Elijah Brooks is a Southern chef with a passion for farm-to-table cooking. Born and raised on a farm in Georgia, Elijah has a deep appreciation for fresh, local ingredients. He loves sharing his recipes and tips for sustainable living.
Hey there! If you're craving a taste of the South, there's nothing quite like a plate of authentic Southern US shrimp and grits. This classic dish is a staple in Southern cuisine, combining the flavors of succulent shrimp with creamy, buttery grits. Lucky for you, I've got the perfect recipe to help you recreate this Southern favorite in your own kitchen.
To cook authentic Southern US shrimp and grits, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup of stone-ground grits
- 4 cups of water
- 1 cup of milk
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Now, let's get cooking!
1. Start by preparing the grits. In a large saucepan, bring the water and a pinch of salt to a boil. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce the heat to low. Cook the grits, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes or until they are thick and creamy.
2. While the grits are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the shrimp to the other side. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
5. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes until it turns golden brown.
6. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, making sure to incorporate the roux into the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Return the shrimp to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat them through.
8. To serve, spoon a generous portion of the creamy grits onto a plate. Top the grits with the shrimp and sauce, and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions.
And there you have it – a delicious plate of authentic Southern US shrimp and grits! The creamy grits provide the perfect base for the flavorful shrimp and sauce. This dish is sure to transport you to the heart of the South with every bite.
Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings or toppings to make it your own. Serve it up for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, and enjoy the taste of Southern comfort at its finest. Happy cooking!
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