Southern Style Tomato Gravy
This chef-curated Southern Style Tomato Gravy offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
- ✓Delivers 31g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
- ✓Portion-balanced at 399 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
- ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.
The Story
This chef-curated Southern Style Tomato Gravy offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.
Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes
In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Southern Style Tomato Gravy to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.
At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Southern Style Tomato Gravy, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 1 (1 pound) package bacon
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 (28 ounce) cans whole tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 (3 ounce) package cream
- cheese, softened (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:
- Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
- Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
- Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.
Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass
Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:
Step 1: Technique & Execution
Cook the bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until evenly browned, about 10 minutesStep 2: Technique & Execution
Reserving the drippings in the pan, remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drainStep 3: Technique & Execution
Stir the butter and flour into the bacon drippingsStep 4: Technique & Execution
Scrape the browned bits of food off of the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon; cook and stir together until beginning to thicken, about 3 minutesStep 5: Technique & Execution
Stir the tomatoes into the mixture, using the spoon to break the tomatoes into small pieces while cooking; season with salt and pepperStep 6: Technique & Execution
Add the cream cheese and heavy cream; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently, until hot and thick, about 10 minutes.Chef's Pro Tips & Variations
Nutritional Profile per Serving
| Metric | Amount | Dietary Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 399 kcal | Controlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn |
| Protein | 31g | High-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | Complex, slow-digesting dietary fiber |
| Fat | 11g | Wholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption |
Southern Style Tomato Gravy
This chef-curated Southern Style Tomato Gravy offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.
Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)
Ingredients
Ingredient Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Healthy Alternative |
|---|---|
| Animal protein | Firm tofu, tempeh, or organic chickpeas |
| Cooking fat | Extra virgin olive oil or grass-fed butter |
Instructions
Technique & Execution: Cook the bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until evenly browned, about 10 minutes
Technique & Execution: Reserving the drippings in the pan, remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain
Technique & Execution: Stir the butter and flour into the bacon drippings
Technique & Execution: Scrape the browned bits of food off of the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon; cook and stir together until beginning to thicken, about 3 minutes
Technique & Execution: Stir the tomatoes into the mixture, using the spoon to break the tomatoes into small pieces while cooking; season with salt and pepper
Technique & Execution: Add the cream cheese and heavy cream; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently, until hot and thick, about 10 minutes.
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Storage & Freezing Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Heat in a saucepan or skillet on medium heat until hot throughout.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?▼
Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?▼
All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Tried this recipe?
Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!
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Stewart Lucas
Chief Culinary SpecialistStewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.
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