Grits with Greens and Shrimp

Elevate your dinner table with this Southern-inspired recipe for Grits with Greens and Shrimp—a harmonious blend of creamy, stone-ground grits, tender sautéed greens, and perfectly seasoned shrimp. This dish combines the richness of buttery grits, infused with a touch of heavy cream (and optional cheddar cheese for extra indulgence), with the smoky heat of paprika- and cayenne-spiced shrimp. Nestled between the layers are vibrant collard greens or kale, sautéed with garlic and a bright splash of lemon juice. Easy to prepare in under 45 minutes, this recipe is a delicious one-bowl meal that’s as comforting as it is nutritious. Whether you’re craving a Southern classic or seeking a flavor-packed dinner idea, this dish promises to please. Perfect for weeknight meals or impressive entertaining, it’s a fresh twist on shrimp and grits that’s sure to become a favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Stone-ground grits
• 4 cups Water or chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound Fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 4 cups Collard greens or kale, stems removed and chopped
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium pot, bring the water or chicken stock and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil.

Step 2

Whisk in the grits, reduce the heat to low, and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and creamy (about 20-25 minutes).

Step 3

Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and the heavy cream. If using, fold in the cheddar cheese for extra creaminess. Cover and keep warm.

Step 4

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, 1 clove of minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the remaining minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 6

Add the chopped greens to the skillet and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the greens are tender.

Step 7

Drizzle the greens with lemon juice and toss well. Remove from heat.

Step 8

To assemble, spoon a generous portion of grits onto a plate or bowl, top with the sautéed greens, and arrange the shrimp on top.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with an extra sprinkle of paprika or a wedge of lemon on the side if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2236.2 grams (2236.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2655

Total Fat 146.50g	188%
Saturated Fat 74.40g	372%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 1190mg	397%
Sodium 3688mg	160%
Total Carbohydrate 184.40g	67%
Dietary Fiber 16.20g	58%
Total Sugars 2.50g
Protein 160.60g	321%

Vitamin D 24IU	120%
Calcium 1791mg	138%
Iron 6mg	31%
Potassium 2250mg	48%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.9%

Protein: 23.8%

Carbs: 27.3%