Southern style gravy is a classic and beloved staple of Southern cuisine. It is a creamy, savory sauce made from the pan drippings of fried or roasted meat, flour, and milk or broth. The dish is often served over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or other Southern comfort foods.
The origins of Southern style gravy can be traced back to the colonial era when English settlers brought their culinary traditions and techniques to the American South. Over time, Southern cooks adapted and perfected the recipe to create a uniquely Southern flavor that has become a beloved part of Southern culture and cuisine. In this article, we will explore the history, ingredients, and preparation methods that make up Southern style gravy.
A brief history of Southern-style gravy
Southern-style gravy is a staple in the southern United States, and it has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. Gravy has been used in southern cooking to add flavor and depth to many dishes, particularly meats and potatoes. The traditional southern gravy is made with a roux, which is a mixture of flour and oil or butter that is cooked over low heat until it turns brown. The roux is then combined with broth or milk to create the rich, velvety texture of the gravy that is so beloved in the region.
The roots of Southern-style gravy can be traced back to the influences of various cultural groups that migrated to the South, such as the French, Spanish, and African Americans. Each group contributed its unique techniques and ingredients to the creation of what is now considered to be a quintessentially southern dish. Today, Southern-style gravy has become a symbol of the region’s rich culinary history, and it remains a popular and comforting addition to many southern meals.
Ingredients commonly used in Southern-style gravy
Southern-style gravy is a creamy and silky sauce that is typically served over biscuits, fried chicken, mashed potatoes or other comfort food staples. To make Southern-style gravy, you need a few basic ingredients that are commonly used in the Southern kitchen, including flour, meat drippings or butter, milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
Flour is the foundation of Southern-style gravy, as it serves as a thickening agent for the sauce. You can use all-purpose flour or even self-rising flour, depending on your preference. Meat drippings or butter adds flavor and richness to the gravy, while milk or cream helps to create a velvety texture. Salt and pepper are used to season the gravy, but you can also add additional spices or herbs to give it a unique flavor profile. Overall, the ingredients for Southern-style gravy are simple, yet they come together to create a decadent and irresistible sauce that is beloved by many.
How to make authentic Southern-style gravy from scratch
Southern-style gravy is a staple in many homes in the southern region of the United States. It is a thick, creamy, and flavorful sauce that is typically served over biscuits, chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, or rice. Making authentic Southern-style gravy from scratch involves a few simple steps.
First, start by using the drippings from meat such as fried chicken, bacon, or sausage to create a roux. A roux is a mixture of flour and fat that serves as the base for the gravy. Be sure to cook the roux until it is a rich, brown color, which will give the gravy a deep, savory flavor. Next, slowly add milk, stirring constantly, until the gravy reaches the desired thickness. Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices, such as sage or thyme, and continue to cook until it is smooth and creamy. With a little patience and practice, anyone can master the art of making authentic Southern-style gravy.
Variations of Southern-style gravy across the South
Southerners have a unique way of cooking and serving gravies. The essence and techniques of Southern-style gravy differ from region to region, thereby introducing variations in the flavor and texture of the gravy. For instance, in North Carolina, pork gravy is a popular choice, while in South Carolina, tomato-based gravies are commonly prepared. Similarly, in Alabama, sausage gravies are quite popular, whereas in Georgia, grits are served with red-eye gravy.
Apart from this, the mix-ins and seasoning used to prepare Southern-style gravy also differ across the South. For example, sausage gravy is made with pork sausages in some regions, but in some areas, people prefer to use chicken sausages or turkey sausages. Similarly, some people prefer to add black pepper, paprika, or Worcestershire sauce to their gravy to spice it up, whereas others keep it simple with just salt and pepper. Overall, Southern-style gravies are characterized by their richness, creaminess, and heartiness, and they are a staple in many Southern households, enjoyed with a variety of dishes like biscuits, meat, and vegetables.
The perfect dishes to pair with Southern-style gravy
Southern-style gravy is a staple in the southern United States’ cuisine. This thick, creamy sauce is known for its rich and savory flavors, making it the perfect accompaniment to a wide range of dishes. And while it works wonderfully with many southern classics like fried chicken, biscuits, and mashed potatoes, there are other dishes that it complements just as well.
One dish that pairs perfectly with Southern-style gravy is country fried steak. This classic southern comfort dish features crispy, battered steak smothered in a creamy gravy that enhances the flavors of both the meat and the sauce. Other dishes that pair well with Southern-style gravy include meatloaf, chicken-fried rice, and even grilled meats. The creamy, salty flavors of the gravy work well to balance the flavors of the other dishes, making for a perfect, well-rounded meal.
Tips and tricks for making the best Southern-style gravy
To make the best Southern-style gravy, you need to start with a good roux. Use equal parts of butter or oil and flour and cook it over medium heat until it turns golden brown. This will give your gravy a rich and nutty flavor.
Another important tip is to use good-quality stock or pan drippings. This will provide the base for your gravy and give it a depth of flavor that can’t be achieved with water. If you’re using pan drippings, be sure to scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
It’s also important to whisk your gravy constantly while cooking to prevent lumps from forming. If you do end up with lumps, don’t panic! You can strain the gravy through a fine mesh sieve or blend it with an immersion blender to smooth it out. Finally, don’t be afraid to season your gravy generously with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices to suit your taste. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to make a delicious and authentic Southern-style gravy that your family will love.
Alternatives and vegan options for Southern-style gravy recipes.
For those who want to experiment with Southern-style gravy without using animal products, there are a variety of vegan alternatives available. One option is to substitute butter and milk for non-dairy alternatives like olive oil, vegan butter, and almond or soy milk. Soy and almond milk-based gravy can be made in less than 20 minutes and are great for pouring on biscuits or mashed potatoes.
Another alternative is to use vegetable broth, which can be thickened with cornstarch or flour to create a similar consistency to traditional gravy. For even more flavor, add herbs like rosemary and thyme to the vegetable broth and flour mixture before cooking. Other delicious vegan flavorings include sautéed mushrooms or shallots. With so many vegan options available, there’s no need to miss out on the rich, savory taste of Southern-style gravy.
Final Words
Southern style gravy is a beloved staple of comfort food in the southern United States, and has been enjoyed for generations. Its base of flour, fat, and milk or broth offer a simple yet hearty flavor that is perfect for smothering biscuits, mashed potatoes, or fried chicken.
While there may be variations in the exact ingredients and preparation methods depending on the region or family recipe, one thing is consistent: Southern style gravy is a symbol of warmth, tradition, and family. Its ability to bring people together and nourish both body and soul is a testament to the enduring power of food to unite and comfort us.