Shrimp & Cheddar Grits

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The South's version of creamy polenta, grits are easy to make on a weeknight--especially when topped with quickly broiled shrimp and scallions. Use the sharpest Cheddar you can find for these cheesy grits. Serve with: Sautéed greens and a tall glass of iced tea.

Cook Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
12 oz. shrimp & 21/2 cups grits

Ingredients

  • 1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth

  • 1 ½ cups water

  • 3/4 cup quick grits, (not instant) (see Shopping Tip)

  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided

  • ¾ cup extra-sharp or sharp Cheddar cheese

  • 1 pound peeled and deveined raw shrimp, (16-20 per pound; see Shopping Tip)

  • 1 bunch scallions, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

  • teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Position rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler.

  2. Bring broth and water to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in grits and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Cover to keep warm.

  3. Meanwhile, toss shrimp, scallions, oil, garlic powder, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper and salt in a medium bowl. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet. Broil, stirring once, until the shrimp are pink and just cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes. Serve the grits topped with the broiled shrimp and scallions.

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Tips

Shopping Tips:
Look for quick grits near oatmeal and other hot cereals or near cornmeal in the baking aisle.

Shrimp is usually sold by the number needed to make one pound. For example, “21-25 count” means there will be 21 to 25 shrimp in a pound. Size names, such as “large” or “extra large,” are not standardized, so to be sure you're getting the size you want, order by the count (or number) per pound. Both wild-caught and farm-raised shrimp can damage the surrounding ecosystems when not managed properly. Fortunately, it is possible to buy shrimp that have been raised or caught with sound environmental practices. Look for fresh or frozen shrimp certified by an independent agency, such as Wild American Shrimp or Marine Stewardship Council. If you can't find certified shrimp, choose wild-caught shrimp from North America--it's more likely to be sustainably caught.

Cut Down on Dishes: A rimmed baking sheet is great for everything from roasting to catching accidental drips and spills. For effortless cleanup and to keep your baking sheets in tip-top shape, line them with a layer of foil before each use.

Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, May/June 2008

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

338 Calories
13g Fat
30g Carbs
25g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 3 oz. shrimp & 2/3 cup grits
Calories 338
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 30g 11%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 25g 49%
Total Fat 13g 16%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 165mg 55%
Vitamin A 641IU 13%
Vitamin C 5mg 5%
Folate 116mcg 29%
Sodium 1090mg 47%
Calcium 227mg 17%
Iron 2mg 11%
Magnesium 47mg 11%
Potassium 340mg 7%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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