<P> In Louisiana, Cajun cuisine - style gravy is made with a roast beef instead of ham . Black coffee is always used, and it is frequently a strongly brewed coffee substitute made from chicory . The gravy is ladled over the meat on a bed of rice, staining the rice a dark brown color . Often, French bread and some kind of beans are also served as a side, like butter beans, lima beans, or peas . </P> <P> Another variation is to use water with a bit of butter and season with red (cayenne) pepper . </P> <P> Red - eye gravy's name comes from its distinct appearance . Prepared traditionally, with coffee and grease combined in the final step (see Preparation below), a heterogeneous mixture forms with the water - based coffee sinking to the bottom and the oil - based grease forming the top layer . In a round bowl the mixture looks much like a red human eye . Use of red pepper enhances the redness of the appearance . </P> <P> Less traditional preparation techniques do not always result in the "red eye" appearance, leading to folk legends surrounding the origin of the name . For instance, one story is that former United States President Andrew Jackson requested ham with gravy as red as his cook's eyes, which were bloodshot from drinking the night before, or that the black coffee in the gravy will keep people awake . </P>

Where did red eye gravy get its name