Shrimp & Cheesy Grits

Comfort food doesn't have to take all day to cook.  This Southern classic is ready for dinner in about 30 minutes.  Quick cooking grits are a real time saver and are ready in just 5 minutes.

Recipe developed for Beemster

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

6 slices bacon, chopped
1 pound extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 small onion, chopped
1 large tomato, chopped
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1 cup shrimp, seafood or vegetable stock
1 cup quick-cooking grits
3/4 cup shredded Beemster Mild
1/4 cup grated Beemster XO or Aged
3 green onions, chopped

Cook bacon in large skillet over medium-low heat, 6 minutes or until crisp.  Remove bacon from skillet.

In hot bacon drippings, cook onion over medium heat 4 minutes or until tender.  Stir in tomato and cook 2 minutes.

Stir in flour and paprika and cook 1 minute.  Stir in stock and bacon and bring to a boil over high heat.  Reduce heat to low and simmer 2 minutes or until sauce is slightly thickened.

Stir in shrimp and cook 5 minutes or until shrimp turn pink, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, bring water to a boil in medium saucepan.  Stir in grits and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally or until grits are done.  Stir in Beemster Cheeses.

Serve shrimp over grits and sprinkle with green onion.


Tip:  To make this meatless, omit bacon.  Cook onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil.  Increase smoked paprika to 1 teaspoon.