Southern Shrimp and Hominy

Name: Southern Shrimp and Hominy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 cups water; 1 cup hominy grits; 4 oz cheddar cheese, grated; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced; 1/2 cup onions, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp lemon juice

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 40 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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If you’re looking for a dish that combines Southern comfort with a touch of elegance, this Southern Shrimp and Hominy is your answer. It’s a hearty, flavor-packed meal that brings the warmth of the South right to your kitchen table.

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Ingredients for Southern Shrimp and Hominy

Shrimp brings a fresh, oceanic flavor and delightful texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy grits. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for ease of cooking.

Hominy grits are the heart of this dish, providing a smooth and creamy base that absorbs the flavors of cheese and butter beautifully.

Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, tangy depth to the creamy grits, making every bite indulgent.

Butter is key for creating the rich, silky texture in both the grits and the shrimp mixture.

Heavy cream enhances the creaminess of the grits, making them extra luxurious.

Bell peppers and onions bring a sweet and savory balance, adding layers of flavor and a bit of crunch.

Garlic infuses the dish with a robust and aromatic undertone.

Salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper season the dish, with the cayenne adding a gentle kick of heat.

Fresh parsley provides a fresh, herby finish, while lemon juice cuts through the richness with a bright, zesty note.

Tips & Tricks

For even more flavor, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the grits.
If you like your dish spicier, add more cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
Make sure not to overcook the shrimp; they should be just pink and opaque for the perfect texture.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of sautéed greens, like collard or kale, for a complete Southern experience. A crisp, chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the creaminess and spices beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?: Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
What are hominy grits?: Hominy grits are made from dried corn that has been treated to remove the hull, giving it a unique texture and flavor when cooked.

Southern Shrimp and Hominy Recipe Walkthrough

Start by bringing your water to a boil in a medium saucepan. As it reaches a rolling boil, sprinkle in a teaspoon of salt for seasoning. This is where the magic begins.

Once the water is bubbling, slowly stir in your hominy grits. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let the grits cook for about 20 minutes, stirring them occasionally. You’re aiming for a thick, creamy consistency.

When the grits are ready, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter, all of your grated cheddar cheese, and the heavy cream. Mix until everything melts together into a smooth, creamy blend. Keep the grits warm on low heat as you move on to the shrimp.

Now, grab a large skillet and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in your diced onions and bell peppers, letting them cook until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Add in the minced garlic and allow it to sauté for another minute. The aroma will be heavenly.

Next, it’s time for the shrimp. Add them to the skillet, seasoning with black pepper and cayenne pepper. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Finish off by stirring in the lemon juice and fresh parsley. Give everything a good mix to ensure all the flavors come together.

To serve, place a generous helping of the creamy hominy grits on a plate and top with the shrimp mixture. Enjoy the delightful blend of Southern flavors!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Combines the rich, creamy texture of hominy grits with succulent shrimp.
Offers a perfect balance of spice and creaminess, thanks to a hint of cayenne pepper.
Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cups water

1 cup hominy grits

4 oz cheddar cheese, grated

4 tbsp unsalted butter

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup bell peppers, diced

1/2 cup onions, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 tbsp lemon juice

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 tsp salt.

2. Slowly stir in the hominy grits, reducing heat to low. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

3. Stir in 2 tbsp butter, grated cheddar cheese, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Keep warm.

4. In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until soft, about 5 minutes.

5. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

6. Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with black pepper and cayenne pepper. Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes on each side.