Southwest Cheese Grits Recipes

SOUTHERN CHEESE GRITS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
• Bring water and salt to a boil in a pot over high heat. Add grits, reduce heat to low, and let simmer until tender, about 30 minutes.
• Pour grits into a large mixing bowl. Add beaten egg slowly, followed by 1 1/4 cups Cheddar cheese, milk, Worcestershire sauce, butter, pepper, garlic powder, and hot sauce. Mix thoroughly and pour into the prepared dish. Sprinkle remaining Cheddar cheese on top and sprinkle lightly with paprika for coloring. Cover.
• Bake in the preheated oven until thickened and cheese is melted, about 1 hour, uncovering the last 10 minutes to let a crust form on top.

SOUTHWESTERN GRITS

Steps:

• Thaw the spinach and squeeze dry with paper towels. Drain the corn.
• Put water in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave 7 minutes. Using a wire whisk or fork, stir in grits, taco seasoning, and onion. Microwave, uncovered, 4 minutes. Stir and microwave 2 minutes more.
• Stir in corn, spinach, margarine, and half of the cheeses.
• Spray a 13x9 baking dish with cooking spray. Pour grits mixture into the dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

SOUTHWEST BARLEY GRITS

Steps:

• Place 1/3 cup barley in the container of a blender; process until barley is coarsely ground (15-20 seconds); place ground barley in a large pan; repeat procedure with remaining barley.
• Cook barley over medium heat for 4 minutes or until toasted, stir often.
• Add in water, milk, honey, and salt; bring mixture to a boil.
• Lower heat; simmer 25 minutes or until barley is soft, stirring often.
• Add in cheese, chili powder, and chiles; cook 5 minutes or until cheese is melted, stirring constantly.
• Transfer mixture to individual bowls, top each serving with 1 tablespoon sour cream; serve with hot sauce.

SOUTHWESTERN SKIRT STEAK WITH CHEESE GRITS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Toss the poblanos and tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large bowl; season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast until tender and lightly browned in spots, about 25 minutes; set aside.
• Meanwhile, bring 3 1/2 cups salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the grits, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer; cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, 5 to 7 minutes. Whisk in the cheese, butter and 1/2 teaspoon salt until smooth. Cover and set aside.
• Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak with salt, pepper and the chili powder. Add to the skillet and cook until browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium rare. Transfer to a cutting board; let rest 5 minutes.
• Toss the vegetables with the lime juice and cilantro. Slice the steak against the grain. Serve with the vegetables, grits and lime wedges.