shrimp & andouille sausage with cheesy grits

Thanks to Kristen Jones for this fantastic recipe!

1.5 lbs shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails off

Cajun seasoning

1 link andouille sausage, diced

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

3-4 green onions, chopped (reserve green parts for garnish)

1/2 jar roasted red peppers, chopped

2 TBSP tomato paste

1 TBSP flour

1 cup chicken broth

Juice of half a lemon

1/2 cup heavy cream

4 cups milk

2 cups water

1.5 cups quick grits

1 TBSP butter

1 1/2 cups (or more) grated white cheddar

Sprinkle shrimp with Cajun seasoning & set aside while you chop other ingredients.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil & saute shrimp briefly. Remove shrimp to a plate.

Cook sausage in same skillet until brown. Add onion, garlic & white parts of green onion; saute until tender. Add roasted red peppers, a little more Cajun seasoning, and tomato paste.

Add about a tablespoon of flour (may need to add some additional butter/oil if sausage doesn't render much fat) and cook 1 minute. Add chicken broth & lemon juice; bring to a boil & simmer over medium heat til thickened.

Meanwhile, bring milk & water to a slow boil, add some salt. Slowly whisk in grits & cook 5-7 mins until thickened.

Add cream to vegetable mixture, then put shrimp back in pan.

Add butter & cheese to grits, taste for salt & add some black pepper. Serve shrimp over grits; garnish with green onions & hot sauce if you like.