Classic Shrimp and Grits

My version of the classic recipe published in "The New York Times" that launched the beloved Southern cuisine into a national passion

Classic Shrimp and Grits

Cheddar cheese, shrimp, bacon, mushrooms

For years, I wondered why the iconic beloved Southern combo is shrimp and grits -- not bacon and grits, sausage and grits or perhaps gravy and grits. It turns out the history dates back to the days of fishermen in the low country coastal waters of Georgia and the Carolina's during shrimp season. Because the fishermen were out for up to 24 hours at a time, they would prepare easy, one-pot meals. Grits are a readily available, economical Southern staple and when fresh shrimp from the catch was fried in bacon grease and eaten with the grits, it became a popular regional starter meal of the day.

Destin's first Shrimp and Grits Fest was perfect for sampling a variety of recipes

Eventually "breakfast shrimp" made its way to the menu of Crook's Corner in Chapel Hill, North Carolina in the early 1980's where owner/chef Bill Neal created what I consider the modern classic version of shrimp and grits. I was totally surprised it wasn't all that long ago that shrimp and grits transformed from a regional to national passion. In 1985 Food Editor Craig Claiborne published Chef Neal's recipe in "The New York Times" and that is what stirred the interest for home cooks and restaurants alike. My version is inspired by Neal's original recipe with a few changes.

Shrimp and grits without some extra pizzazz can be a bit bland, which is ok if you aren't the sort of person who wants Cajun or Creole seasoning first thing in the morning. By including an element with a smoky kick, it truly makes the recipe come together. Examples include crispy apple wood bacon, andouille sausage, smoked paprika, Cajun and/or Creole seasoning.

Chef Neal's restaurant, then and now, serves very large shrimp (26/30 count), dusted in flour prior to pan frying them in bacon drippings. A lemon wedge is included with each bowl, which is a nice touch, but more than I typically do. In contrast, I lightly coat the shrimp in extra virgin olive oil, then heavily dust both sides with Cajun seasoning and pan fry at a medium-high temperature to achieve a blackened exterior.

Of course, purists will insist on stone ground grits, which is the preferred type of grits, but they aren't always available, so quick-cooking grits are suitable for a substitute. I prefer shell stock instead of the original all-water base. Sharp cheddar cheese is essential -- mild cheddar is too bland. Although it seems it would be a quick entree, there are three main elements to preparing this recipe and each one involves multiple steps, so plan accordingly. There's many fun variations to shrimp and grits, but a classic recipe like this is delicious and comforting. For a more detailed history of shrimp and grits, please read my post about the first annual Destin, Florida Shrimp & Grits festival.

Snowbird meals tend to be much simpler, using fewer ingredients and a very limited selection of appliances and gadgets to prepare them. Choose the freshest, highest quality ingredients and find alternate ways to make your favorite recipes. Forget about what you don't have to cook with, instead focus on what you can accomplish with what you do have. - Midlife Snowbird

Ingredients

One pound 26/30 count or 31/35 count raw shrimp, peeled/deveined, reserve shells

4 1/2 cups shrimp shell stock OR chicken OR vegetable stock (OR use a combo of half water and stock)

1 1/2 cups baby bella mushrooms, sliced thinly

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup stone ground or quick cooking grits

3/4 cup half and half or cream

1/2 cup scallions, sliced

1/8 cup flour

4 to 5 slices thick cut applewood bacon, cooked, torn into pieces

3 T. butter or margarine

1-2 T. Cajun seasoning or to taste

1-2 T. extra virgin olive oil

2 T. Tabasco® sauce or to taste

1 T. lemon juice

2 t. garlic cloves, minced

1/4 t. fresh cracked pepper

Kosher, Cajun or Creole salt to taste

Optional:

Lemon wedges, sea scallops or lobster or andouille sausage or diced Canadian bacon and/or fresh greens such as spinach, kale, chard

Recommended: Tabasco® pepper sauce, Quaker® instant grits, original flavor, Zatarain's® New Orleans Style Creole seasoning

Preparation

SHRIMP/BACON

Remove shells from shrimp, then set shrimp and shells aside

Fill small sauce pan with 5 to 6 cups water, bring to boil

Add shrimp shells and reduce to simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes

Use a lid or sieve to reserve the liquid, discard shells

Preheat large skillet over medium heat, then cook bacon until crispy, reserve drippings

Remove bacon and set aside, tear into pieces when cool

Rinse/dry shrimp, coat lightly in extra virgin olive oil

Turn heat up to medium high, then add shrimp to drippings in a single layer

Pan fry shrimp for about 90 seconds or more per side until the exterior is blackened and the interior isn't opaque. Flip over with a spatula until entirely no longer translucent. Do not overcook. Remove from pan and set aside.

GRITS

In a medium stock pot, add four cups stock, bring to a boil

Whisk grits into boiling liquid so the grits don't clump

Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 20 to 25 minutes for stone ground grits or 5 to 10 minutes for instant grits. The grits will absorb much of the liquid and soften. Stir frequently to prevent burning

Stir in 2 T. butter or margarine, cream or half and half, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese and 1 t. Tabasco® sauce or to taste

Add 1/2 t. Kosher, Cajun or Creole salt or to taste

Reduce heat to low and keep warm until ready to serve. Stir once in awhile.