Imagine a dish that brings the sea to your table—Creamy Cauliflower Grits with Smoked Gouda and Shrimp is just that. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, where the creamy grits and smoky cheese meld with the tender, juicy shrimp, creating a symphony of flavors. I once had it on a breezy summer evening, the kind where the sun lingers a little longer, and every bite felt like an indulgence worth savoring.
Steps
- Rice the cauliflower into a very fine consistency using a blender, working in batches to achieve the desired texture. Shred the cheddar cheese from a block to avoid added starches found in pre-shredded cheese.
- In a large saucepan, combine the finely riced cauliflower, salt, pepper, heavy cream, and butter. Heat the mixture over medium-high until it begins to simmer and becomes fairly thick.
- Stir the mixture frequently and continue cooking until the cauliflower is tender, approximately 10 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and incorporate the shredded cheese, stirring until fully melted and combined.
- Serve the cheesy cauliflower grits hot, optionally garnished with extra cheese and butter for added flavor. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, finely riced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1480kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 140g | Saturated Fat: 88g | Cholesterol: 476mg | Sodium: 2076mg | Potassium: 1484mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 4980IU | Vitamin C: 196mg | Calcium: 1056mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- Can you enjoy grits while following a keto diet?
- Traditional grits, made from boiled cornmeal or hominy, are too high in carbohydrates for a keto diet. However, this cheesy cauliflower grits recipe is a low-carb alternative that fits within keto guidelines.
- What is the key to achieving the right texture for cauliflower grits?
- The secret to getting cauliflower grits to resemble traditional grits is in the texture. Ricing the cauliflower super fine, so it’s not as coarse as regular cauliflower rice but still has some texture, helps mimic the feel of classic grits.
- Can Parmesan cheese be used instead of cheddar in this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute Parmesan cheese for cheddar cheese if you prefer, and it will still provide a delicious cheesy flavor to the dish.
- How should leftovers be stored and how long do they last?
- Store any leftover cauliflower grits in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within three days for the best quality.
- Is this recipe suitable for children, and why?
- This recipe is kid-friendly because it combines the creamy, cheesy texture of traditional grits with the added bonus of incorporating more vegetables through the cauliflower, making it a nutritious choice for kids.
Tips
- Ensure the cauliflower is riced to a very fine consistency. It should not be as chunky as typical cauliflower rice, but also not as smooth as mashed cauliflower. This helps achieve a texture similar to traditional grits.
- Consider substituting Parmesan cheese for cheddar if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge and consume within three days for the best taste and freshness.
- When shredding cheese, use a block of cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese to avoid added starches and achieve a smoother texture.
Equipment
- Blender – Used to rice the cauliflower super fine.
- Food Processor (optional) – Although a blender is recommended for a finer texture, a food processor can be used for ricing cauliflower.
- Large Saucepan – Needed to cook the cauliflower mixture.
