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Shrimp and Grits

Posted by Courtney Schupp | March 8, 2022

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Prep time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 5

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Grits
  • 2 cups Vegetable Broth or Chicken Broth (low-sodium)
  • 2 1/2 cups Water
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
  • 1 Onion medium (chopped)
  • 1 Bell Pepper (chopped)
  • 2 stalks Celery (chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (finely chopped)
  • 1 Green Chili Pepper (finely diced, optional)
  • 1 Tomato (chopped)
  • 1 pound Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese (grated)
  • 3 stalks Scallions (finely chopped)

Live Well Tips

  • This dish originates from Africa and is a classic breakfast dish in the South.
  • Grits are a porridge made from cornmeal that’s been boiled.
  • Leave the shrimp out to make this dish vegetarian.

Directions

  1. Wash hands well with soap and water.
  2. Bring the stock to a boil in a medium-sized pot, then turn the heat down to low and slowly pour the in the grits while stirring briskly with a wooden spoon. Stirring while pouring is a crucial to keep the grits creamy and smooth—no lumps! Once the grits become smooth and a little thicker, place the lid on the pot with the spoon still in it so that steam can escape.
  3. Let the grits cook while you prepare the rest of the meal, checking in occasionally to give them a stir. The total cooking time should be about 25 to 30 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, prepare the shrimp and vegetables. Heat the oil to a large pan on medium heat. Add the onion, pepper, and celery. Sauté until the onion is just translucent, about 2 minutes.
  5. Add the garlic, as well as the green chili if you like things spicy. Let everything cook for another minute. Add the tomato and cook for 3 or 4 minutes, until the tomato releases its juice and the vegetables resemble a thick and chunky sauce. Add a dribble of water to keep everything loose and saucy, then toss in the shrimp.
  6. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink all over. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Once the grits are ready, take them off the heat and add the cheese and most of the scallions, then stir. Ladle the grits into bowls and top with the shrimp, vegetables, and a few more scallions.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size 1.5 cups: Calories–342; Protein–36g; Carbohydrate–33g; Total Fat–10g; Saturated Fat–4g; Fiber–9g; Sodium–381mg

Adapted from Good and Cheap: A SNAP Cookbook