Southern Shrimp and Grits

Southern Shrimp and Grits is a classic dish that combines tender shrimp cooked in a flavorful sauce served over creamy and cheesy grits. It's a popular dish in the Southern United States and is known for its rich and comforting flavors. Here's a general guide on how to make Southern Shrimp and Grits:

Ingredients:

For the shrimp:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

For the grits:

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

For the shrimp:

1. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for a minute or two to cook off the raw flour taste.
5. Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another minute to heat through and allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the cooked bacon and chopped parsley over the shrimp mixture for added flavor and garnish.

For the grits:

1. In a large saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the grits, stirring occasionally, until they are thick and tender, about 20-25 minutes.
3. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and butter until melted and incorporated into the grits. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

To serve:

1. Spoon a generous portion of the creamy grits onto a plate or bowl.
2. Ladle the shrimp and sauce over the grits, ensuring each serving gets a good amount of shrimp and sauce.
3. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Southern Shrimp and Grits is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together the flavors of tender shrimp, creamy grits, and savory sauce. It's perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner and will surely impress your guests or loved ones. Enjoy!