RECIPE SHRIMP AND GRITS SOUTHERN LIVING RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat and soak the grits. Combine the water, grits, bay leaves, and salt in a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Immediately turn off the heat, cover, and set aside for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, clean the shrimp.
• Peel and devein the shrimp. Clean the shrimp: insert the tip of a pair of kitchen shears between the shrimp and the top of its shell, and begin cutting through the shell down the length of the shrimp. Stop when you get to the tail. Peel back the shell from either side and discard. Pinch the tail where it meets the body of the shrimp and gently pull. The rest of the shrimp should pull cleanly out of the tail. Gently run your paring knife along the back of the shrimp. Gently pull up the vein with the tip of your paring knife, starting near the top and continuing to the bottom, and remove the vein.
• Boil the grits. Return the grits to medium-high heat and boil uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir the grits occasionally, scraping the bottom to prevent clumping or burning. While the grits cook, get the shrimp mixture started in another pan.
• Cook the sausage and tomato mixture. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 1 minute per side. Add the bell pepper, scallions, and garlic, and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and their juices, oregano, Creole seasoning, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook until the juices thicken, about 6 minutes. You can keep the sauce warm over low heat until the grits are ready.
• Finish the grits. The grits are done when all of the water is absorbed and the grits are al dente (tender with a toothsome bite). Remove from the heat and discard the bay leaves. Add the butter and cheese and stir until melted and combined.
• Cook the shrimp just before serving. When the grits are ready, add the shrimp to the tomato mixture and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Serve the shrimp mixture over the grits. Divide the grits between serving bowls and top with a generous spoonful of the shrimp mixture. Sprinkle with the reserved scallions greens and serve hot.

Steps:

• Bring 4 cups chicken broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a large saucepan; stir in grits.
• Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes.
• Stir together grits, 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese.
• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add green onions, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté 5 minutes or until tender.
• Stir together green onion mixture, grits mixture, shrimp, and next 3 ingredients.
• Pour into a lightly greased 2-quart baking dish.
• Sprinkle top with remaining 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese.
• Bake at 350° for 30 to 45 minutes.