Southern Comfort Shrimp and Grits

Southern Comfort Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Ingredients

For the Grits:

• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Grits:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Add salt.
2. Gradually stir in the grits, reducing the heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally to avoid clumping, for about 15-20 minutes or until thickened and smooth.
3. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, black pepper, and butter. Continue to cook until the cheese and butter are fully melted and incorporated, about 3-5 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste. Keep the grits warm while you prepare the shrimp.

Shrimp:

1. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Season the shrimp with paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
5. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes per side. Do not overcook.
6. Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, hot sauce (if using), and bacon pieces back into the skillet. Stir well to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Stir in the chopped green onions and cook for an additional minute.

To Serve:

1. Spoon a generous amount of creamy grits onto each plate.
2. Top with a portion of the shrimp mixture.
3. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
4. Serve immediately for best taste.

Tips:

• For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a splash of heavy cream or butter to the shrimp mixture just before serving.
• Using stone-ground grits will give the dish a hearty texture, but you can substitute quick-cooking or instant grits if you prefer a faster preparation.
• If you want an additional smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.

Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Southern Comfort Shrimp and Grits!