Georgia Red Eye Gravy

https://www.newsbreak.com/doc-lawrence-1599273/3765610032305-red-eye-gravy-a-southern-breakfast-tradition?s=bThe Southern Breakfast is notable for its multicultural components and mystique. Country Ham, produced almost exclusively in the South, has Native American, European and African American origins. It’s an important part of the breakfast tradition as is its famous by-product, red eye gravy.

Red eye gravy is a cherished Southern breakfast dish made from the pan drippings of fried country ham mixed with coffee. This rich, savory sauce complements grits and biscuits, highlighting the simplicity and tradition of Southern cooking. Its bold flavor not only enhances the ham but also provides a distinctive twist to traditional breakfast meals.

The legendary cook, bluesman and club owner Henry Swain shared his recipe with me many year’s ago. It is a culinary treasure.

Henry Swain’s Georgia Red Eye Gravy

Ingredients:

2 slices (approx. 12 oz. each) of smoked country ham

1 cup, strong black coffee

1/2 cup, Coca-Cola Classic

Preparation:

Fry slices of country ham in a cast iron skillet over medium heat until they're nicely browned and have released some fat.

Remove the ham and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.

Pour in strong black coffee

Pour in Coca-Cola

Stir with wooded spoon to combine, scraping up any browned bits.

Allow it to simmer for 5-7 minutes

Return the ham to the skillet to warm.

Serve the gravy over stone-ground grits, biscuits, or the cooked ham itself, with eggs any syle.

Enjoy this savory Southern classic!