Creamy Shrimp & Grits

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These creamy shrimp and grits will make your taste buds explode. They are so yummy that you will forget that they are actually good for you. If you like delicious brunch recipes you may also like these low carb chicken & waffles or these lemon blueberry pancakes.

If this is your first time on my blog, welcome! But if you’re a regular around here then you know that I’m a southern girl at heart. Originally from Texas with lots of Louisiana influence, I love to incorporate southern cooking into my everyday meals. Insert these creamy shrimp and grits recipe. While the origins may be in South Carolina, Louisiana has taken this popular dish and incorporated it’s on cajun flare. Filled with tons of spicy and smoky flavors it makes for an amazing meal.

ORIGINS OF SHRIMP AND GRITS

The origins of shrimp and grits actually started in Charleston SC. It was originally deemed “breakfast shrimp” and over the years have become a popular brunch item. The original recipe called for the shrimp to be cooked in bacon grease along with onions and green peppers. These shrimp were served alongside yellow or white grits. If you want to learn more about the history of this dish, you can read more about it it https://www.old-mill.com/oldmill-blog//history-shrimp-and-grits.

HOW TO MAKE CREAMY SHRIMP AND GRITS HEALTHY

I know you’re asking if there is a way to make this delectable dish healthy and I’m sure you already know my answer. Of course there is! With a few small substitutes, this dish becomes a healthier alternative than the traditional counterparts. 

First we are going to use a low fat cajun chicken sausage instead of bacon. Of course if you still want that bacon flavor, you can easily substitute it out for turkey bacon. Next instead of tons of butter and heavy cream, which is traditionally used to make creamy grits, we’re going to use almond milk and just a tbsp of butter. 

CAN I MAKE THESE FOR MEAL PREP

This meal is actually perfect for meal prep. I generally make a large batch using 2lb. Bag of shrimp for me and my husband. Once portioned out, that will last us both for about 3 days for one of our meals. That’s the perfect amount of time for any seafood dish.

WHAT DO I NEED TO MAKE CREAMY SHRIMP AND GRITS

Guaranteed you already have most of these ingredients on hand. Here is what you’ll need to make these healthy creamy shrimp and grits:

• Shrimp 
• Cajun chicken sausage
• Diced tomatoes
• Grits 
• Green bell peppers
• Red bell peppers
• Red onion
• Garlic
• Parsley 

The great thing about this recipe is that it’s really forgiving. So if you don’t have everything listed, you can most likely get away with it and the recipe still tastes similar. 

When it comes to the grits, it’s your preference if you want to use yellow, white, polenta or hominy grits. I generally prefer traditional white grits so that is what I used for this recipe. 

HOW TO MAKE CREAMY SHRIMP AND GRITS

• Heat a large non-stick skillet medium heat
• On a large cutting board, dice your sausage links, chop your green bell peppers, red bell peppers, onions and jalapeños
• Add 1/2 tbsp of oil to your skillet. Once heated, add your diced sausage and let brown
• Push the sausage to one side of the pan and add the chopped vegetables and garlic and cook until softened. About 2 – 3 minutes
• Once the veggies have softened, remove both the sausage and vegetable mixture to a plate and set aside
• To the non-stick skillet add the remaining 1/2 tbsp of oil and brown the shrimp on both sides
• Return the sausage and vegetable mixture to pan and add your diced tomato
• Let the mixture simmer until the diced tomatoes have reduced down and are easily broken with a wooden spoon. About 10 – 12 minutes