Martha Pafford'S Red-Eye Gravy
Red-Eye Gravy offers a savory, smoky flavor with coffee and ham drippings, perfect for breakfast sides like grits or biscuits, adding richness and depth to your meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry ham in oil; drain the oil off, leaving 3 tablespoons.
- Pour 1 cup of coffee and water into the grease and ham drippings; bring to a boil.
- Serve over hot grits or biscuits.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider using a robust dark roast coffee. If you're out of ham drippings, bacon grease can be a great substitute. Ensure you bring the mixture to a boil to fully integrate the flavors. For a twist, add a dash of hot sauce for some heat, which can complement dishes like Garlic String Beans beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve red-eye gravy over fluffy hot grits or freshly baked biscuits for a classic Southern breakfast. It also pairs well with fried eggs or as a savory sauce for roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside dishes like Carrot-Pineapple Appetizer to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover red-eye gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the gravy thickens, add a splash of water or coffee to restore its consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Martha Pafford'S Red-Eye Gravy contains roughly 216 calories, with 2g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 23g fat.
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 make red-eye gravy without coffee?
While traditional red-eye gravy relies on coffee for its distinctive flavor, you can substitute it with strong brewed tea for a different but still rich taste. However, the coffee's unique bitterness is hard to replicate, so it may alter the dish's overall character.
What type of ham works best for this recipe?
Country ham is the most traditional choice for red-eye gravy due to its strong flavor and saltiness. However, you can use any thick-cut ham, such as smoked or honey-baked, which will provide a delicious base for the gravy while still complementing the coffee.
Can I make red-eye gravy vegetarian?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by using vegetable oil instead of ham drippings and adding a touch of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth. The coffee and water mixture will still create a flavorful sauce that can be enjoyed over grits or biscuits.
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).