Shrimp and Grits

Introduction:

Shrimp and grits is a quintessential dish from the coastal regions of the Southern United States, particularly beloved in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and Georgia. Its roots can be traced back to Native American cuisine, where ground corn was a dietary staple. Over time, the dish evolved, incorporating seafood due to the abundance of shrimp along the coastline. Originally considered a humble breakfast for fishermen, shrimp and grits has risen in popularity and sophistication, now gracing the menus of upscale restaurants and becoming a symbol of Southern culinary heritage.

Tips and Tricks:

1. Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor. Wild-caught shrimp from the Gulf or Atlantic are ideal. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are properly thawed and patted dry before cooking.
2. Grits: Opt for stone-ground grits for a richer, creamier texture. Instant grits can be used in a pinch, but they won’t have the same depth of flavor. Cooking the grits in a combination of water and milk or cream enhances their creaminess.
3. Cheese: Adding cheddar cheese to the grits not only adds flavor but also contributes to the creamy consistency. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda or parmesan for a unique twist.
4. Seasoning: The blend of spices in the shrimp mixture—especially the hot sauce and lemon juice—adds a vibrant, tangy kick. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the heat level to your preference.
5. Cooking: Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque; overcooking can make them tough. The savory sauce created from the bacon drippings, onions, and bell peppers ties the dish together beautifully.
6. Serving Suggestions: Shrimp and grits is versatile enough to be served for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor. Pair it with a side of collard greens or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

By following these tips and tricks, you can bring the authentic taste of the South to your kitchen with this delicious and comforting shrimp and grits recipe.

Shrimp and Grits

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Creamy grits topped with spicy shrimp and a savory sauce.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

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• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add grits and cook until thick and creamy, about 20 minutes.
2. Stir in cheese, salt, and pepper. Keep warm.
3. Cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving drippings in the skillet.
4. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic in the bacon drippings until tender.
5. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, hot sauce, and cooked bacon. Cook for another 2 minutes.
7. Serve shrimp mixture over grits.

Notes

Garnish with green onions or parsley if desired.

• Author: HOLMES COUNTY ADVERTISER
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 200mg

Keywords: Shrimp and Grits, Southern Cuisine, Comfort Food