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READY IN 15 mins

Mama's Tomato Gravy

Read Reviews (27)

"This dish is truly a taste of Louisiana Cajun Country. I mean where folks are already sitting at the table drinking coffee and eating breakfast by the time the rooster crows. Mama made countless batches of biscuits and tomato gravy in her lifetime. I'm sure she learned to make this from her mother: Carmen Inez Shirley. This is the dish that puts my feet back under my mama's table. Serve with love over hot buttermilk biscuits along with bacon or sausage for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner." — M. Dommert

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Original recipe makes 2 cups Change Servings

1/4 cup bacon drippings
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups water

1/2 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
salt and ground black pepper to taste

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Directions

Heat bacon drippings in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir the flour into the bacon drippings and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly browned. Slowly pour the water into the flour mixture while whisking. Whisk in the tomato paste. Cook the mixture until it begins to thicken. Reduce heat to low and simmer until thick, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

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PREP 5 mins
COOK 10 mins
READY IN 15 mins

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Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Aug 29, 2008

As I read the reviews of this simple recipe, my eyes filled with tears. My mother (Alabama born and bred) also made this and I've served it to my family for many years. Reading your memories made me miss her so much. I also use tomato sauce instead of paste and a can of petite diced tomatoes at the end.

—Maggie

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Feb 07, 2012

Do not like this

—Joycegl

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29 Ratings

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Aug 24, 2007

also Louisiana grown... we too loved mama's tomato gravy... only difference was mama also added a can of tomatoes close to the end... as it was starting to thicken.... hummmm now i am so hungry for this... also... for supper she would make this and throw in shrimp... a quick fake etoofay.... lol... good...thanks for the memories... gonna go make some now,,

—GIGI70056

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Jun 16, 2008

Love this recipe!! I grew up in TN, my Grandma would make this with biscuit and she made it often...

—MICHELE135

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May 12, 2009

It was good, it was easy, but it was not MY mama's tomato gravy. Don't get me wrong, this is good. But when it comes to southern childhood favorites, you want it to taste the way you remeber. I don't think she every used paste, just a can of whole tomatoes smushed up.

—CookingMama

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May 13, 2008

I've made Tomato Gravy in the past, but never had actually seen a recipe for it. I didn't have tomato paste, so used tomato sauce instead (just used a tad more flour to make sure it would thicken) and once the gravy started thickening, I added some Petite diced tomatoes. We use this over rice... never had over biscuits.

—GySgtsWife

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Sep 14, 2007

Oh My Goodness! I am so excited about this recipe. I am currently a Seattle-ite, but originally from Mississippi. My great great Aunt Karesta-Jane used to maked this for us and it was so good. I made a batch, and it brought back so many wonderful memories. I did add some sausage to it, b/c that's the way I remember it, but it was perfect. Thanks so much!

—Ninja Librarian

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Dec 18, 2007

So Yummy - I grew up on this recipe. I also add the canned whole tomatoes with the paste to make it chunky and serve it over white rice and pork chops. This is one of my cajun faves!

—jenlawson84

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Nutrition

Calories
86 kcal
4%

Carbohydrates
4.2 g
1%

Cholesterol
7 mg
2%

Fat
7.5 g
12%

Fiber
0.5 g
2%

Protein
0.8 g
2%

Sodium
144 mg
6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Mama's Tomato Gravy

Serving Size: 1/8 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 86
Calories from Fat: 67

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 7.5g 12 %
Saturated Fat 2.9g 15 %
Cholesterol 7mg 2 %
Sodium 144mg 6 %
Potassium 110mg 3 %
Total Carbohydrates 4.2g 1 %
Dietary Fiber 0.5g 2 %
Protein 0.8g 2 %
Sugars 1.3g
Vitamin A 3 %
Vitamin C 4 %
Calcium < 1 %
Iron 4 %
** Thiamin 4 %
Niacin 5 %
Vitamin B6 1 %
Magnesium 2 %
Folate 4 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.