Shrimp & Grits

I have had a hankering for some shrimp & grits for a few weeks, for whatever reason, and put together a dish last night. It was absolutely delicious! I should state this was my first time making shrimp & grits and I was delighted that it wasn't a complete fail! HA! 

Don't let the picture deceive you, there was a nice size serving in the bowl!

Shrimp & Grits

(serves 3-4)

Ingredients:

1 lb raw shrimp (Once again, I used frozen, raw, peeled and deveined shrimp and thawed them in water)

Creole seasoning (according to how spicy you want it)

2-3 tbsp butter

1 tsp minced garlic

4 strips crumbled bacon (cooked however you like. I'll be honest, I just did mine in the microwave and it was fine.)

3/4 c - 1 c quick grits (not instant)

about 2 c water (the box should specify water - grits ratio)

2 chicken bouillon cubes

1 c shredded cheddar cheese

1 tbsp olive oil(you can use bacon grease if you want to be really bad)

Appr. 1-2 tsp lemon juice

Directions:

1. Get grits going in a small pot. You can use the directions on the box, but you'll need about 2 cups water, the butter, the bouillon cubes, and grits. Get them boiling, then drop to low to simmer for 5-7 minutes. Add in cheese and stir well. Check for seasoning and you can just leave these on low, covered, or even off the heat while the shrimp cooks. They'll stay warm and keep their consistency while they sit.

2. Make sure your shrimp are thawed and patted dry. Season them well with Creole seasoning. I used a good sprinkling and they turned out spicy but not overwhelmingly spicy. Just use as much or as little as you like. The spice goes well with the smoky bacon and cheesy grits.

3. Heat olive oil over medium-medium high heat and drop seasoned shrimp in. Cook a minute or two per side, then put in garlic. You don't want this to burn. 

4. After a couple more minutes, add in cooked, crumbled bacon and lemon juice. The lemon really brightens up the flavors. 

Let this all cook for a minute or two, just until shrimp are completely done.

Hungry yet??

5. You can add in some parsley, chives, scallions, etc. for some color, texture, and a little flavor.

6. Go back to your beautiful grits.....

I could eat this entire pot of grits alone!

Spoon some grits into a bowl, and top with shrimp and bacon.

Let's look at it again, shall we?!?!

This was so much easier than I anticipated and had so. much. flavor. It was a little spicy, but not so much that I felt it was overpowering. And this is from a person who doesn't like spicy food. The level of heat can very easily be lowered or raised. And the yummy, cheesy grits worked wonderfully with the spiciness of the shrimp. I gobbled it all up and my husband, well...he gobbles everything up, but especially loved this! It's going on the menu rotation for sure! I hope you get to try it and you love it too!!

Please continue to lift up Julee and Preslee Turner as they deal with the loss of their beloved husband and daddy, Matt. You can go to yesterday's post to read about that if you didn't already. Thanks, y'all!