Southern Tomato Gravy with Buttermilk Biscuits

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. 1.Make the Biscuits

   Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gently stir in buttermilk until just combined. Do not overmix.

2. 2.Shape and Bake Biscuits

   Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits. Place biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

3. 3.Prepare the Gravy

   While the biscuits are baking, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, reserving bacon grease in the skillet.

4. 4.Make the Gravy Base

   Whisk flour into the bacon grease and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a light brown roux forms.

5. 5.Add Tomatoes and Simmer

   Slowly pour in crushed tomatoes and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Season with pepper, salt, and sugar (if using).

6. 6.Serve

   Crumble the cooked bacon into the gravy. Serve hot tomato gravy over warm buttermilk biscuits. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutritional Information

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Pastry blender or fingers
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Biscuit cutter (2-inch)
• Large skillet

Tips

• For extra flaky biscuits, keep all ingredients as cold as possible.
• Do not overmix the biscuit dough. Overmixing will result in tough biscuits.
• If the tomato gravy is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out.
• For a spicier gravy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Frequently Asked Questions