Cauliflower Grits with Gouda Cheese and Blackened Shrimp

Recipe by From a Chef's Kitchen

Shrimp and grits get a low-carb update in Cauliflower Grits with Gouda Cheese and Blackened Shrimp.

Ingredients

• blackening MIX
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1½ teaspoons dry mustard
• 1½ teaspoons dried thyme
• 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon salt (kosher or sea)
• cauliflower GRITS
• 1 large head cauliflower
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 bunch scallions ( white and light green part only)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese ((whipped or regular) room temperature)
• 4 ounces Gouda cheese (shredded)
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup fresh parsley
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (or as needed)
• 1 pound jumbo shrimp (16-20 ct)

Method

1. BLACKENING MIX:  Combine spice mixture in a small bowl.  Set aside.
2. CAULIFLOWER GRITS:  Process the head of cauliflower through the Oxo Good Grips Spiralizer as shown, then finely chop if necessary.  Set aside.
3. Heat butter in a shallow saucepan over medium-high heat.  Add scallions, reduce heat to medium and cook 1-2 minutes to soften.
4. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.  Whisk in cream cheese, stirring constantly until cream cheese is incorporated into the broth.
5. Add the cauliflower and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring often.  (I like them a little less cooked--you may like them cooked more.)  Add the Gouda cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese has melted and cauliflower is a creamy consistency.  Season to taste with salt and black pepper.  Stir in parsley and keep warm.
6. SHRIMP:  Generously coat the shrimp with the blackening mix.  Heat olive oil in a cast iron or nonstick pan over medium high heat.  Add the shrimp and cook 1-2 minutes per side or until firm, being careful not to overcook.  Serve grits topped with shrimp.

View the recipe instructions at From a Chef's Kitchen