🌿 Mediterranean Shrimp and Grits

Ingredients:

For the Grits:

• 1 cup stone-ground grits (or polenta)

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 cup milk

• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (instead of cheddar for a Mediterranean twist)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small red onion, finely diced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced

• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Juice of 1 lemon

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions:

Step 1 – Make the Grits:

1. In a saucepan, bring broth and milk to a gentle boil.

2. Slowly whisk in grits, reduce heat to low.

3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy (about 20–25 minutes).

4. Stir in butter and feta. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

Step 2 – Cook the Shrimp:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant.

3. Toss in shrimp, paprika, oregano, and chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink.

4. Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook another 2 minutes.

5. Finish with lemon juice and parsley.

Step 3 – Assemble:

• Spoon creamy feta grits into bowls.

• Top with Mediterranean shrimp mixture.

• Garnish with extra parsley, lemon zest, or a drizzle of olive oil.

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❓Q\A

Q: Can I substitute grits with something else?
A: Yes! You can use polenta or even creamy mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option.

Q: What’s the Mediterranean twist here?
A: Instead of cheddar, we use feta cheese, plus olives, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and olive oil for bright, savory Mediterranean flavors.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Use olive oil instead of butter and swap milk with almond milk or oat milk. Skip the feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Q: What sides pair well with this dish?
A: A simple cucumber-tomato salad, roasted asparagus, or garlic flatbreads complement it perfectly.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: You can prep the grits ahead and reheat with a splash of milk. Shrimp should be cooked fresh for best flavor and texture.