BUTTERMILK BISCUITS WITH SAUSAGE GRAVY

Buttermilk Biscuits with Sausage Gravy image

This version is a bit lighter than the traditional buttermilk biscuits, but no less tasty.

Provided by Virginia Willis

Time 50m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups Southern all-purpose flour, such as White Lily, or cake flour (not self-rising), plus more for rolling out
1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into bits and chilled
3/4 to 1 cup lowfat buttermilk
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 1/4 pounds lean pork, chicken or turkey sausage, casings removed
Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 sweet onion, finely chopped
2 cups 2-percent or whole milk

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of the all-purpose flour, the whole wheat pastry flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal. Combine the buttermilk and 1 tablespoon of the oil. Pour the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture and gently mix until just combined.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead lightly using the heel of your hand to compress and push the dough away from you, and then fold it back over itself. Give the dough a small turn and repeat eight or so times. (It's not yeast bread; you want to just barely activate the gluten, not overwork it.) Using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the dough out 1/2 inch thick. Cut out rounds of dough with a 1 1/2-inch round cutter dipped in flour; press the cutter straight down without twisting so the biscuits will rise evenly when baked.
Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Using a wooden spoon, break up the meat into small pieces. Cook until lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Pour off any excess rendered fat. Add the onions and cook until clear and translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the remaining 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and stir to combine and coat. Add the milk and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer. Let cook, stirring occasionally, until thick, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, place the biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool just slightly. Split and serve hot with the sausage gravy.