Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Grits

When it comes to Southern cuisine, few dishes embody the essence of comfort food quite like shrimp and grits. This delightful combination of tender shrimp nestled atop a bed of creamy, buttery grits not only warms the soul but also represents a rich culinary tradition that spans generations. Originating in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, shrimp and grits began as a simple breakfast dish for fishermen and evolved into a beloved gourmet offering served in restaurants across the South and beyond.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Discover the comfort of Cajun Dream: Creamy Shrimp & Grits, a dish that beautifully blends the bounty of the ocean with the heartiness of Southern cooking. This classic recipe features succulent shrimp over creamy stone-ground grits, elevated by a mix of flavorful Cajun spices and vibrant sautéed vegetables. Perfect for any meal, it's easy to make and sure to impress. Dive into this culinary delight that captures the essence of Southern tradition.

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Ingredients

For the Grits:

1 cup coarse stone-ground grits

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Salt, to taste

Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Cajun Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Grits:

- In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in the grits, ensuring no lumps form. Immediately reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.

- Once the grits are fully cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, sharp cheddar cheese, unsalted butter, and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Keep the creamy grits warm by covering them or placing them on low heat while you prepare the shrimp.

Cook the Shrimp:

- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, season the peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are well coated.

- Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet, placing them on a plate, and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

- In the same skillet used for the shrimp, add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

- Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant. Incorporate the diced tomatoes, allowing the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors.

Combine:

- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, mixing them thoroughly with the sautéed vegetables and tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 2 minutes for everything to heat through and combine well.

Serve:

- To serve, spoon generous portions of the creamy grits onto individual plates. Top each serving with the flavorful Cajun shrimp mixture. Garnish with sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Include lemon wedges on the side for an added zesty kick that enhances the dish!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: For an elegant look, use a ring mold to shape the grits on the plate, and delicately spoon the shrimp mixture on top. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can add a beautiful touch and hint at the Cajun flavors. Enjoy!