Grandma-Style Tomato Gravy
This simple, flavorful gravy is made with sautéed vegetables, tomato paste, broth and lightly toasted flour. Serve it with meatballs, patties, mashed potatoes, pasta or rice.
Updated : 13 October, 2026
Easy
About 30 min.
Ingredients
1
Onion
1
Carrot
2 tablespoon
Wheat flour
400 milliliters
Water
1
Laurel leaf
3 tablespoon
Tomato paste
1 tablespoon
Sugar
20 grams
Vegetable oil
to taste
Salt
to taste
Dry spices
Table
Table of volume measurements:
- teaspoon - 5 ml
- dessert spoon - 10 ml
- tablespoon - 20 ml
- glass - 200 ml
Preparation
Step 1
Prepare the ingredients.
Step 2
Peel the onion and carrot. Finely chop the onion and grate the carrot.
Step 3
Heat a frying pan and add a little vegetable oil. Add the onion and carrot and cook, stirring, for 3–5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 4
Add the tomato paste and a little hot broth. Mix well, bring to a boil and cook over low heat for about 10 minutes.
Step 5
In a separate dry frying pan, toast the flour over medium heat until it turns a light creamy color.
Step 6
Gradually pour in a little warm water, stirring thoroughly so no lumps remain. As the mixture heats, it will begin to thicken.
Step 7
Pour the thickened flour mixture over the vegetables and bring to a boil. Add enough broth to reach your preferred consistency, then add the bay leaf. Remove the bay leaf after about 5–7 minutes if you prefer a milder flavor.
Step 8
Add more or less broth depending on how thick you want the gravy. Season with salt, sugar and spices to taste. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very soft. Paprika, dried herbs or parsley root can be added for extra flavor. Keep the gravy at a gentle simmer so it does not scorch.
Step 9
For a smoother sauce, press it through a sieve or strain and press the vegetables with a spoon. Serve the gravy with your favorite side dish.
Step 10
You can also add meatballs to the gravy and simmer them directly in the sauce.
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