Creamy Cajun Shrimp Grits -

- 1 cup stone-ground grits - 4 cups chicken broth - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 3 tablespoons butter - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green) - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup sliced green onions (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Grits

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Creamy Cajun Shrimp Grits, a Southern favorite that brings warmth to any dinner table. This delicious dish features stone-ground grits simmered in chicken broth, enriched with cream and sharp cheddar cheese, all topped with succulent shrimp seasoned with zesty Cajun spices. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special family gathering, it's easy to whip up and sure to impress. Explore the heart of Southern cuisine with this delightful recipe!

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Ingredients

For the Grits:

1 cup stone-ground grits

4 cups chicken broth (or water for a lighter option)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Cajun Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup diced bell pepper (choose between green or red for color)

1/2 cup diced onion (yellow or white for sweetness)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Cook the Grits:

- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.

- Gradually whisk in the stone-ground grits, stirring continuously to avoid lumps forming.

- Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir often, ensuring the grits become thick and creamy.

- Once the grits have reached the desired consistency, stir in the heavy cream, unsalted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted and is fully incorporated. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover and keep warm.

Prepare the Cajun Shrimp:

- In a medium mixing bowl, coat the peeled and deveined shrimp evenly with the Cajun seasoning, ensuring every piece is well-covered for maximum flavor.

- Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp appear pink and opaque. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.

- In the same skillet, add the diced bell pepper and onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Combine and Serve:

- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss everything together and cook for another minute to ensure everything is heated through.

- To plate, spoon a generous portion of the creamy grits onto each plate, then top with the Cajun shrimp and vegetable mixture. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | Serves 4

Presentation Tips: For an attractive presentation, consider serving the grits in shallow bowls and artfully arranging the shrimp mixture on top. Add a sprinkle of additional green onions and a lemon wedge on each plate for a vibrant touch.