Southwest Cheese Grits Recipes

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.

SOUTHWESTERN CHEESE GRITS BREAKFAST BOWL WITH AVOCADO SALSA

Steps:

• Bring the 1 1/2 cups water to a boil, whisk in grits and season to taste with salt. When grits return to boil, cover and reduce heat to medium low. Cook for 5 minutes.
• While grits cook prepare the avocado salsa by combining the avocado, onion, pepper and tomato. Sprinkle liberally with lemon juice and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• When the grits are cooked, remove from heat and stir in cheese and green chili. Cover and allow to rest while cooking the eggs.
• Cook eggs in a lightly seasoned skillet to your liking; i.e., sunny side up, over easy, etc. When finished cooking eggs toss the sliced meat onto the hot pan and toss to just warm.
• To assemble, divide the grits between 2 shallow bowls. Top each with a cooked egg, half the meat and a generous helping of avocado salsa. Sprinkle all with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired and serve.

CHEESE GRITS

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water, the half-and-half, salt, pepper and garlic powder to a simmer over medium.
• Slowly add grits while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps.
• Cook grits over medium-low, checking every 3 or 4 minutes and giving the grits a stir, until they're smooth, creamy and have little to no bite, about 15 minutes.
• Remove from heat, and stir in cheese and butter. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Serve hot with scrambled eggs, bacon or on its own.

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.

VAL'S SOUTHWEST GARLIC CHEESE GRITS

Steps:

• In 4 quart saucepan, bring 2 cups and salt water to boil. Stir in the grits. Cook according to grits pkg directions.
• After cooking the grits, place eggs in a measuring cup, then completely fill the cup with water. In a small mixing bowl whisk the eggs and water slightly.
• Cut up cheese and butter and add to hot grits, stirring over low heat until butter and cheese are melted.
• Add diced tomatoes and juice.
• Temper egg and water mixture by adding about 1/4 cup of grits mixture to the eggs and water -- and stir.
• Immediately add egg mixture to the hot grits.
• Pour all into slightly greased 9 x 12-inch baking dish.
• Bake 1 hour at 300°F.