Country Ham and Red Eye Gravy (Loveless Cafe)
I remember the first time I drove past the Loveless Cafe just outside of Nashville. The sprawling grounds, the promise of homemade biscuits, and the unmistakable aroma of country ham wafting through the air—it was an experience for all the senses. While I didn’t stop that day, I knew I had to recreate that down-home comfort in my own kitchen. This recipe, inspired by the Loveless Cafe, brings the authentic taste of Southern comfort food right to your table.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free, Not Dairy-Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb country ham, sliced into pieces
- ½ cup strong coffee (I prefer coffee and chicory)
- 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 8 buttermilk biscuits, preferably homemade (for serving)
Equipment Needed
- Cast iron skillet
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Instructions
- Place the country ham pieces in a cast iron skillet. Warm over medium-low heat.
- Stir the ham occasionally as it begins to release its juices. Be sure that the ham renders off enough fat to use 3 tablespoons for the gravy. If it doesn’t render enough fat, add a bit of butter or oil to make up the difference.
- Remove the ham pieces from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the dark brown sugar to the skillet, scraping up all the charred bits (fond) off the bottom. This step is crucial for developing the rich, complex flavor of the gravy.
- Turn the heat up to medium. Carefully pour in the strong coffee.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Continue boiling until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, usually a few minutes. The brown sugar will dissolve and the coffee will reduce, creating a savory-sweet sauce.
- Place the country ham pieces atop the bottom half of each buttermilk biscuit.
- Spoon the red eye gravy generously over the ham.
- Top with the other half of the biscuit and serve immediately.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Quality of Ham: The quality of your country ham makes a huge difference. Seek out a reputable source for a flavorful, well-cured ham.
- Coffee Matters: Don’t skimp on the coffee! A strong, robust coffee, especially one with chicory, will give the gravy its signature depth.
- Deglazing is Key: Scraping up those browned bits from the bottom of the skillet is essential. They hold a ton of flavor and add to the richness of the gravy.
- Gravy Consistency: The gravy will thicken as it cools, so don’t over-reduce it on the stovetop.
- Spice it Up: For a little extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy while it’s simmering.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. This dish is best enjoyed hot, with the gravy soaking into the warm biscuits.
Storage: Leftover country ham and red eye gravy can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the gravy gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of water or coffee if it becomes too thick. Reheat the country ham in a skillet or microwave. Assemble the biscuits just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. Reheating the biscuits in the oven for a few minutes restores their crispness.
Nutritional Information
(Estimated values, will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 706 kcal | 35% |
| Total Fat | 38g | 58% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 69% |
| Cholesterol | 64mg | 21% |
| Sodium | 2724mg | 113% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 61g | 20% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 5% |
| Sugars | 19g | 73% |
| Protein | 30g | 58% |
Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy Red Eye Gravy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a spicy kick.
- Maple Red Eye Gravy: Substitute the dark brown sugar with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Smoked Ham: Use smoked country ham for an even smokier, richer flavor.
- Gluten-Free Biscuits: Use gluten-free biscuits to make this dish gluten-free. There are many excellent gluten-free biscuit recipes available online, or you can use a store-bought mix.
- Vegetarian Option: While this dish relies heavily on meat, you could simulate the smoky flavor using smoked paprika and mushrooms. While it would not be the same, the gravy over biscuits is still excellent.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What is “red eye” in red eye gravy?
A: The “red eye” refers to the thin layer of reddish oil that sometimes separates from the gravy, resembling a red eye. This is purely aesthetic and doesn’t affect the flavor.
Q: Can I use regular coffee instead of strong coffee?
A: While you can, the flavor will be less intense. Strong coffee is crucial for that signature bold taste. Consider using espresso if you don’t have strong brewed coffee.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to cook the ham fresh. Assemble the dish just before serving to prevent the biscuits from getting soggy.
Q: My gravy is too thin. How can I thicken it?
A: Continue simmering the gravy until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) if needed.
Q: My gravy is too salty. How can I fix it?
A: Country ham is naturally salty. If your gravy is too salty, try adding a tablespoon of unsalted butter or a splash of heavy cream to help balance the flavors.
Final Thoughts
Country Ham and Red Eye Gravy, especially inspired by a place like the Loveless Cafe, is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition. It’s a taste of Southern hospitality and home-cooked goodness. Don’t be intimidated by the simple ingredients; the key is in the technique and the quality of your ingredients. Gather your family, brew a pot of coffee, and enjoy this classic dish together. I hope this recipe brings a little bit of Southern charm to your table!