1 cup of grits
4 cups of water
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2 tablespoons of butter
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/2 cup of chopped green onions
1/2 cup of bell pepper, diced
1/2 teaspoon of paprika
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1 cup of cooked grits
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
1 cup of sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of salt
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.
There's a lot more you can do with grits than just serve them as a side dish! From appetizers to desserts, these versatile grains can be incorporated into a variety of Southern recipes in unique and creative ways. Here's how:
Who Said Grits Can't Be the Star? 🌟 Main Course Ideas!
When you think of grits, you might not immediately think of them as the star of the show. But why not? They're hearty, flavorful, and can be paired with a variety of ingredients for a satisfying meal. For example, try making a grits casserole with sausage and cheese, or use them as a base for shrimp and grits, a classic Southern dish.
Shrimp and Grits Recipe
You will need:
1 cup of grits
4 cups of water
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2 tablespoons of butter
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/2 cup of chopped green onions
1/2 cup of bell pepper, diced
1/2 teaspoon of paprika
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
- Start by boiling the water and salt in a medium saucepan.
- Gradually whisk in the grits.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in the butter and cheese until melted.
- In a separate pan, sauté the shrimp, garlic, green onions, and bell pepper until the shrimp is pink.
- Season the shrimp mixture with paprika and black pepper.
- Serve the shrimp mixture over the cheesy grits.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the shrimp while sautéing. You can also substitute the water with chicken broth for more flavorful grits.
Learn more about 🍤 Shrimp and Grits Recipe or discover other Grits N Grace recipes.
And if you're wondering how to make grits from scratch, I've got you covered. It's not as difficult as you might think, and the result is a dish with far more flavor and texture than the instant stuff.
Ready to get started? Here's a simple step-by-step guide to making grits from scratch. Trust me, once you've tried homemade grits, you'll never go back to the instant stuff.
Mastering the Art of Making Grits from Scratch
Gather Your Ingredients
You'll need 1 cup of grits, 4 cups of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of butter. The quality of your grits will make a big difference, so try to find stone-ground grits if you can.
Boil the Water
In a medium-sized pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the salt to the boiling water.
Add the Grits
Slowly pour the grits into the boiling water while stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
Reduce Heat and Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the grits simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the Butter
Once the grits are creamy and tender, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the butter until it's fully melted. Your grits are now ready to serve!
Learn more about 🔥 Mastering the Art of Making Grits from Scratch or discover other Grits N Grace guides.
And there you have it - homemade grits made from scratch! But don't stop there. Did you know you can also use grits in baking? Let's explore that next.
Baking with Grits? Yes, You Can! 🍪
Yes, you read that right. Grits can actually be used in baking! They add a delightful crunch and a unique flavor to breads, muffins, and even cookies. Try adding cooked grits to your favorite cornbread recipe for a twist on a classic, or use them to make a batch of grits cookies, a Southern delicacy that's sure to surprise and delight.
Grits Cookies Recipe
You will need:
1 cup of cooked grits
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
1 cup of sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the cooked grits.
- Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
These cookies are a delightful surprise! The grits add a unique texture and flavor that's sure to impress. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a truly Southern treat.
Learn more about 🍪 Grits Cookies Recipe: A Southern Delight 🍪 or discover other Grits N Grace recipes.
Classic but Never Boring: Grits as a Side Dish 🍽️
Of course, we can't forget about the classic way to serve grits: as a side dish. But even here, there's room for creativity. Instead of just serving them plain, why not add some cheese and garlic for a savory treat, or sweeten them up with some butter and sugar for a dessert-like dish? The possibilities are endless.
Creative Ways to Serve Grits
- Grits Pizza Crust - Use grits as a base for a gluten-free pizza crust. Top with your favorite ingredients for a Southern twist on an Italian classic.
- Grits Breakfast Casserole - Combine grits with eggs, cheese, and your choice of breakfast meats for a hearty start to your day.
- Grits and Greens - Mix cooked grits with sauteed collard greens for a side dish that's packed with Southern flavor.
- Grits Stuffed Peppers - Fill bell peppers with a savory grits mixture, then bake until tender for a unique and delicious dinner.
- Sweet Grits Pudding - Sweeten your grits with sugar and vanilla, then top with fresh fruit for a dessert that's sure to impress.
Hopefully, these ideas have given you some inspiration for using grits in your own cooking. Remember, the best grits recipe is the one that you enjoy the most, so don't be afraid to experiment and find your own unique ways to cook grits. Happy cooking!
If you're still unsure about how to start making your own grits from scratch, here's a helpful video guide that will walk you through the process step by step.
Now that you've learned how to make grits from scratch, why not share your favorite way to cook grits in our community poll below?
What's Your Favorite Way to Cook Grits?
We've explored a variety of ways to cook grits in this article. We'd love to know your favorite method! Do you prefer them as a main course, in baking, or as a classic side dish?
Now that you've learned about the versatility of grits, why not take a moment to review this checklist? It's a handy guide to help you explore the different ways to incorporate grits into your Southern recipes.
Once you've completed this checklist, you'll be well on your way to becoming a grits cooking master. Now, let's talk about some essential cookware to help you prepare your grits.
And if you're looking for some great cookware to help you prepare your grits, I've got a few recommendations.
Unleash Your Inner Chef: Essential Cookware for Grits Lovers
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So go ahead, give these creative grits dishes a try, and discover a whole new world of Southern grits recipes. Trust me, you won't regret it!
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