Hearty Gravy Biscuits & Gravy: Comfort Food Classic

Hearty Gravy Biscuits & Gravy: Comfort Food Classic

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as iconic and universally loved as biscuits and gravy. This simple yet satisfying dish is a staple in American diner menus and family kitchens alike, offering the perfect blend of tender, flaky biscuits and rich, flavorful gravy. Read on to discover this classic recipe and the intriguing history behind it.

Ingredients

• Biscuits:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
• Gravy:
• 1/2 pound ground pork sausage
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Biscuits preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in the cold buttermilk until a dough forms.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1-inch thickness. Use a round biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out biscuits. Place each biscuit onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each one.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.

Gravy preparation:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground pork sausage over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which thickens the gravy.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, and continue to cook the mixture, whisking constantly until it thickens. Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet with the thickened gravy, stirring to combine.
5. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

To serve, split a warm biscuit in half and ladle the sausage gravy over the top.

History and Curiosities of Hearty Gravy Biscuits & Gravy

Tracing back its roots, biscuits and gravy were born in the Southern United States during the early 19th century. This hearty dish was created to provide warmth and sustenance to workers who needed a lasting source of energy to tackle long days of labor. The dish quickly gained popularity, spreading throughout the country with regional variations along the way.

The basic recipe has remained relatively unchanged over the years, with the key ingredients being flour, milk, and pork sausage. The origin of this dish is closely tied to the culture of the Southern United States, where it is still considered a comfort food staple due to its satisfying and filling nature.

In recent years, biscuits and gravy have experienced a resurgence in popularity, fueled in part by the rise of foodies and the ever-growing appreciation for classic comfort foods. The dish has even found its way onto upscale restaurant menus, often featuring creative twists and unique presentations, proving that the timeless appeal of this comfort food classic really knows no bounds.