
Bold and unapologetically savory, this pantry-staple gravy gets its deep, roasty flavor from strong brewed black coffee, whisked with water and a touch of cornstarch slurry until it turns glossy and lightly thickened in just a couple of minutes. A pinch of salt, black pepper, and a whisper of cayenne round out the seasoning, giving it that punchy, peppery kick the dish is known for. It comes together fast in one skillet, with the coffee doing all the heavy lifting for flavor and color. Ladle it over warm biscuits or a bowl of creamy grits for a cozy, Southern-style breakfast that still delivers all the bold character of the original. It's a solid, satisfying option for a vegetarian table, no fuss required.
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After cooking ham steaks or ham slices, leave the drippings in the skillet over medium heat. If you don't have drippings, melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Pour in the coffee and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a whisk until the fond is fully dissolved, about 1 minute.
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