**Creamy Grits with Tomato Gravy and Greens: A Southern Comfort Food Delight**
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our creamy grits recipe, a harmonious blend of flavors that pays homage to the culinary traditions of the American South. This hearty dish features a velvety smooth base of stone-ground grits simmered in creamy milk, kissed with a hint of butter and salt for an irresistible richness. The star of the show, however, is the tantalizing tomato gravy, a luscious concoction crafted from fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes, sweet onions, aromatic garlic, and a touch of zesty spices. Accompanying this delectable duo are tender collard greens, soulfully braised in a savory broth infused with smoky bacon and a hint of vinegar, resulting in a harmonious balance of flavors that will transport you to the heart of Southern cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this detailed recipe guide will empower you to create this iconic dish, sure to become a favorite among family and friends.
GRITS AND GREENS CASSEROLE
Provided by Trisha Yearwood
Categories side-dish
Time 1h30m
Yield 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the half-and-half and 6 cups of the chicken stock and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once up to a boil, stir in the grits. Bring it back up to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer, stirring frequently, until the mixture has slightly thickened (it should resemble cooked oatmeal in thickness), 10 to 15 minutes. Use a whisk to break up any lumps that have formed.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until just turning crispy, about 7 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel, patting it to remove any excess fat. Using the same saucepan, add the onions to the leftover bacon drippings and saute until translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Then add the collard greens and the remaining 2 cups chicken stock and cook until tender, another 10 minutes. Drain the collards and onions in a colander.
- Once the grits are done, add the Parmesan, butter, salt, pepper and 1/2 cup of the Monterey jack. Stir until the butter has melted and all the ingredients are well combined. Then add the drained collards mixture and stir.
- Transfer the grits mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with the crumbled bacon and the remaining 1/2 cup Monterey jack. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15 minutes.
GRITS AND GREENS
This weeknight dinner is the perfect homey and rustic dish. Quick-cooking grits become extra flavorful because they are simmered in vegetable stock and get a creamy bite from the combination of milk and sharp Cheddar that's stirred in once the grits are tender. Using both collard greens and Swiss chard lends more interesting and varied tastes and textures. Because the leaves are cooked just until wilted, apple cider vinegar is added at the end to help balance out any bitterness. A little hot sauce splashed on just before serving helps tie the entire dish together, awakening the flavors in both the greens and grits.
Provided by Vallery Lomas
Categories weeknight, vegetables, main course, side dish
Time 40m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Make the grits: In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable stock and 2 cups water over medium-high until boiling. Once boiling, slowly pour in the grits while whisking to reduce lumps. Once the grits come to a boil, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook, whisking frequently, until thickened, 5 to 8 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the stove. Season the grits with the pepper, then stir in the milk and cheese until the cheese melts. Season to taste with salt. Set aside and cover to keep warm.
- Meanwhile, make the greens: Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high. Add the shallot and garlic, and cook, stirring often, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the red-pepper flakes, collards and chard. Toss to combine until wilted, 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt, add the vegetable stock and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the greens are very tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the vinegar, and season again to taste with salt and pepper. Divide the grits among plates and top with the greens and a dash of hot sauce.
CREAMY GRITS
Steps:
- Bring the milk and water to a boil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the salt. Slowly add the grits, stirring constantly. When the grits begin to thicken, turn the heat down to low and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the grits from scorching. Add the butter and cream, stirring to incorporate thoroughly, and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the pepper. Serve the grits immediately or keep them warm, covered, in a double boiler over simmering water.
- Note: If the grits are too thick, stir in more cream or milk. Remember that grits solidify as they cool; they will get thicker once on the plates.
CREAMY GRITS
This delicious Southern recipe for creamy grits comes from chef Frank Stitt's cookbook, Frank Stitt's Southern Table.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil; add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. In a slow, steady stream, whisk in grits. Continue whisking constantly to prevent clumps until they come to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until grits are thickened and tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Add butter and cheese, stirring to combine; season with salt and pepper. Add hot sauce, and more butter and cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh produce, herbs, and spices will give your creamy grits with tomato gravy and greens the best flavor.
- Cook the Grits Slowly: Low and slow cooking will help the grits develop a creamy texture.
- Use a Good Quality Stock: A flavorful stock will add depth and richness to the gravy.
- Don't Overcook the Greens: Overcooked greens will be tough and bitter.
- Serve Immediately: Creamy grits with tomato gravy and greens are best served hot and fresh.
Conclusion:
Creamy grits with tomato gravy and greens is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is also a great way to use up leftover greens. With a few simple tips, you can make this dish at home that will rival any restaurant meal.
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