Cajun Veggies And Grits Recipes

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.

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.