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Shrimp and Grits with Marinara Sauce

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4-6

Ingredients

2 medium Vidalia onions, coarsely chopped
1 large green bell pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Cayenne pepper
Chili powder
6 servings creamy white grits, cooked in milk or chicken broth
2–3 cups Marinara Sauce (recipe follows, or use storebought)
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil

Marinara Sauce

4 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons minced garlic (4 or 5 cloves)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1/2 cup red wine
Two 28-ounce cans diced tomatoes
Two 29-ounce cans tomato sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons The Lady’s House Seasoning
(makes about 3 quarts)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Sauté the onions and bell pepper in oil until crisp-tender. Add the shrimp and sauté until pink, 2 to 3 minutes. Season with cayenne pepper and chili powder to taste. Add the cooked grits. Spoon grits into individual serving bowls, and ladle 1/2 cup Marinara Sauce over each serving. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and parsley or basil. Re-season, if necessary, with cayenne pepper and chili powder. Serve with crusty garlic bread.

  2. Marinara Sauce

    Step 2

    Heat the oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat, then sauté the onions, bell pepper, and garlic until the onion is translucent (be careful not to burn the garlic). Stir often to keep the vegetables from sticking. Add the herbs and continue to stir for 1 minute. Add the wine (pour yourself a glass as well and enjoy) and cook, stirring for 1 minute longer. Add the diced tomatoes and stir for 2 minutes, then add the tomato sauce, sugar, and House Seasoning. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for at least 2 hours. The longer it cooks, the thicker it gets. Freeze any extra.

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