Name: Shrimp and Grits Southern: A Delicious Taste of the South
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup stone-ground grits; 4 cups water; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 4 tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional); 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco); 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Shrimp and Grits Southern: a culinary hug from the South, right in your own kitchen! Have you ever tasted something so comforting, so deeply satisfying, that it felt like a warm embrace? That's exactly what you're in for with this classic dish. I'm going to show you how to make the most delicious, authentic version of this Southern staple.

Shrimp and grits isn't just a meal; it's a story. Originating as a humble breakfast for fishermen along the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia, it has evolved into a beloved dish gracing the menus of upscale restaurants and family tables alike. The creamy, stone-ground grits provide a perfect canvas for the succulent shrimp, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that's simply irresistible.

What makes shrimp and grits Southern so universally adored? It's the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy. The grits, when cooked properly, are unbelievably smooth and comforting. The shrimp, seasoned with a blend of Southern spices, offer a delightful burst of flavor. And the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make! Whether you're looking for a hearty brunch, a comforting dinner, or a taste of Southern hospitality, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite. So, let's get cooking!

Ingredients:

For the Grits:

1 cup stone-ground grits
4 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Preparing the Grits:

Bring the water to a boil: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt. This is crucial for properly seasoning the grits from the start.
Whisk in the grits: Gradually whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits. Whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. This step is important to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
Reduce heat and simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the grits are tender and have absorbed most of the water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of grits you use, so check the package instructions.
Add the cream, butter, and cheese: Once the grits are cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 4 tablespoons of butter, 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. I like mine extra cheesy!
Keep warm: Cover the saucepan and keep the grits warm while you prepare the shrimp. You can also place the saucepan in a warm oven (around 200°F) to keep them from cooling down too much.

Preparing the Shrimp:

Prepare the shrimp: Make sure your shrimp are peeled, deveined, and patted dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely when you cook them. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 4 slices of bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Crumble the bacon once it's cool enough to handle. Don't discard the bacon grease! It adds so much flavor to the dish.
Sauté the vegetables: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet with the bacon grease. Add 1/2 cup of chopped onion and 1/2 cup of chopped green bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the garlic: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Make the roux: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
Add the liquids: Gradually whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of dry white wine (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce begins to thicken.
Season the sauce: Stir in 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
Finish the sauce: Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and the crumbled bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Assembling and Serving:

Spoon the grits: Spoon a generous portion of the creamy grits into bowls.
Top with shrimp: Top the grits with the shrimp and sauce.
Garnish: Garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
Serve immediately: Serve immediately and enjoy! This dish is best enjoyed hot.

Tips and Variations:

Grits: For a richer flavor, you can use milk or half-and-half instead of water when cooking the grits. You can also add other types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Gouda.
Shrimp: Feel free to use different types of seafood, such as scallops or crawfish. You can also add other vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms or tomatoes.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, omit the cayenne pepper altogether.
Bacon: If you don't have bacon, you can use pancetta or ham instead.
Wine: If you don't want to use wine, you can substitute it with more chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice.
Make Ahead: The grits can be made ahead of time and reheated. The shrimp sauce is best made fresh, but you can prepare the vegetables and bacon ahead of time to save time.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with a side of collard greens or other Southern-style vegetables.
Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Add a side of cornbread for a complete Southern meal.

Enjoy!

This Shrimp and Grits recipe is a true Southern classic that's sure to impress. The creamy grits, savory shrimp sauce, and crispy bacon create a flavor combination that's simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy making and eating this dish as much as I do!

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! I truly believe this Shrimp and Grits Southern recipe is one you absolutely need to add to your culinary repertoire. It's more than just a meal; it's an experience, a taste of Southern comfort that will warm you from the inside out. The creamy, cheesy grits perfectly complement the succulent shrimp, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that's simply irresistible. But why is this particular recipe a must-try? It's all about the balance. We've taken the classic Southern dish and elevated it with a few simple tweaks that make a world of difference. The use of high-quality ingredients, like stone-ground grits and fresh, wild-caught shrimp, is paramount. And the addition of Andouille sausage adds a smoky depth that takes the flavor profile to another level. It's a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion brunch. Beyond the incredible taste, this recipe is also surprisingly versatile. Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations! For a heartier meal, consider adding some crispy bacon crumbles on top. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions adds a pop of color and freshness. If you're feeling adventurous, try incorporating different types of cheese into the grits, like Gruyere or smoked Gouda. And don't be afraid to adjust the spice level to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. For those who like a little more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. You could even experiment with different types of peppers, like jalapeños or poblanos, for a unique twist. For a truly Southern experience, serve your Shrimp and Grits Southern with a side of collard greens or fried okra. A warm biscuit or cornbread is also a perfect accompaniment. And don't forget the sweet tea! I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Southern cuisine for yourself. I've poured my heart and soul into perfecting this dish, and I truly believe it's one you'll make again and again. Now, it's your turn! Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I'm confident that you'll be amazed by the results. But don't just take my word for it. I want to hear about your experience! Once you've made this Shrimp and Grits Southern recipe, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? I'm eager to hear all about it! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to improve and refine my recipes. Plus, it's always fun to connect with fellow food lovers and share our culinary adventures. So, don't be shy! Let me know what you think. Happy cooking, and I can't wait to hear from you! I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Enjoy!