Biscuits and gravy

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Biscuits and gravy is a popular breakfast dish in the United States, particularly in the Southern region. The dish consists of soft biscuits covered in gravy made from meat drippings, flour, and milk. It is a staple of Southern cuisine and is often enjoyed as a hearty and comforting meal.

History

The origins of biscuits and gravy can be traced back to the early American settlers. The dish became popular in the Southern United States during the late 19th century. It was an inexpensive and filling meal that could be made with readily available ingredients. The use of pork drippings for the gravy was common, as pork was a staple meat in the South.

Ingredients

The primary components of biscuits and gravy are:

• Biscuits: Soft, flaky bread rolls made from flour, baking powder, butter, and milk.
• Gravy: A thick sauce made from meat drippings, flour, and milk. The gravy is often seasoned with black pepper and sometimes includes pieces of sausage.

Biscuits

Biscuits are made by combining flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk to form a dough. The dough is then rolled out and cut into rounds before being baked until golden brown. The result is a soft, flaky bread that serves as the base for the dish.

Gravy

The gravy is typically made by cooking sausage or bacon in a skillet, then using the drippings to create a roux with flour. Milk is added to the roux to create a thick, creamy sauce. The gravy is seasoned with salt and pepper, and sometimes additional spices such as cayenne pepper or sage.

Preparation

To prepare biscuits and gravy, the biscuits are baked until golden brown and then split open. The gravy is poured over the top of the biscuits, and the dish is served hot. It is often accompanied by additional breakfast items such as eggs, hash browns, or bacon.

Variations

There are several variations of biscuits and gravy, including:

• Sausage gravy: Made with crumbled sausage instead of bacon drippings.
• Red-eye gravy: A thinner gravy made with coffee and ham drippings.
• Vegetarian gravy: Made with vegetable oil or butter instead of meat drippings, and often includes mushrooms or other vegetables.

Cultural Significance

Biscuits and gravy are a beloved part of Southern cuisine and are often associated with comfort food. The dish is commonly served in diners, cafes, and home kitchens throughout the Southern United States. It is also a popular item on the menu at many breakfast and brunch restaurants across the country.

See also

• Southern cuisine
• Breakfast
• Comfort food
• Sausage gravy
• Red-eye gravy