Cajun Spiced Cheesy Grits Recipes

CHEESY CAJUN SHRIMP AND GRITS

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, until thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese and butter until melted; keep warm., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Cook and stir shrimp in bacon drippings until shrimp turn pink, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in Cajun seasoning and parsley., Divide grits among 8 serving bowls; top with shrimp mixture and the bacon.

CAJUN SPICED CHEESY GRITS

Steps:

• In 2-quart saucepan, heat milk, water, Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper and garlic powder to boiling. Gradually add grits, stirring constantly. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
• Add cheeses to grits mixture; stir until cheese is melted. Serve warm. Garnish with onions.

CHEESY CREOLE GRITS

Steps:

• In a large saucepot combine 3 cups of water, milk, Creole seasoning and salt. Bring to a boil.
• Whisking, add grits in a slow steady stream. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover, stirring occasionally until thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and stir in butter and cheese. Top with Andouille Sausage Creole, if desired.

CRISPY CAJUN SHRIMP AND CHEESY GRITS

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until melted. Add the corn and scallion whites and saute for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add 1 cup water. Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture until smooth. Add the stock and milk and bring to a simmer.
• Slowly rain in the grits while whisking vigorously. Bring to a simmer and keep at a light simmer while stirring constantly, about 15 minutes. Add the cheese and remaining 2 tablespoons butter and whisk until smooth. If the grits are too tight, add a bit more water to loosen them up. Season to taste.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed pot until a deep-frying thermometer registers 350 degrees F. Fry the shrimp until crispy, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
• Toss the hot crispy shrimp with the warm Cajun Butter. Spoon the shrimp over bowls of grits with some of the butter. Slice the reserved scallion greens very thinly on the bias and sprinkle on top.
• Mix the paprika, sugar, cayenne, celery seed, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper together in a bowl. Heat a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Put the spice mixture in the skillet and toast to waken up the flavors, about 3 minutes. Add the butter and melt until foamy.

CAJUN VEGGIES AND GRITS

Steps:

• Bring 3 cups of the vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan. Slowly stir in the grits. Return to a boil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Turn down the heat and stir in the Monterey Jack, Cheddar and cream cheese. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the butter and keep warm.
• Heat the remaining 2 cups broth in a separate saucepan until hot.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil and remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, zucchini, corn, onion, bell pepper and jalapeno to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Season the vegetables with the Cajun seasoning. Continue to cook until well browned, an additional minute. Add the tomato paste. Stir in the hot broth and add hot sauce and black pepper to taste. Cook until the vegetables are tender but not mushy, another 2 minutes. Add the lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
• To serve, spoon a hefty serving of grits into a bowl. Top with the veggies and sauce. Garnish with some scallions and serve.

CAJUN STEAK AND GRITS

Steps:

• Cut the steak into 4 equal-size pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Rub the Cajun seasoning all over the steak. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until almost smoking. Add the steak; cook until charred in spots, about 4 minutes per side for medium rare. Remove to a plate.
• Meanwhile, make the grits: Bring 3 1/2 cups water to a boil in a large saucepan; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk in the grits and reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 5 to 6 minutes. Lower the heat and whisk in the cheese, milk and 2 tablespoons butter; season with salt and pepper. Keep warm over low heat.
• In the same skillet you cooked the steak, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper and celery and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and browned, 7 to 8 minutes. Add the vinegar and cook until evaporated, about 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter.
• Divide the grits among bowls. Slice the steak and place on top of the grits. Top with the vegetable mixture and celery leaves.