Shrimp and Grits

Ingredients

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4 ounces bacon, diced

1 ½ cups onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tomatoes, chopped

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 lbs medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 ½ tsp cajun seasoning

3 1/3 cups water, divided

1 ½ Tbsp butter

1 ½ cup milk

¾ tsp salt

1 ½ cups quick cooking grits (uncooked)

6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 bunch green onions, sliced

 Method

1.       In large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until starting to render.  Add onion and cook together til onion is translucent to golden.  Add garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.  Add tomatoes and cook until softened.  Add 1/3 cup water and reduce for about 5 minutes.  Place sauce in a separate bowl and wipe out pan to cook shrimp.

2.       In skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat til very hot but not smoking.  Add shrimp and sprinkle with cajun seasonings.  Cook 3 minutes turning once.  Add back in sauce from step 1 and the butter.  Cover pan and take off heat.

3.       Bring milk, salt and 3 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium high heat.  Once it boils, reduce heat to medium low and add in grits while whisking.  Continue cooking for about 5 minutes while stirring.  When thick, remove from heat and stir in cheese until it melts. 

4.      Spoon grits into shallow bowls or onto plate, top with shrimp and sauce and green onions.