Shrimp and Cheese Grits with Okra

You will not believe how good this meal is! I was drooling over the ingredients in this melt-in-your-mouth, unbelievable dish! Now granted, you have to love shrimp, cheese, grits, and okra to start with, but if you do, like we do, then you will love this! I have been cooking almost all recipes from Rachael Ray's magazines lately, and I have not been disappointed, let me tell you! It seems like every single meal I have made of hers is not just average, but delicious! And this is definitely one of them! I can't wait to make it again!

Shrimp and Cheese Grits with Okra
Rachael Ray Magazine October 2010

One 12 ounce can evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking grits
1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese (about 5 ounces)
5 scallions, white and green portions thinly sliced separately
Salt and Pepper
6 slices bacon, thinly sliced crosswise
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 pound frozen cut okra, thawed and patted dry
3 tablespoons flour

1. In a large saucepan, bring 5 cups water and the evaporated milk to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low, stir in the grits, partially cover and simmer, stirring, until just thickened, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the cheese and three-quarters of the scallion greens, season with salt and pepper and cover to keep warm.

2. While the grits are cooking, in a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until almost crisp, about 8 minutes. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper and stir into the pan along with the scallion whites; cook until the shrimp is opaque, about 3 minutes. Transfer the shrimp mixture to a bowl; wipe out the skillet.


3. In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat. Season the okra with salt and pepper and toss with the flour. Fry the okra in a single layer, stirring occasionally, until golden in spots, about 3 minutes; drain on paper towels and season with salt.
4. Divide the grits among 4 bowls and top with the shrimp mixture and okra. Sprinkle the remaining scallion greens on top.

This is one of my favorite meals I have made! When I am craving something delicious, gourmet- tasting, and savory, this would do the trick! You will love it!