Cajun Shrimp with Cheesy Grits

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp, peeled and de-veined
2 teaspoons Cajun spice (or less, to taste if you don’t like things too spicy)
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 cup quick cooking grits
4 cups water (or as much as the grits instructions require)
4 oz shredded cheddar cheese (I used yellow sharp cheddar)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 chile pepper, seeded and minced
4 handfuls baby spinach or other baby greens
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: Chopped scallions or cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions

Toss the shrimp with the Cajun spice. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet, and add the seasoned shrimp. Cook the shrimp about 2-3 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from pan and set aside.

Cook the grits according to the package, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese while the grits are still hot.

While the grits are cooking, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the chile pepper, and the minced garlic to the same skillet where you cooked the shrimp saute for 1 minute, and then add the baby greens. Season with salt and pepper (no other seasoning needed, as the greens will pick up the Cajun spices from the skillet). Cook stirring occasionally for ~5-7 minutes or until the greens have wilted.

Serve the Cajun Shrimp and Sauteed Greens over the Cheesy Grits.

Slightly adapted from a recipe from babaganosh.com