Momma's Shrimp and Cheese Grits

I have tried a number of shrimp and grits recipes, but have not found one I really like. So I decided to experiment a bit and created a simple but delicious recipe that will surely please the taste buds. In New Orleans we like our cayenne pepper, so use less if you don't like so much heat.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 419 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 green onions, diced
• 3 ⅓ cups water
• 2 pinches cayenne pepper, or to taste
• ¾ cup cubed processed cheese food (such as Velveeta®)
• ⅔ cup uncooked grits
• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined - thawed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring water to a boil in a saucepan; stir grits and salt into the boiling water, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer grits until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Step 2

Melt 1/4 cup butter in a pan over medium heat; cook and stir garlic until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in green onions, cooking until green onions are wilted, another 4 minutes.

Step 3

Mix shrimp into the garlic and green onions and cook until shrimp are firm and pink, about 5 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Just before serving, mix 1/4 cup butter into the cooked grits, followed by processed cheese. Mix thoroughly until creamy and cheese is melted. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 5

Place grits in a bowl, top with the shrimp, and pour pan sauce over shrimp and grits to serve.