Cajun Shrimp & Cheddar Scallion Grits
Recipe by Kristal Kirkland
- Prep time 10 minutes
- Cook time 1 hour
- Servings 4
Ingredients
Grits:
2 cups water
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup stone-ground grits
1 tsp salt
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup scallions, thinly sliced
Shrimp:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp creole seasoning
Shrimp Gravy:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 small onion, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tbsp creole seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp flour
1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp white pepper
Squeeze of lemon (optional)
Instructions
1. Start your grits by bringing 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of water to a low simmer. Add in the salt and grits, then cook on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring often. Add the remaining milk and water, and keep cooking low and slow for another 40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the grits are silky and thick. Once they’re done, stir in butter, cheddar cheese, and scallions.
2. For the shrimp, toss them with creole seasoning. Heat olive oil in a pan and sear the shrimp for 1 minute per side. Set aside.
3. To make the shrimp gravy, melt butter in a skillet, then sauté the onions, green pepper until softened. Add in the tomatoes, salt and cook for another minute. Add creole seasoning, paprika, and white pepper. Sprinkle in the flour, stir and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the stock, then add heavy cream and simmer until rich and saucy. Finish with salt and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
4. Spoon the cheesy grits into bowls or plates, and top with shrimp gravy.
