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Cajun Shrimp and Grits with a Twist: 1 Soulful Dish

Cajun Shrimp and Grits with a Twist
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A delightful twist on classic Cajun Shrimp and Grits, this recipe brings together smoky, spicy shrimp with creamy, cheesy grits, elevated by fresh garden ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for grits)
  • Fresh chives, chopped, for garnish
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until smooth.
  4. Add the seasoned shrimp to the sauce. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove from heat.
  5. While the shrimp cooks, bring 3 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the grits.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until grits are tender and creamy.
  7. To serve, spoon the creamy grits into bowls. Top with the Cajun shrimp and sauce. Garnish with fresh chives and parsley.

Notes

  • For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the cayenne.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a little longer before adding the shrimp.
  • Stone-ground grits take longer to cook but offer a superior texture. Quick-cooking grits can be used, but adjust cooking time accordingly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonsprout.com/cajun-shrimp-and-grits-with-a-twist/