Easy Shrimp and Grits (Polenta)
Yield 2 servings
Ingredients
- 10-12 shrimp (size 26-30) raw, peeled and deveined
- 3-4 slices bacon, raw, chopped
- ½ cup coarse ground grits/cornmeal
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock or broth
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup, high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- salt
- smoked paprika
- crushed red pepper flakes
- pepper
- 1 large clove garlic, crushed
- 1-2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼-1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a medium size pot, bring water and stock or broth to a boil.
- Add cayenne pepper, a dash of salt and a light sprinkling of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Stir in the grits and cook, stirring often, over medium low-heat, until water is absorbed, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- While the grits are cooking (keep stirring them though!) pat the shrimp dry and sprinkle with a little salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Fry the bacon in a large skillet until browned; drain well and remove from pan.
- In the same pan that you cooked the bacon in (with a little bacon grease left in it) add the shrimp. Cook until the shrimp slightly browns on one side, then flip the shrimp over and add the lemon juice, chopped bacon, parsley, scallions, and garlic. (Hold just a little cheese, scallions and parsley back for garnish.) Sauté for 3 minutes more.
- When done, remove the cooked grits/polenta from heat and stir in the butter and cheese.
- Divide the shrimp mixture and cooked grits into two portions and sprinkle with a little extra cheese, parsley and scallions.
Notes
- To lower the sodium use water or zero-sodium stock or broth and low-sodium bacon and cheese. You can also skip the added salt.
- If you love garlic (I do!) add 2-3 cloves of smashes roasted garlic to the grits/polenta near the end of the cooking time.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size about 1 1/2 cups
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 502 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat 24 g | 37% | |
Unsaturated Fat 12 g | ||
Cholesterol 124 mg | 41% | |
Sodium 911 mg | 38% | |
Total Carbohydrates 35 g | 12% | |
Dietary Fiber 2 g | 8% | |
Protein 30 g | 60% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Recipe by Empty Nest Eats at https://emptynesteats.com/easy-shrimp-and-grits-polenta/