Carolina Gold Shrimp and Grits

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup (180g) stone-ground grits 1 cup (180g) stone-ground grits
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 16g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth 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 thickened.
2. 2.
   In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper over the shrimp. Stir well to coat the shrimp evenly with the spices.
5. 5.
   Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. 6.
   Serve the shrimp over a bed of creamy grits. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to devein the shrimp properly to remove the digestive tract. This can be done by making a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and removing the dark vein.
• Stone-ground grits — Use stone-ground grits for the best texture and flavor. They have a slightly coarser texture compared to instant grits, which adds a pleasant bite to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors of the dish.
• Experiment with different types of seafood, such as scallops or crab, for a variation.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in some grated cheese into the grits before serving.
• Serve the dish with a side of sautéed greens, such as collard greens or spinach, to add a nutritious element to the meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Carolina Gold Shrimp and Grits hot, allowing the creamy grits to cradle the succulent shrimp. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the dish in individual bowls, with the shrimp arranged neatly on top of the creamy grits. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the shrimp for an appetizing presentation.