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Comforting Shrimp and Grits Recipe with Spicy Tasso Gravy Made Easy

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A soulful Southern dish featuring creamy stone-ground grits topped with plump shrimp and a rich, spicy tasso gravy that balances smoky and peppery flavors perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 ounces tasso ham, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon fat
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the grits: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring frequently, for about 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy.
  2. Stir in 2 tablespoons butter, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
  3. Prepare the spicy tasso gravy: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon fat in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced tasso ham and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned and aromatic.
  4. Add chopped yellow onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour over the mixture, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.
  6. Slowly pour in 2 cups chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
  7. Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until gravy thickens to a pourable consistency.
  8. Cook the shrimp: In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  9. Sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Avoid overcooking.
  10. Assemble: Spoon creamy grits into bowls, top with sautéed shrimp, and ladle spicy tasso gravy over everything.
  11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

If gravy gets too thick, stir in a splash of broth to loosen. Use stone-ground grits for best texture. Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch slurry. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp and grits, spicy tasso gravy, Southern recipe, comfort food, creamy grits, seafood, easy dinner

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