Creamy Shrimp and Grits

Southern Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage!

Dive into a comforting bowl of Southern-inspired goodness with this irresistible Shrimp and Grits recipe. The creamy, cheesy grits provide the perfect backdrop for succulent shrimp and spicy andouille sausage, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Louisiana.

As you prepare this dish, your kitchen will be filled with the tantalizing aromas of sizzling sausage, sautéed vegetables, and Cajun-spiced shrimp. The combination of textures and tastes in this recipe is sure to delight your palate, from the smooth, velvety grits to the tender shrimp and the satisfying bite of andouille sausage.

Shrimp and Grits is a beloved staple of Southern cuisine, originating in the Lowcountry of coastal South Carolina and Georgia. This version adds a Cajun twist with the inclusion of andouille sausage and Cajun seasoning, making it a perfect fusion of coastal and Creole flavors. Pair this hearty dish with a crisp white wine or a cold beer for a truly satisfying meal.

Creamy Shrimp and Grits

Ingredients:

2 cups water

2 cups milk

1/3 cup butter

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

3/4 cup stone-ground grits

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 pound andouille sausage, sliced

4 green onions, thinly sliced (whites and greens separated)

1 green bell pepper, brunoise

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 12-ounce can diced tomatoes

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

Instructions:

Heat water, milk, butter, salt, and pepper in a saucepan.

Add grits when butter melts; cook until thickened (15 minutes).

Remove from heat, stir in cheddar, and keep warm.

Meanwhile, brown andouille sausage (5-7 minutes) and set aside.

Cook onions and peppers in rendered fat until tender (10 minutes).

Add garlic, sauté briefly, then add tomatoes and cook until reduced (5 minutes).

Add sausage, shrimp, and Cajun seasoning; cook until shrimp are done (3 minutes).

Serve shrimp mixture over grits, garnished with green onion tops.

Notes:

• For a lighter version, you can substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk and use turkey sausage instead of andouille.
• To add some heat, include a diced jalapeño pepper with the bell pepper or serve with hot sauce on the side.

Nutrition Information

Recommended serving size: 1 1/2 cups

Calories: 550

Fat: 32g

Protein: 35g

Carbohydrates: 35g

Fiber: 3g

Sodium: 1200mg

Cholesterol: 180mg

Other Information

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Equipment used: Large saucepan, large skillet, wooden spoon, cheese grater

Estimated cost per serving: $3.50

Total cost: $14.00 (4 servings)

In Conclusion, Creamy Shrimp and Grits

In conclusion, this Shrimp and Grits recipe offers a delicious taste of Southern comfort food with a Cajun twist. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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