Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Cajun cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, history, and culture that has its roots in the diverse heritage of Louisiana. Originating from the Acadian settlers who arrived in the region, Cajun cooking embodies a spirit of community and resourcefulness, often utilizing local ingredients and time-honored techniques. This culinary tradition celebrates bold spices, hearty meals, and a love for bringing people together around the dinner table.

Discover the rich flavors of Cajun cuisine with this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Grits recipe. Perfect for any meal, from breakfast to dinner, this dish combines velvety stone-ground grits with zesty, seasoned shrimp for a satisfying experience. Learn about the history and significance of grits in Southern cooking, along with tips for achieving the ideal texture and flavor. Delight your family and friends with this comforting, versatile dish that brings people together around the table.

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Ingredients

For the Grits:

1 cup stone-ground grits

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Cajun Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Grits:

- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in the stone-ground grits. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring often until thickened.

- Stir in the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and butter. Mix until creamy and smooth. Finally, fold in the grated cheddar cheese until melted. Cover and keep warm.

Cook the Cajun Shrimp:

- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

- Add the minced garlic, stirring for another minute until fragrant.

- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until well coated.

- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

- Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.

Serve:

- Spoon a generous portion of the creamy grits onto each plate and top with the Cajun shrimp mixture.

- Garnish with sliced green onions for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your creamy Cajun shrimp and grits!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings