1960 Tomato Gravy Recipe

Unearth a taste of the past with this vintage 1960s Tomato Gravy recipe! Originally found on a cherished recipe card, this gravy boasts a rich, savory flavor profile. Enjoy the classic combination of canned tomatoes (or fresh!), onions, and bacon grease (or your preferred oil) for a truly nostalgic experience. Perfect for meatloaf, leftover dinners, biscuits, or anything that needs a delicious, homemade sauce. This easy recipe is ready in under 30 minutes!

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Calories 263.2 kcal
Protein 5g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
1960 Tomato Gravy 27

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for 1960 Tomato Gravy

  • 2 tablespoons bacon grease (or olive/vegetable oil)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 28 ounces (one 28-ounce can) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Celery Leaves

How to Make 1960 Tomato Gravy

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of bacon grease (or olive/vegetable oil) in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add 1 medium onion, chopped, and cook until softened and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
  3. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is light brown.
  4. Stir in 28 ounces (one 28-ounce can) of crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 bay leaf, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh celery leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon celery salt).
  5. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Remove the bay leaf.
  7. For a smoother gravy, carefully press the sauce through a fine-mesh strainer. For a chunkier texture, skip this step.
  8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or sugar to your preference.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

24 g

Sugar

34g

Fat

38g

Carbs

6g

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