- Creamy Southern Shrimp and Cheese Grits Ingredients:
- Dried yellow cornmeal (for making the grits)
- Water or chicken broth
- Butter
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Yellow onion, diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Heavy cream
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined (for SEO: "fresh shrimp" or "cooked shrimp")
- Old Cheddar cheese, shredded (for SEO: "sharp cheddar cheese" or "cheddar shreds")
- Worcestershire sauce (optional for depth of flavor)
- Hot sauce (optional for a spicy kick; consider including "hot sauce" in your recipe)
- Fresh herbs like thyme or dill, finely chopped
Remember to include these keywords and phrases to optimize your recipe for search engines:
- Southern shrimp and grits
- Creamy shrimp and grits
- Shrimp and grits recipe
- Shrimp and grits ingredients
Steps
### Creamy Southern Shrimp and Cheese Grits Recipe
Looking for a hearty, comforting dish that captures the essence of Southern cuisine? Try making creamy southern shrimp and cheese grits! This recipe is packed with rich flavors from the shrimp and the smoothness of the grits, ensuring a delightful dining experience. Follow these detailed steps to create this delicious dish:
#### Ingredients:
- 1 lb medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups grits (cornmeal)
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions for garnish
#### Equipment:
- Large pot
- Whisk or spoon
- Mixing bowls
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Shrimp:**
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of butter with garlic powder for added flavor.
2. **Cook the Grits:**
- Bring the water or chicken broth to a boil in a large pot.
- Gradually add grits while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the grits are tender (about 15-20 minutes).
3. **Cook the Shrimp:**
- In another pan, heat the remaining butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp with the garlic butter mixture and cook for about 4-5 minutes or until pink and cooked through.
4. **Combine Grits and Shrimp:**
- Drain any excess liquid from the grits and add them to the pan with the shrimp.
- Mix well to combine, ensuring the grits are evenly coated with butter and shrimp juices.
5. **Add Cream and Cheese:**
- Slowly whisk in heavy cream until it’s fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. **Serve:**
- Ladle the creamy grits into bowls, top with cooked shrimp.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, or sliced green onions for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve immediately while it’s still warm.
### Tips:
- Ensure the grits are cooked thoroughly to achieve that perfect creamy texture.
- The addition of chicken broth adds a richer flavor compared to plain water.
- For a vegan version, use a plant-based milk and vegan cheese.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to create a delicious and comforting dish that is both satisfying and impressive. Enjoy your homemade creamy southern shrimp and cheese grits!