Southern Country Ham with Rich Red Eye Gravy
Indulge in the authentic flavors of the South with this Southern Country Ham and Rich Red Eye Gravy recipe. This dish features succulent slices of country ham pan-fried to perfection, then drizzled with a velvety, robust gravy made from coffee, rendered fat, and a touch of butter. Serve it alongside creamy grits for a hearty breakfast that will be sure to impress family and friends. It's an ideal dish for a leisurely weekend brunch or a special occasion.
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
country ham
3 lbs (sliced)
ham fat
2 tablespoons (rendered from the ham)
coffee
1/2 cup (brewed)
water
1/4 cup (none)
butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
beef bouillon cube
1 (optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2
Add the rendered fat from the country ham to the skillet. Allow it to melt and heat until shimmering.
3
Carefully add the slices of country ham to the pan. Fry the ham steaks for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
4
Once cooked, transfer the ham steaks to a warm plate and cover with foil to keep them warm while you prepare the gravy.
5
In the same skillet, pour in the coffee and water, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
6
Add the butter and, if desired, the beef bouillon cube to enhance the savory flavor. Stir the mixture until the butter is melted and the bouillon cube is dissolved, allowing the gravy to simmer for a minute to thicken slightly.
7
Serve the red eye gravy generously over the warm ham steaks, paired with a side of creamy grits. Enjoy your delicious Southern breakfast!
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
1.25g
Carbs
37.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for Southern Country Ham with Rich Red Eye Gravy?
The main ingredients include 3 lbs of sliced country ham, 2 tablespoons of ham fat, 1/2 cup of brewed coffee, 1/4 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and an optional beef bouillon cube.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are approximately 450 calories per serving of this Southern Country Ham and Red Eye Gravy recipe.
How long should I fry the country ham slices?
You should fry the ham steaks for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
What is the secret to making rich red eye gravy?
The secret is using a combination of brewed coffee, water, the rendered fat from the ham, butter, and scraping up the browned bits from the skillet.
What heat setting should I use for frying the ham?
It is recommended to use medium-high heat for frying the country ham slices.
Is the beef bouillon cube required for the gravy?
No, the beef bouillon cube is optional, but it can be added to enhance the savory flavor of the gravy.
What should I serve with this ham and gravy?
This dish is traditionally served alongside creamy grits for a hearty Southern breakfast or brunch.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This recipe contains approximately 30g of fat per serving.
Is Southern Country Ham high in protein?
Yes, this dish is quite high in protein, containing about 37.5g per serving.
What type of coffee should I use for the red eye gravy?
You should use 1/2 cup of brewed coffee to deglaze the pan and create the base of the gravy.
How do I keep the ham warm while making the gravy?
After frying, transfer the ham steaks to a warm plate and cover them with foil to maintain their temperature.
What is the carbohydrate content of this ham dish?
This dish is very low in carbohydrates, with only 1.25g per serving.
What tools do I need to make the gravy?
You will need a large skillet and a wooden spoon to scrape the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Should the butter used be salted or unsalted?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to help control the saltiness of the dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are a total of 6 ingredients including the optional beef bouillon cube.
What is the first step in preparing the ham?
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and melting the rendered ham fat until it is shimmering.
How long should the gravy simmer?
The gravy should simmer for about a minute to allow it to thicken slightly after the butter and bouillon have dissolved.
Can I use water instead of coffee for the gravy?
While the recipe uses both coffee and water, the coffee is essential for the authentic 'red eye' flavor and color.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is considered an ideal dish for a leisurely weekend brunch or special occasions due to its rich flavors.
How much ham is required for this recipe?
You will need 3 lbs of country ham, sliced into steaks.
Does the gravy contain sugar or fiber?
Based on the nutritional data, this recipe does not contain significant amounts of sugar or fiber.
What does 'deglazing' the pan mean in this context?
It means pouring coffee and water into the hot skillet to loosen and incorporate the browned ham bits into the sauce.
Is this a traditional Southern recipe?
Yes, it is an authentic Southern dish featuring classic ingredients like country ham and coffee-based gravy.
How do I get the ham fat for the skillet?
The 2 tablespoons of ham fat should be rendered directly from the country ham.
What makes the gravy 'red eye' style?
The use of black coffee combined with ham drippings creates the characteristic look and name of red eye gravy.
Is the ham crispy or soft in this recipe?
The ham is fried until it is golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Can I serve this with something other than grits?
While grits are recommended, this savory ham and gravy could also be served with biscuits or potatoes.
How much water is added to the gravy?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of water to be mixed with the brewed coffee.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is categorized as a savory Southern comfort food.
What is the texture of the finished gravy?
The finished gravy is described as velvety and robust.