South of the Border Shrimp and Grits

Ingredients and Weight:

• Grits: 1 cup dry corn grits
• Water: 4 cups
• Shrimp: 200 grams (about 1 cup)
• Diced Tomatoes: 1/2 cup
• Diced Red Bell Pepper: 1/4 cup
• Jalapeno Pepper: 1-2 slices (can be adjusted for spiciness)
• Cheddar Cheese: 1/2 cup shredded
• Fresh Cilantro: 2 tablespoons chopped
• Salt and Pepper: to taste
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Cream or Milk: 1/2 cup

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes (plus cooking time)
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
2. Slowly stir in corn grits and reduce heat to low.
3. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until grits are tender and creamy, about 25 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, season shrimp with salt and pepper and cook according to package instructions until fully cooked and pink. Set aside.
5. In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in diced tomatoes, red bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Stir the cooked shrimp into the vegetable mixture.
7. When grits are ready, stir in cheese, cream or milk, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve the shrimp mixture over the grits.

Nutritional Information: (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 calories (depending on added ingredients)
• Fat: 18-25g
• Carbohydrates: 45-60g
• Protein: 20-25g

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and spicy with a south-of-the-border flavor profile, featuring shrimp and corn grits with a spicy tomato-pepper mixture.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was delicious! The flavors were spot on and the shrimp added a nice texture to the creamy grits."
2. "I loved the combination of spicy and creamy in this dish. The cilantro gave it a fresh flavor."
3. "This was a unique dish that I've never tried before. The preparation was easy to follow and it was a hit with my family."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use fresh or good-quality frozen shrimp for best results.
• Adjust the amount of jalapenos based on your preference for spice level.
• For a richer flavor, use real cream instead of milk.
• This dish can be served as a main course or as a side dish paired with other proteins like chicken or fish.