Southern Style Country Ham with Red-Eye Gravy
Indulge in a traditional Southern delicacy with this Southern Style Country Ham with Red-Eye Gravy recipe. Perfectly seared country ham pairs with a robust and savory gravy made from coffee, embodying a dish rich in both flavor and heritage. Ideal for a weekend brunch or a comforting dinner, this classic Southern treat is sure to satisfy.
2
Servings
250
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked country ham
2 slices (1/4-inch-thick, gashes cut in fat)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons
strong black coffee
1 cup
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (mixed with water to form a paste)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Start by making shallow cuts in the fat around the edges of the ham slices. This will help prevent the ham from curling while cooking.
2
Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over low-medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the ham slices in the skillet.
3
Cook each ham slice for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, allowing them to become richly browned but not overcooked.
4
Once cooked, remove the ham from the skillet and keep it warm on a covered plate or in a low oven.
5
In the same skillet, add the strong black coffee, gently scraping the skillet bottom to deglaze and incorporate any tasty bits left from the ham.
6
In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with a little water to form a smooth paste, ensuring there are no lumps.
7
Slowly add this flour paste to the skillet, stirring constantly to avoid lumps as the gravy thickens.
8
Season with paprika and any additional salt or pepper to taste, and continue stirring until the gravy reaches the desired consistency.
9
Serve the ham hot, draped with the richly flavored red-eye gravy. Enjoy your meal paired with classic Southern sides like grits or biscuits for a complete experience.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
11g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Southern Style Country Ham with Red-Eye Gravy.
What characterizes this Southern dish?
It features seared country ham and a robust gravy made from coffee, embodying rich Southern heritage.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 2 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the ham and gravy?
The ingredients include uncooked country ham, vegetable oil, strong black coffee, all-purpose flour, and paprika.
How thick should the country ham slices be?
The ham slices should be 1/4-inch-thick.
Why should I cut gashes in the ham's fat?
Making shallow cuts in the fat helps prevent the ham slices from curling while they cook.
What type of oil is recommended for frying the ham?
Vegetable oil is used for frying the ham.
What heat level should I use to cook the ham?
The ham should be cooked over low-medium heat.
How long do you cook each side of the ham?
Each slice should cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
How do you know when the ham is finished cooking?
The ham should become richly browned but not overcooked.
How should I keep the ham warm while making the gravy?
Place the ham on a covered plate or in a low oven to maintain its temperature.
What liquid is used to make red-eye gravy?
One cup of strong black coffee is used to create the gravy.
What does deglazing the skillet involve?
It involves adding the coffee to the hot skillet and scraping the bottom to incorporate the flavorful bits left from the ham.
How is the flour prepared for the gravy?
Two tablespoons of flour are mixed with a little water to form a smooth paste.
Why must the flour be mixed into a paste first?
Creating a paste ensures there are no lumps when adding it to the gravy.
What is the technique for adding flour paste to the skillet?
The paste should be added slowly while stirring constantly to maintain a smooth consistency.
What spices are added to the gravy?
The gravy is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, plus additional salt or pepper to taste.
How thick should the gravy be?
Continue stirring and cooking until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
What are some traditional side dishes for country ham?
It is traditionally served with Southern sides like grits or biscuits.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 250 calories.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There are 16 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 11 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
This dish provides 11 grams of protein per serving.
Does this recipe contain any fiber?
The nutritional data indicates there is no fiber in this recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 total ingredients required.
Is this recipe suitable for breakfast or dinner?
It is ideal for a weekend brunch, breakfast, or a comforting dinner.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include southern cuisine, country ham, red-eye gravy, classic, breakfast, brunch, savory, and comfort food.
Can I use any type of skillet?
A heavy skillet is recommended for even heat distribution while frying and deglazing.
What gives red-eye gravy its name?
The name traditionally comes from the appearance of the coffee and ham drippings in the pan.
How should the finished dish be presented?
The ham should be served hot and draped with the richly flavored gravy.