Shrimp n Grits

If you have Southern roots. or you like Southern food, you should be no stranger to Shrimp and Grits. This is definitely comfort food. Smooth creamy grits, flavorful shrimp, and a garnish of green onions, make this a satisfying breakfast or dinner. I like to serve this with piping hot biscuits or crusty french bread. If you have never had grits before, just think of it as the southern version of polenta. 

 

 Start with 1-2 pounds of large uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

I like to kick this up by adding cajun spices and finishing the shrimjp off on the grill, but when I am pressed for time, a good skillet works perfectly:-)

 

Grits are experiencing a moment of being trendy, but in my family this is no food trend, we grew up eating Grits and I have always loved them. I have always enjoyed Grits for breakfast, but Shrimp and Grits is perfect for dinner. This would be a great dish to have on Sunday after church with an ice cold glass of sweet tea.

 

Ingredients

 

4 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup whipping cream

1 cup quick cooking grits

1 tablespoon butter

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup cheddar cheese

salt and pepper to taste

green onions for garnish

 

Shrimp

 

1-2 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined

1 clove of garlic minced

1 tablespoon Cajun or creole seasoning

1 teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon butter 

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1/4 cup chicken broth

 

Directions:

 

Mix Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste and set aside. Sprinkle Cajun or Creole seasoning and paprika on shrimp. Heat butter and saute garlic until fragrant. Add Shrimp and cook until they turn pink. Add sauce mixture  and broth and simmer for a couple of minutes.  If  your sauce is too thick, simply thin it out with a little water or chicken broth.

 

For the Grits:

 

Bring chicken broth and whipping cream to a slow boil (simmer). Stir in the grits and a pinch of salt. Continue stirring until grits are thickened, stir in the butter and cheese. Spoon grits into serving bowls and top each serving with shrimp mixture and a sprinkling og green onions.

Bon Appetit!

Grilled Shrimp Po Boys

Have you ever had shrimp a po boy? If you haven't, you are surely missing out. I experienced my first po boy in New Orleans and it was love at first bite. My love for shrimp knows my bounds and this sandwich hits the spot perfectly. If you love shrimp, this is the recipe for you!

Traditionally, the shrimp is fried and piled high on buttery toasted baguettes with a flavorful aioli and either lettuce and tomatoes or a spicy slaw. I have recreated the traditional po boy into a healthier alternative by grilling the shrimp, rather than frying it. A spicy aioli sauce is the perfect finishing touch.

Start with medium shrimp, peel and devein

Make sure you make your baguettes with the freshest baguette you can find. Great bread and fresh shrimp is what makes a great po boy

Ingredients

Bamboo skewers that have been soaked in water 15-30 minutes

1 pound medium shrimp cleaned and deveined

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon creole seasoning

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 lemon juiced

1 tablespoon hot sauce

2 french baguettes slice lengthwise in half

Shredded romaine lettuce

2 small tomatoes sliced thinly

For the spicy aioli

1 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon dijon mustard

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon cajun seasoning

1 -2 teaspoons siracha (or your favorite hot sauce)

Directions: 

Place 4-5 shrimp on each skewer. Combine oil, seasonings, lemon and hot sauce. Mix well and pour over shrimp. Let the shrimp marinate for 30 minutes. Preheat grill to medium heat and grill shrimp 4-5 minutes. Flip once and cook on each side a little over 2 minutes.

Add the sliced baguette to the grill. You can spread the baguette with a light layer of butter for more flavor, or cook on grill dry to toast the baguette.

 Remove shrimp from skewer, spread baguette with spicy aioli or serve on the side. Add lettuce and tomatoes and pile the baguettes high with shrimp. Now take a bit bite.

Repeat

So good

Bon Appetit!