Gravy For Shrimp Balls
A rich, savory gravy with vegetables and tomato flavor, perfect for shrimp balls or other seafood dishes, offering a hearty and flavorful sauce experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make a roux by combining flour and oil in a pan and cooking until golden.
- Saute chopped onion and bell pepper in the roux until softened.
- Add water, tomato paste, bay leaves, basil, salt, and pepper to the mixture.
- Simmer on low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the roux. If you don’t have tomato paste, crushed tomatoes or even a bit of Raw Tomato Catsup can work in a pinch. Be sure to stir the roux continuously to avoid burning, and adjust the thickness by adding more water if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this savory gravy over shrimp balls for a delightful meal. It pairs well with fluffy rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For an added touch, serve with a side of Swedish Sweet Pickles to balance the flavors, or consider a refreshing Sparkling Punch With Lemon Ring to complement the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of water to thin it out if it has thickened too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gravy For Shrimp Balls contains roughly 731 calories, with 13g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 600mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of oil for the roux?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with olive oil or butter for a different flavor profile. However, keep in mind that butter has a lower smoke point, so be careful not to burn the roux while cooking.
How can I make this gravy thicker?
If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a bit more flour to the roux or simmer it longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) can be stirred in towards the end of cooking for a quick thickening method.
Is this gravy suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this gravy can easily be made vegan by using vegetable oil and ensuring that the tomato paste and any additional ingredients are free from animal products. It makes a flavorful addition to vegan recipes, especially when served with plant-based proteins.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).