SHRIMP AND GRITS WITH ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE RECIPES

Steps:

• Bring the milk, 2 cups water, 2 3/4 teaspoons salt and the sugar to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Vigorously whisk in the grits until the liquid comes back to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer, whisking occasionally and scraping the bottom and sides of the pan to prevent sticking, until the grits are tender and thick, 35 to 45 minutes. Whisk in the butter until melted. Cover and set aside until ready to serve.
• Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil a large skillet over high heat until you see wisps of smoke rising from the pan. Cook half the shrimp until lightly browned on both sides, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a large bowl. Repeat with 1 more tablespoon of the oil and the remaining shrimp.  
• Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the andouille in an even layer. Cook undisturbed until browned on one side, about 1 minute. Transfer to the bowl with the shrimp.  
• Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in the same skillet and add the garlic, bell peppers, onions, jalapeno, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until brick-red colored, about 1 minute. Add the wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook until the sauce reduces and you can no longer smell any alcohol, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the shrimp, andouille, any accumulated juices and 1/4 cup water and cook until the sauce is slightly reduced and the shrimp are cooked through, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. 
• Divide the warm grits among plates. Serve the shrimp and andouille over the grits. Garnish with the scallions.  

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Bring 1 1/2 cups water to a simmer in a large saucepan.
• Meanwhile, add the grits, 1/2 cup of the Cheddar, 2 tablespoons of the butter and a few grinds of black pepper to a 2-quart casserole dish. Pour in the simmering water, and whisk until there are no lumps.
• Toss the shrimp with 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl; set aside. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bread and a pinch of salt to the butter, toss quickly to coat, then transfer to a small bowl; set aside.
• Wipe out the skillet, and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the scallions (reserve 1 tablespoon for garnish), andouille, celery, bell pepper and garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the celery and bell pepper soften, about 8 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour, stir for 1 minute, then add the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Scrape up the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. The mixture should come to a simmer quickly, then remove from the heat and stir in the shrimp. Immediately spread the shrimp mixture evenly over the grits in the casserole dish. Top with the bread and the remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar.
• Bake the casserole until the shrimp is opaque and cooked through and the top is golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Sprinkle with the reserved scallions. Serve with extra hot sauce on the side.