Shrimp & Cheddar Grits

Ingredients

• 12 oz shrimp, peeled
• ¾ cup stone-ground grits
• 3 cups water or stock
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar
• 3 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 1 tsp cajun seasoning
• 1 lemon

Method

1. Simmer the grits in the water with a big pinch of salt, whisking often, until creamy and tender, 18–20 minutes. Beat in the cheddar and a knob of butter; keep loose with a splash of water.
2. Meanwhile, crisp the bacon in a skillet; remove. Toss the shrimp with cajun seasoning and cook in the bacon fat 1–2 minutes a side until pink and curled. Add garlic for the last 30 seconds.
3. Squeeze in lemon and toss with the bacon.
4. Spoon grits into bowls, pile the shrimp on top, and shower with scallions.