

Remove from heat and swirl in 1 tbsp unsalted butter to give the gravy a little richness. Season with 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
5

Taste and adjust seasoning. Pour the gravy directly over the country ham slices and serve alongside grits or biscuits.

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Questions

How do I know when Red-Eye Gravy is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 3: cook until it reduces slightly and the raw coffee aroma cooks off.

Can I make Red-Eye Gravy dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Red-Eye Gravy is 1 tbsp unsalted butter. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Is Red-Eye Gravy low-carb?

A serving of Red-Eye Gravy carries 4 g of carbohydrate, 1 g of it fiber. Against a strict 20 g keto day that is 20 percent of the budget; against a moderate 100 g low-carb day it is 4 percent.

How many calories are in Red-Eye Gravy?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 90 calories, with 8 g protein, 4 g carbohydrate and 4 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 700 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

How do I store and reheat Red-Eye Gravy?

Refrigerate Red-Eye Gravy in a sealed jar and use it within four to five days. Dairy sauces separate when frozen; reheat gently with a splash of milk instead of freezing.

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