Southern Food is comfort food delicious. It can take something as bland as grits and turn it into an incredible dish. Take these Shrimp and Cheese Grits. They are savory. They are cheesy. They are smothered as only true Southern food is and oh, man are they good!
Shrimp and Cheese Grits Recipe Ingredients
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Pinch cayenne, pepper
- Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/3 cup homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
- Cheese Grits (recipe at bottom of this post)
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped
Shrimp and Cheese Grits Recipe Directions
- Place shrimp, 2 tablespoons olive oil, paprika, cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and pinch of black pepper in a medium bowl; toss to combine.
- Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place shrimp in skillet and let cook for 1 minute, without stirring. Turn shrimp and add wine; let reduce to 2 tablespoons, about 30 seconds. Add chicken broth and simmer until it begins to thicken, about 1 minute more. Stir in butter until completely melted; add lemon juice.
- Divide grits evenly between 4 serving bowls; top with shrimp and sauce. Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Cheese Grits Recipe Ingredients
- 2 cups stone-ground grits
- 2 cups homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock, plus more as necessary
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Cheese Grits Recipe Directions
- Place grits in a large bowl; add 4 cups water; stir (light bran will rise to the top); and drain.
- Bring chicken stock and milk to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. When liquid begins to boil, slowly whisk in grits; cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally until thickened, about 20 minutes.
- Stir in both kinds of cheese until melted and well combined. If grits seem a little too thick, add more stock to loosen. Season with salt and pepper and serve.