Ingredients:

For the Grits:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 1 cup whole milk
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– Salt, to taste

For the Shrimp:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 small bell pepper, finely chopped
– 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Stone-Ground Grits:
– In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil over high heat.
– Gradually whisk in the grits, reduce the heat to low, and let them simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping.
– Once the grits have thickened, add the milk, butter, and salt. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency. Set aside.

2. Cook the Shrimp:
– In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and reserve the drippings in the skillet.
– In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
– Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
– Pour chicken or vegetable broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook until the liquid reduces by half.
– Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

3. Serve and Enjoy:
– Spoon a generous portion of creamy stone-ground grits onto each plate.
– Top the grits with a generous serving of the shrimp sauce.
– Garnish with crumbled bacon, fresh parsley, and, if desired, a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning.
– Serve the Shrimp and Grits while still hot and revel in the flavorful delight.

Tips and Variations:

– For a twist on the classic, try adding a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp sauce for a little kick.
– Jazz up your grits by stirring in a handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese or crumbled feta while they are still hot.
– To make it a complete meal, serve Shrimp and Grits with a side of steamed vegetables or collard greens.
– Don’t have access to stone-ground grits? No worries! You can use regular grits or even polenta as a substitute. The texture may differ slightly, but the dish will still taste divine.

Conclusion:

Shrimp and Grits is a dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors and traditions of the South. Its captivating tale, rich history, and soul-warming taste make it a culinary masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re an ardent aficionado of Southern cuisine or embarking on a culinary adventure, this recipe is sure to wow your taste buds and transport you straight to the heart of the Lowcountry. Savor each bite and make memories that will last a lifetime!