Step 1

Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of real unsalted butter to the cast iron skillet, melt butter, add minced celery, minced onion, minced garlic and minced red bell pepper. Saute vegetables until softened and minced onions are golden in color. Remove from cast iron skillet and reserve.

Step 2

Place cast iron skillet back on burner to heat again on medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of bacon grease, 4 tablespoons of real unsalted butter in cast iron skillet to melt, add 5 tablespoons of all-purpose flour a small amount at a time, constantly stirring flour and butter mixture, cooking till becomes a rich amber color, careful not to burn.

Step 3

Once you have achieved the proper color for your Roux, add celery, onions, and red bell pepper back to cast iron skillet, slowly add low sodium beef broth a small amount at a time, Remember, you can always add a little more broth to thin the gravy, but can never take any of the broth out of the gravy if it’s too thin. Stir, stir, stir some more.

Step 4

Now, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a dash of hot sauce, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper to own taste, constantly stirring while doing so. Simmer a few moments on very low heat to merge the flavors.