How to Make Mouthwatering Chocolate Gravy at Home
As I sit here writing this recipe, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. Chocolate Gravy may not look as glamorous as other desserts, but trust me when I say that its taste will leave your palate dancing with joy. Growing up in Arkansas, Southern-style Chocolate Gravy was a staple breakfast dish that my grandma would whip up for us on weekday mornings. Her recipe has been passed down through generations of our family, and now I’m honored to share it with you.
If you’re a chocolate lover like me, then this is the perfect recipe for you. With every bite, you’ll be transported to an old-fashioned Southern kitchen, where the smell of fresh biscuits and chocolate gravy waft through the air. This dish is the epitome of comfort food and will make any morning extra special.
Oh, and did I mention that it’s incredibly easy to make? That’s right; even if you’re not a whiz in the kitchen, you can master this recipe with ease. So why not indulge in some Southern chocolate goodness today? Get ready to be in for a treat because once you try this Chocolate Gravy Recipe, you won’t be able to resist making it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you ready to take your taste buds on a journey to the south with this amazing southern-style chocolate gravy recipe? Trust me, you will be left asking yourself why you never tried this before. Here are just a few reasons why you’re going to love this recipe.
Firstly, this gravy is made using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. All-purpose flour, sugar, milk, cocoa powder, and butter are all that’s needed to create this delicious treat. You won’t need any fancy equipment or ingredients to make it.
Secondly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Not only can it be served with biscuits, but it also pairs well with toast, pancakes or waffles for a decadent breakfast or brunch. It’s perfect to satisfy your sweet cravings any time of day.
Thirdly, the rich and velvety texture of the gravy along with the right amount of chocolate makes for an irresistible combination. The chocolatey goodness will leave you wanting more with every bite. Trust me on this; I’ve had it for breakfast three Sundays in a row now.
Lastly, this recipe has a deep cultural significance and history behind it. Southern-style chocolate gravy has been an old-fashioned favorite in Arkansas for decades and continues to be passed down through generations. The flavors tell the story of traditional southern cooking and dining.
In conclusion, this southern-style chocolate gravy recipe is simple yet so delicious and versatile that you’ll easily fall in love with it. Give it a try today, and I guarantee it will become a regular item at your breakfast table from now on.
Ingredient List
Before starting the Southern Style Chocolate Gravy Recipe, we must prepare all the ingredients. Below you can find the list of ingredients for this recipe:
- All-purpose flour 1 cup (125g)
- Granulated sugar 1 cup (200g)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 cup (25g)
- Salt 1/4 teaspoon
- Margarine or butter 2 tablespoons
- Whole milk 2 cups (500ml)
These simple ingredients are probably already sitting in your pantry and refrigerator. One thing to note is that this recipe uses unsweetened cocoa powder, which gives it a more intense chocolate flavor than sweetened cocoa powder.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Melt butter
Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Whisk flour
In a small bowl, whisk together flour 1-1/3 tbsp (14g) and unsweetened cocoa powder 3 tbsp (24g) until it is well combined.
Step 3: Add flour and cocoa mixture to skillet
Add the flour and cocoa mixture to the melted butter in the skillet, whisking until it forms a smooth paste. Continue to whisk for approximately one minute, taking care not to allow the mixture to burn or stick to the pan.
Step 4: Add sugar gradually
Gradually add granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) to the mixture, whisking constantly until fully combined.
Step 5: Add milk and salt
Add milk (2 cups/500ml) and a pinch of salt to the skillet in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Step 6: Cook until thickened
Heat up the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Reduce the heat slightly and continue cooking, whisking occasionally for approximately 10-12 minutes or until nicely thickened.
Serving Tina’s Southern Style Chocolate Gravy
Once cooked through, remove from heat and allow to cool for several minutes before serving with biscuits. Serve this delicious homemade chocolate gravy over warm biscuits for an Old Fashioned Arkansas breakfast that truly hits the spot. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Southern-style Chocolate Gravy is a versatile recipe that can be customized to your taste. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try out:
– Milk: You can use any type of milk for this recipe, but whole milk is traditionally used for a richer flavor. You can also use dairy-free milk like almond or coconut milk to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
– Sugar: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe to your preference. You can also use brown sugar or honey instead of granulated sugar for a different flavor.
– Flour: All-purpose flour works well in this recipe, but you can also use self-rising flour for a fluffier texture. To make the gravy gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
– Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results. You can also use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a smoother texture and less bitterness.
– Butter or Margarine: Either one works well in this recipe, but if you want a richer flavor, go for butter. Margarine is often less expensive than butter and has less saturated fat.
– Vanilla extract: This ingredient is optional, but if you want to add more flavor to your gravy, add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture.
– Make it thicker or thinner: If you want a thicker gravy, add more flour (1 tablespoon at a time) until desired consistency is reached. If you want a thinner gravy, add more milk (1/4 cup at a time) until desired consistency is reached.
In summary, feel free to experiment with the ingredients and make this Southern-style Chocolate Gravy your own. Try different combinations and discover what works best for you!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving chocolate gravy, it’s best to pour it over warm, homemade biscuits. The combination of the warm, flaky biscuits and the rich chocolate gravy is unbeatable.
Make sure to serve the gravy hot out of the skillet, so that it doesn’t have a chance to thicken too much or cool down too quickly. A cast iron skillet is optimal for serving traditional Southern-style chocolate gravy, not only for its heat retention abilities but also for its rustic look that pairs well with the old-fashioned feel of this classic recipe.
If you want to get fancy with your plating, try serving alongside a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. This way, you can make an already heavenly dish more gourmet without ruining its authenticity.
When it comes to pairing with side dishes, we recommend sticking to simple fruit options like sliced strawberries or bananas. Alternatively, you could elevate this dessert-like breakfast item with a side of berry compote or jam that has a tart or acidic taste It’s better if the pairings compliment and balance the richness of the chocolate gravy rather than overpowering it.
Overall, Southern Chocolate Gravy is a dish that should be enjoyed in its own right. A true heavenly dessert-like breakfast dish you won’t regret trying out.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Oh boy, let me tell you about the magic of leftovers with this southern-style chocolate gravy recipe. You can easily whip it up ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, slowly warm the gravy over medium heat and whisk frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of your pan.
If you find yourself with an abundance of leftover chocolate gravy, I suggest spooning it over freshly baked biscuits for a warm and satisfying breakfast. Trust me; there’s just no better way to start a slow Sunday morning with some homemade goodness.
On the other hand, if you plan on making this recipe for a crowd, consider doubling the ingredients and storing them in separate containers. That way, you can reheat only what you need without overcooking any extra gravy.
But if you do decide to reheat larger batches of chocolate gravy, simply transfer it back into a large skillet or saucepan and heat it through slowly and evenly until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add extra milk or margarine 1 teaspoon at a time if the mixture looks too thick or doughy.
And lastly, if you happen to have any leftovers after reheating, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Of course, cold chocolate gravy doesn’t have quite the same appeal as its hot counterpart, but there’s certainly nothing wrong with having dessert for breakfast every once in a while!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to master the art of making chocolate gravy like a true pro, then you’ve come to the right place. This section is all about tips and tricks that will ensure your Southern-style chocolate gravy comes out perfect every time.
One of the most important things to keep in mind is the quality of ingredients used. Always use fresh milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and high-quality butter or margarine. This will make a huge difference in the taste and texture of your chocolate gravy.
Another key tip is to melt your butter or margarine slowly over medium heat. This will prevent burning and ensure even heating. Once your butter is melted, whisk in your flour, sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth. Be sure to use the correct measurements, as too much or too little of any ingredient can throw off the recipe.
When it comes time to add your milk, do so slowly and steadily while whisking continuously. This will help prevent lumps from forming, and ensure a smooth consistency for your chocolate gravy.
Finally, just like with any recipe, practice makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions until you find what works best for you. And always remember that patience is key when it comes to cooking – take your time and enjoy the process!
Bottom Line
So there you have it, my fellow culinary explorers, the recipe for a southern-style chocolate gravy that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. This old-fashioned recipe may not be well-known outside of the southern states, but once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a tradition in so many southern kitchens.
As Stephen King would say, “the proof of the pudding is in the eating,” and I guarantee that once you taste this delicious chocolate gravy, you’ll want to make it a part of your breakfast routine. It’s easy to make, customizable with variations and substitutions to fit your dietary needs and preferences, and pairs beautifully with a variety of breakfast staples like biscuits or pancakes.
Remember to follow my tips for perfect results, including using high-quality ingredients like unsweetened cocoa powder and whole milk, melting the margarine or butter before adding the flour and sugar mixture, and whisking the milk in a slow and steady stream.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your cast-iron skillet and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece with this southern chocolate gravy recipe. Let us know what you think in the comments below – we’d love to hear about your experiences making this delicious treat!
Thank you for joining me on this culinary adventure – until next time, happy cooking!
Chocolate Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup margarine or 3/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 5 tablespoons cocoa
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Combine the sugar and cocoa in a separate bowl with a whisk or fork and set aside.
- In a medium sized frying pan melt the butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted and hot add the flour and let the flour and butter cook for 1-2 minutes but do not burn the butter.
- Add milk and make a white sauce stirring constantly until it begins to thicken. Add the cocoa and sugar mixture and, as the sauce thickens, add the vanilla. The gravy will continue to thicken as it cooks so you may need to add more milk occasionally.
- Put gravy over hot biscuits and enjoy with a tall glass of cold milk!
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.