BEST SHRIMP AND GRITS IN NEW ORLEANS RECIPES

Steps:

• For the grits, bring 3 1/2 cups water to a boil and stir in the grits. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the grits are tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat, add the salt, cheese and butter and stir until melted. Keep warm.
• For the shrimp, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion, pepper and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and juice and thyme; bring to a simmer. Cook for 2 or 3 minutes. Sprinkle with flour and stir well. Add the shrimp and stir constantly until they begin to turn pink, about 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup stock and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more. Add the tomato paste and stir until blended. Add the cream, Worcestershire and Tabasco and more stock if needed to make a spoonable sauce that generously coats the shrimp. Heat thoroughly, being careful not to let it come to a boil. Taste for salt.
• Place a portion of grits in the center of each plate and spoon shrimp over or around it. Sprinkle with parsley.

Steps:

• GRITS: Stir together milk, chicken broth and salt in a large sauce pan and bring to a boil. Slowly add grits while stirring constantly. When grits are thoroughly mixed, reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. When done, keep covered and set aside.
• CORN AND ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE MAQUE CHOUX: While the grits are cooking, heat bacon grease in a large pan or Dutch oven with deep sides. When grease is very hot, add red bell pepper, onion and sausage. Cook until sausage is browned and pepper and onion are tender.
• Add tomatoes and seasonings and cook until tomatoes are tender and then add the flour. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add corn and heavy cream. You may add more cream at this time, if necessary. Bring to a boil and cover. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 to15 minutes until sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
• SHRIMP: Heat 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in a skillet. Add shrimp, minced garlic and seasonings and brown the shrimp on medium high heat until shrimp is browned and cooked through.
• PLATE IT UP: In a dinner plate, spoon in some of the Maque Choux. Next, put some grits on top of the Maque Choux. Top with some of the grilled shrimp. Spoon more of the Maque Choux over the top and enjoy a taste of New Orleans!