In the vibrant culinary tapestry of the Southern United States, there's a dish that embodies the spirit of warmth, comfort, and bold flavors - Spicy Low-Country Shrimp & Grits. This iconic dish, originating from the coastal regions of South Carolina and Georgia, is a harmonious blend of succulent shrimp, creamy grits, and a vibrant, aromatic sauce that tantalizes the taste buds.
This culinary journey begins with plump, succulent shrimp, often sourced from the pristine waters of the Atlantic Ocean. These gems of the sea are meticulously deveined and seasoned with a symphony of spices, capturing the essence of the Low-Country's rich culinary traditions.
The stage is then set for the creamy grits, a quintessential Southern staple. Stone-ground grits, crafted from coarsely ground corn, are simmered in a velvety broth, enriched with milk or cream until they reach a smooth, velvety consistency. The result is a comforting canvas that perfectly complements the vibrant flavors of the shrimp.
The true magic of this dish lies in the tantalizing sauce that envelops both shrimp and grits in a symphony of flavors. A roux, the foundational element of many Southern sauces, forms the base of this savory creation. This roux is skillfully crafted by whisking flour into hot oil until it reaches a rich, amber hue. Next, a trinity of aromatic vegetables - onions, celery, and bell peppers - is lovingly sautéed until softened and fragrant.
Tomatoes, the quintessential ingredient in many a Southern kitchen, make their presence felt, adding a vibrant red hue and a burst of tangy sweetness. A medley of spices, including paprika, cayenne, and black pepper, ignites the taste buds with a gentle heat that dances on the palate. The sauce is simmered, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a harmonious balance that is both comforting and invigorating.
The final touch comes in the form of fresh herbs, such as parsley and thyme, which lend a final layer of aromatic depth to the dish. The result is a culinary masterpiece that embodies the essence of Southern hospitality and culinary artistry.
In this article, we'll delve into the intricacies of preparing this delectable dish, providing step-by-step instructions, ingredient lists, and pro tips to ensure your Spicy Low-Country Shrimp & Grits is an unforgettable culinary experience.
SPICY LOW-COUNTRY SHRIMP AND GRITS
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 1h25m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Grits: Bring milk, salt, pepper, and butter to a boil. Stir in grits, pepper flakes, and pepper sauce over low heat. When consistency is ready, in about 45 to 50 minutes add cheese and stir.
- Shrimp: Toss shrimp in Cajun seasoning and set aside. In a saute pan, over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the sausage and render for 3 minutes. Add garlic, stir for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the shrimp and butter and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in cayenne pepper, piquillo peppers, and pepper flakes. Add half wine (drink what's leftover), and fresh herbs and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Plate grits in a shallow bowls with shrimp mixture over the top. Garnish with scallions and serve.
SPICY LOW-COUNTRY SHRIMP & GRITS
Being from the South, grits are a staple for use in so many recipes for breakfast, lunch AND dinner. I've found that I really like Polenta much better that the Dixie Lily white homoney grits I grew up on. Polenta has a rich buttery taste naturally with no need to add the amount of butter needed in homoney grits. This is my little...
Provided by sue bronner
Categories Seafood
Time 1h10m
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- 1. Grits: In a tall pot bring water to a boil with 2-3 good pinches of salt, add Polenta whisking constatly to prevent clumps. Reduce heat to simmer until it begins to thicken. Stirring occasionally, watch as it thickens and add the milk a little at a time to get the desired thickness (I don't use a full cup of milk, but it varies per taste). Salt to taste simmer on low heat 20-30 minutes, as the shrimp are prepared.
- 2. Shrimp: In a shallow bowl, add cajun seasoning and toss shrimp to cover, then set aside. In a saute pan over medium-high heat, with a portion of oilve oil, add the cooked sausage to heat through about 3-5 minutes. Add butter to melt with garlic, peppers, white wine and seasonings; cook additional 3-5 minutes until incorporated. Finally add the shrimp and cook until pink and slightly curled in shape, about 3 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste.
- 3. Plate: Spoon grits into shallow serving bowls and top with the shrimp mixture. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
Tips:
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking.
- If you don't have any andouille sausage, you can substitute another type of spicy sausage, such as chorizo or kielbasa.
- You can adjust the heat level of this dish by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
- Serve this dish with your favorite sides, such as hush puppies, coleslaw, or cornbread.
Conclusion:
This spicy low country shrimp and grits recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The shrimp are cooked in a flavorful sauce made with andouille sausage, bell peppers, onions, and spices, and served over creamy grits. This dish is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it!
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