Shrimp and grits
Southern Shrimp and Grits is a dish that has its roots in the southern United States, specifically in the coastal regions of Georgia, South Carolina, and Louisiana. This meal has become a quintessential Southern dish and is often featured on restaurant menus in the South.
For those who haven’t tried it, Southern Shrimp and Grits may sound like an odd combination. However, it is a delicious and savory combination of creamy cornmeal grits and succulent shrimp cooked in a flavorful sauce.
The dish traces back to the Gullah-Geechee people in the Lowcountry regions of the southern United States. They were descendants of West African slaves who brought both the technology and the taste for cultivating rice. The Gullahs were also avid fishermen as they lived near the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and other waterways. Combining these two culinary traditions gave birth to the Southern Shrimp and Grits dish. Shrimp were added to the dish as they are abundant in the coastal regions.
The grits used in Southern Shrimp and Grits are made from cornmeal, cooked in a thick and creamy consistency with butter, milk, and cheese that are added to give flavor and texture. While the shrimp are boiled in a well-seasoned broth with garlic, onions, and smoked sausage, to give the dish richness and depth of flavor.
At its core, Southern Shrimp and Grits is a brunch dish. It is easy to see why- it’s filling and hearty, making it a perfect start to a lazy Sunday. Although, it’s also a dish that can be served any time of the day. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with a side of toast, fried eggs, bacon, or even a salad.
Shrimp and Grits is a dish that is enjoyed not only in Southern homes but also in some of the finest restaurants across the country. There are many recipes out there, but the best ones are often handed down from family members and have been perfected over the years.
The one thing that all Southern Shrimp and Grits recipes have in common is that they are flavorful and comforting. There are different variations, but most have a mouthwatering taste that is hard to resist.
The key to a delicious Southern Shrimp and Grits recipe is in the ingredients. To create a dish that is full of flavor and depth, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients and seasonings. For example, adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can spice up the dish and give it a kick.
Whether you’re looking for an indulgent brunch dish or a hearty dinner meal, Southern Shrimp and Grits is the perfect choice. It’s easy to see why this dish has become a classic in the southern United States, and it’s a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful, comforting food.
Ingredients:
-1 cup quick-cooking grits -2 cups water -1/2 cup heavy cream -2 tbsp butter -Salt and pepper (to taste) -1lb shrimp, peeled and deveined -1 tbsp olive oil -4 slices bacon, diced -1 onion, diced -2 cloves garlic, minced -1 can diced tomatoes -1/2 cup chicken broth -1 tbsp Cajun seasoning -1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped -1/4 cup scallions, sliced
Directions:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add grits and reduce to a simmer. Cook until they are thick and creamy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 minutes per side.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Add Cajun seasoning.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Serve the shrimp and tomato mixture over a bed of the creamy grits. Garnish with parsley and scallions. Enjoy!