Tomato Gravy

There’s a true old saying, “It is hard to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato” and the only problem with that saying?  Homegrown tomatoes only come once per year and sadly, they are almost gone.

Perhaps we have been holding the solution to crime, drugs and political squabbles all along and didn’t realize it. Let’s just sit down to a plate of delicious homegrown tomatoes and the attitudes will surely improve!

But OH MAN, while the tomatoes are here, it is heaven, isn’t it? Have you EVER eaten anything better than a garden fresh tomato on white bread with mayo and salt and pepper. No you have not.

Of course, this is where the argument about Mayo is set to break out. If you are from the South, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Please don’t write me about THE mayo debate. I don’t care who you are voting for and I sure don’t care what Mayo you champion, unless it’s actually salad dressing, because then we have a problem.

Recently, in pursuit of a splendid late season tomato, I stopped at my local farm market to chat with my friend, the owner, Frank. Frank told me the saddest news I’ve ever heard. I missed the ENTIRE LAST load of German Johnson tomatoes by one day and now, they are all gone. Not another German Johnson in sight until next summer.

I finally settled on a different type of tomato. Personally, unless it is a German Johnson, they are all the same to me. That said, I’ll gladly take any fresh homegrown tomato over those grainy sponges that pass for tomatoes at the local grocery (Sorry Grocery Store – not sorry).

Since it appears that tomato season is all but over, I thought I might share with you how to get that delicious summer tomato taste in a delightful old fashioned dish. If you cruise over to my website and find this recipe and read the comments, you’ll see that this dish stirs up beautiful memories for people.

Tomato gravy brings back lovely memories of special grandparents all over the south.  It’s terrific for creating new memories too.

In pursuit of this gravy, I researched and experimented and have settled on this recipe which is a slightly updated version from what most of my readers remember.  Like most of my recipes, this ISN’T a diet recipe, unless you are on a diet that includes mayo and cheese, then, this will fit perfectly in your scheme.

I hope you enjoy this Tomato Gravy. You can find me over on my website any time at www.loavesandishes.net where I share all kinds of home cooking recipes that bring back delightful memories of your childhood and home. I would love to speak with you about anything except The Great Mayo Dispute.

Ingredients

• 2 Tbs sweet cream unsalted butter divided
• 1 tbs bacon grease
• 1 shallot minced
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tsp Kosher salt divided
• 1 Tbs all purpose flour
• 1 14.5 oz can Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes with garlic
• 1/4 Cup Heavy Cream
• ½ tsp brown sugar
• salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup grated fresh parmigiano reggiano cheese
• Fresh cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. In a stainless steel frying pan melt 1 Tbs butter on the stove top over medium heat and add the 1 Tbs bacon grease. When melted add the shallot and garlic and cook until fragrant and starting to brown (about 3 minutes or so).
2. Add ½ tsp salt to the frying pan. Add 1 Tbs flour to the pan and cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes (this allows the raw flour taste to cook out of the flour).
3. Add the can of tomatoes all at once with the water from the can. Use a potato masher and smash and crush the tomatoes some until the sauce is the desired “lumpiness” that you will like. Stir and heat until thickened and bubbly. Add the cream. Add brown sugar and return to bubble. Taste and add salt and pepper to taste. Turn off the burner and add the other tbs of butter as well as the grated cheese. Stir to melt. As soon as melted, serve. Garnish with fresh cracked black pepper.

By: Wendi, Loaves and Dishes

Wendi believes that food made with love and passion has power. It can bring people together AND carry them home. You can join Wendi at www.loavesanddishes.net and nourish your body and soul.