There’s something magical about a Sunday morning spent in the kitchen, the aroma of fresh herbs wafting through the air, mingling with the zest of citrus. This recipe was born from a delightful brunch I hosted for my friends last summer. As we gathered around the table, laughter and stories flowed just as freely as the mimosas. I wanted to create a dish that was comforting yet elevated, and that’s how these Herbed Citrus Grits with Spicy Shrimp came to life. The creamy grits paired with the vibrancy of citrus and the kick of spicy shrimp makes for a perfect centerpiece at any brunch or dinner.
Ingredients
1 cup stone-ground grits
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lime
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Juice of 1 lime
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Begin by bringing the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits, ensuring there are no lumps. Reduce the heat to low and cover, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 20-25 minutes until the grits are creamy and tender.
While the grits are cooking, prepare the shrimp. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the skillet, followed by the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Squeeze the lime juice over the shrimp and give it a quick toss.
As the shrimp cooks, stir the heavy cream, lemon zest, lime zest, chopped parsley, and chives into the grits. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring until combined and creamy.
To serve, spoon the herbed citrus grits into bowls and top generously with the spicy shrimp. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor. Enjoy this vibrant dish, and let the warmth of flavors illuminate your brunch just as it did on that unforgettable summer day with friends.