Healthy Shrimp and Grits

I love Fall.  Especially all the warm and cozy comfort food that comes along with it.  What I don’t love is all the extra calories. L 

One of our favorite dishes is shrimp and grits {B's mom makes a killer version!}, and I was thrilled to find this healthy version on Pinterest.  Since I have not cooked in an eternity, I thought I would whip this up last night, and it did not disappoint!

 

 Healthy Shrimp and Grits

 

 

Parmesan Grits:

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup uncooked quick-cooking grits

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

 

Creamy Shrimp Sauce:

1 pound unpeeled, medium-size raw shrimp

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/8 teaspoon salt

Vegetable cooking spray

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 1/4 cups low-sodium fat-free chicken broth

1/2 cup chopped green onions

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon hot sauce

2 cups firmly packed fresh baby spinach

 

Preparation

1. Prepare Parmesan Grits: Bring 1/2 tsp. salt and 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan; gradually whisk in grits. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 8 minutes or until thickened. Whisk in cheese and pepper. Keep warm.
2. Prepare Creamy Shrimp Sauce: Peel shrimp; devein, if desired. Sprinkle shrimp with pepper and 1/8 tsp. salt. Cook in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat 1 to 2 minutes on each side or just until shrimp turn pink. Remove from skillet. Reduce heat to medium. Add oil; heat 30 seconds. Whisk in flour; cook 30 seconds to 1 minute. Whisk in broth and next 5 ingredients; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until thickened. Stir in shrimp and spinach; cook 1 minute or until spinach is slightly wilted. Serve immediately over grits

I made a few adjustments using stone ground grits {i.e. adding butter and milk…oops!} and extra Louisiana hot sauce.  All in all, super easy and super yummy!  I certainly enjoyed an extra helping of the parm grits.  Guess that’s okay considering I may or may not have accidentally put on maternity tights this morning.  Ha!