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Tomato Gravy

A classic Southern gravy made by simmering crushed tomatoes with a warm butter roux, broth, and milk. Excellent spooned over warm homemade biscuits or fluffy rice.

20 minEasyServes 4140 cal/serving

AmericanSauceStovetopVegetarianLow CarbNut-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes until bubbly and golden.

  3. 3

    Gradually whisk in 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup vegetable broth, and 1/2 cup whole milk until smooth.

  4. 4

    Stir in 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper.

  5. 5

    Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes while stirring frequently until gravy thickens.

Questions

Can I make Tomato Gravy dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 cup whole milk. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed; the milk for unsweetened oat or soy milk. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Tomato Gravy gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 3 tbsp all-purpose flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Tomato Gravy keep?

Refrigerated in a sealed jar, it keeps four to five days. Dairy sauces separate when frozen; reheat gently with a splash of milk instead of freezing.

Can I halve or double Tomato Gravy?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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