Shrimp and Grits

For those of you that don't know, shrimp and grits is a Southern dish that is typically made with shrimp, peppers, and gravy served over grits. Some use sausage, or bacon, while others use both. I have never seen anyone get as excited over food as my family does whenever I make this dish. This is made with a roux, which is butter and flour that are slowly combined and cooked to different colors depending on the desired color of the sauce. The roux is used to thicken sauces and gravies.

My favorite thing about this recipe is that both the gravy and the grits are so creamy and flavorful. This recipe makes enough for four people and only takes about an hour.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup Butter, divided

• 3/4 cup Flour

• 1 and 1/2 cup Assorted Bell Peppers

• 1 cup Sweet Onion

• 1/2 lbs. Bacon

• 12 oz. Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 quart (4 cups) Heavy Cream, divided

• 4 cups Chicken Broth

• 2 cups Yellow Grits

• 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese

• 1 tsp Paprika

The Prep

Dice the onion and peppers.

Dice the bacon.

Cut each shrimp in thirds.

The Roux

Melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat.

Slowly add flour while stirring.

Continue stirring until the mixture resembles peanut butter in color.

Stir in paprika.

The Sauce

Cook the bacon in medium saucepan.

Sauté the onions and peppers in the bacon grease until the vegetables are tender.

Add the shrimp.

Season with salt and pepper.

Once the shrimp is pink, add the roux.

Add 1 and 1/2 cups chicken broth

Bring to boil.

Add 2 cups heavy cream.

Turn heat to low to keep warm.

The Grits

Boil the remaining 2 and 1/2 cups of chicken broth.

Add grits.

Add 1 cup heavy cream.

Boil for 5 minutes.

Add the remaining heavy cream.

Add cheese.

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Have Fun with It!

This classic dish is a southern favorite, especially with my family. Try it out and tell me what you thought in the comments! I hope y'all enjoy!