Shrimp and Grits is a classic Southern dish originating from the Low country region of South Carolina. It typically consists of sautéed shrimp served over a bed of creamy grits, often flavored with butter, cheese, and spices. The dish is often served for breakfast, brunch, or as a hearty main course. It has become a staple of Low country cuisine and a beloved staple in South Carolina’s food culture.

	Ingredients:
1	1 lb. raw large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2	4 slices bacon, diced
3	1 medium onion, diced
4	3 cloves garlic, minced
5	1 cup heavy cream
6	1 cup chicken broth
7	1 cup stone-ground grits
8	1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
9	2 tbsp. butter
10	Salt and pepper to taste
11	Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-step cooking instructions of South Carolina’s Shrimp and Grits:

Step-1 Cook the bacon until it is crisp in a large skillet over medium heat. Put aside after being removed using a slotted spoon.

Step-2 Add the onion to the same skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until tender. Add the garlic after another minute has passed.

Step-3 Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp and set aside.

Step-4 In a saucepan, bring the heavy cream and chicken broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in the grits and cook until thick, about 5-7 minutes. Melt the cheese and butter by mixing them together.

Step-5 Serve the grits in bowls and top with the shrimp mixture and bacon. Garnish with chopped green onions and add salt and pepper to taste.

Nutritional value of South Carolina’s Shrimp and Grits:

Here is a rough estimate of the nutritional value per serving of South Carolina’s Shrimp and Grits, based on a recipe for four servings:

1	Calories: 700-800
2	Total Fat: 50-60 g
3	Saturated Fat: 25-30 g
4	Cholesterol: 300-400 mg
5	Sodium: 1000-1200 mg
6	Total Carbohydrates: 40-50 g
7	Dietary Fiber: 2-3 g
8	Sugars: 4-6 g
9	Protein: 40-50 g

Background History of South Carolina’s Shrimp and Grits:

Shrimp and Grits is a traditional dish that originated in the Low country region of South Carolina. The Low country, located along the coastal plain of South Carolina, is known for its rich history and culture, including its cuisine. Shrimp and Grits is a simple yet hearty dish that was originally served as a breakfast or brunch meal for Low country workers and farmers.

The dish is thought to have evolved from the hearty, staple foods that were readily available in the Low country region, such as grits and seafood. The dish gained popularity in the late 20th century, when Low country cuisine gained national recognition and was featured in cookbooks and magazines.

Today, Shrimp and Grits is widely considered a classic dish of Low country cuisine and is a staple of South Carolina’s food culture. It is often served at restaurants, cafes, and homes throughout the state and is considered a signature dish of South Carolina. The dish has also been adapted and modified by many chefs, adding different flavors, spices, and ingredients to create unique variations of this beloved classic.

	Advantages of South Carolina’s Shrimp and Grits:
1	Flavorful: The dish combines juicy, flavorful shrimp with creamy, savory grits, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
2	Versatile: Shrimp and Grits can be served for breakfast, brunch, or as a main course, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of day.
3	Easy to make: The dish is simple to prepare and can be made with just a few ingredients, making it an accessible dish for home cooks of all levels.
4	Nutritious: Shrimp is a good source of lean protein, while grits are a good source of carbohyd

	Disadvantages of South Carolina’s Shrimp and Grits:
1	High in fat and calories: The dish is often made with heavy cream, cheese, and butter, which can add significant amounts of fat and calories to the dish.
2	High in sodium: Some versions of the dish may be high in sodium, particularly if they use broth or canned ingredients.
3	Not suitable for certain diets: The dish is not suitable for those who follow low-carb or gluten-free diets, and may not be suitable for those with shellfish allergies.
4	Can be expensive: Shrimp is often expensive, and using high-quality ingredients for the grits and toppings can add to the cost of the dish.

Compare with similar meal of South Carolina’s Shrimp and Grits:

Here are some similar dishes to South Carolina’s Shrimp and Grits:

1	Gumbo: A traditional Creole dish made with a roux-based sauce, meat or seafood, and vegetables served over rice.
2	Jambalaya: A rice-based dish made with meat or seafood, vegetables, and spices.
3	Paella: A Spanish rice dish made with seafood, meats, and vegetables, often flavored with saffron and other spices.
4	Fried Rice: A popular dish made by stir-frying cooked rice with meat, seafood, vegetables, and seasonings.
5	Chowder: A type of soup made with seafood, vegetables, and a creamy broth.
6	Bisque: A smooth and creamy soup made with seafood and served as a main course.
7	Risotto: An Italian dish made by slowly stirring broth into Arborio rice until it reaches a creamy consistency.

These dishes are similar to Shrimp and Grits in that they are all hearty, comforting meals made with a combination of proteins, grains, and vegetables. They also often feature bold flavors and spices, making them flavorful and satisfying dishes.

Mostly questions asked about South Carolina’s Shrimp and Grits:

Q: What is Shrimp and Grits?

A: Shrimp and Grits is a traditional dish from the Low country region of South Carolina, made with juicy shrimp and creamy grits.

Q: Where did Shrimp and Grits originate?

A: Shrimp and Grits originated in the Low country region of South Carolina.

Q: When is Shrimp and Grits typically served?

A: Shrimp and Grits is typically served for breakfast or brunch, but it can also be served as a main course.

Q: What are the ingredients in Shrimp and Grits?

A: The main ingredients in Shrimp and Grits are shrimp, grits, butter, cheese, and cream. Other ingredients such as bacon, sausage, onions, and garlic can also be added for flavor.

Q: Is Shrimp and Grits healthy?

A: The exact nutritional content of Shrimp and Grits can vary depending on the ingredients used, but it is typically high in calories, fat, and sodium. It can be made healthier by using lower-fat ingredients and limiting the amount of added salt.

Q: What are similar dishes to Shrimp and Grits?

A: Some similar dishes to Shrimp and Grits include gumbo, jambalaya, paella, fried rice, chowder, bisque, and risotto.

Q: Is shrimp and grits a southern thing?

A: A traditional Southern dish for centuries, if not millennia, is shrimp and grits. Grits were passed down from local native tribes, who ground it from hominy and gave it their gritty name, to newcomers.

Q: What is a fun fact about grits?

A: Fun facts about grits: A staple breakfast cuisine in the South, grits are a ground-corn dish with Native American origins. Hominy, a type of alkali-treated corn that is widely used to make modern grits. Grits were first made from grain by Native Americans.

Q: What state is best known for grits?

A:Grits were named the official state food of South Carolina in 1976. The state claimed that grits were a “symbol of its diet, its customs, its humor, and its hospitality… And it has affected every South Carolinian, regardless of their ethnicity, upbringing, gender, or financial status.

Q: What are South Carolina grits?

A: Even though grits are a relatively straightforward food, their varied qualities suggest a complexity that is not typically associated with the South’s iconic dish. The dry maize that is pounded between spinning millstones, germ and all, is preferred in South Carolina.