Buttermilk Biscuits & Sausage Gravy

Apple & Cardamom Sausage Gravy & Buttermilk Biscuits

Apple & Cardamom Sausage Gravy

This is a gently spiced take on classic sausage gravy, made with seasoned ground pork, a touch of cardamom, and fresh apple for balance. Toasted black pepper and clove deepen the flavour, while marjoram and thyme keep it grounded. Ideal for brunch, but satisfying any time of day.

Watch my video to follow along step-by-step.

Apple & Cardamom Sausage Gravy

Ingredients

For the sausage base:

• 500 g ground pork

• ½ small onion, finely diced

• 1 clove garlic, microplaned

• ½ medium apple, coarsely grated (skin on; about 60 g)

• ¾ tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp whole black peppercorns

• 1 whole clove

• ⅛ tsp ground cardamom

• ½ tsp dried marjoram

• ¼ tsp dried thyme

• ¼ tsp smoked paprika

• Pinch of cayenne pepper (to taste)

• ⅛ tsp ground cumin

• ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg

• Pinch of ground white pepper

For the gravy:

• 3 tbsp plain flour (about 22 g)

• 2 cups whole milk (480 ml), warmed

• Extra salt and pepper, to finish

Method

1. Toast the spices
   In a dry pan, toast the peppercorns and clove over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Let cool briefly, then crush coarsely in a mortar and pestle.

2. Cook the aromatics
   In a medium frying pan, warm a small splash of oil. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.

3. Brown the pork and season
   Add the ground pork to the pan and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in the crushed spices, salt, cardamom, marjoram, thyme, paprika, cayenne, cumin, nutmeg, and white pepper.

4. Add the grated apple
   Stir in the grated apple and cook for 2–3 minutes to soften and integrate.

5. Make the roux
   Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes to eliminate the raw taste.

6. Add the milk and simmer
   Gradually pour in the warm milk, stirring constantly. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until the gravy thickens. It should coat the back of a spoon but still pour easily.

7. Taste and finish
   Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add a splash more milk to loosen if the gravy becomes too thick.

8. Serve warm
   Spoon generously over warm buttermilk biscuits. Serve immediately.