Easy Shrimp and Grits

If you live or have been to the South, then you have definitely seen Shrimp and Grits on a restaurant menu!  I've always loved this entree, but never actually cooked it myself.  I think it was because I thought it was really fattening (heavy cream & sauce) and just never looked up a recipe to cook it.  But this recipe is not that at all.  It has plenty of cheese, don't get me wrong; but it's not cooked with heavy cream or sauce.  Oh, and it does have bacon.  Bacon makes everything better though.  

Give it a try though.  I think you'll really like it.  It's a great dish to make for company too because you can prep everything ahead of time and then the shrimp cook quickly.  

Easy Shrimp and Grits

via Food Network

Ingredients

4 cups water
Salt and pepper
1 cup stone-ground grits (regular grits work fine too!)
3 tablespoons butter
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
6 slices bacon, chopped
4 teaspoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 cup thinly sliced scallions
1 large clove garlic, minced

Directions

Bring water to a boil. Add salt and pepper. Add grits and cook until water is absorbed, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter and cheese.

Rinse shrimp and pat dry. Fry the bacon in a large skillet until browned; drain well. In grease, add shrimp. Cook until shrimp turn pink. Add lemon juice, chopped bacon, parsley, scallions and garlic. Saute for 3 minutes.

Spoon grits into a serving bowl. Add shrimp mixture and mix well. Serve immediately.