Shrimp and Grits

Ingredients

• •Shrimp
• •Stone-ground grits
• •Chicken stock
• •Cheddar cheese
• •Bacon
• •Yellow onion
• •Garlic
• •Butter
• •Green onion
• •Lemon juice

Steps

1. 1Bring chicken stock and a splash of water to a boil in a saucepan, then whisk in the stone-ground grits.
2. 2Reduce the heat to low and let the grits simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring often, until thick and creamy.
3. 3Stir shredded cheddar cheese and a knob of butter into the finished grits and keep them warm over low heat.
4. 4Meanwhile, cook chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat for about 6 minutes, until crisp, then remove it and set it aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
5. 5Add diced onion to the bacon fat and cook for 4 minutes, until softened, then stir in minced garlic for 30 seconds.
6. 6Toss in the peeled shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and just cooked through.
7. 7Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and season with salt and black pepper.
8. 8Spoon the warm cheesy grits into bowls and top with the shrimp mixture.
9. 9Scatter the reserved crispy bacon and chopped green onion over the top before serving.