Upgrade Your Grits Recipe With Just One Simple Replacement

Why the famous "grit" question from "My Cousin Vinny" might have led the character to learn the intricacies of Southern grits, the reality is that upgrading the flavor in a grits recipe does not have to be overly complicated. While people can debate over their preferred toppings for that bowl of ground corn, the flavor begins in the cooking pot. With a little thoughtfulness, everyone will be wanting another helping. 

Grits are combined and cooked with a liquid, on a stovetop, low and slow. To amplify the flavor in grits, it starts with the ingredients added to the pot. While many people use water, switching it to stock or even milk can elevate the final product. The type of cooking liquid will impact the final result – for example, a stock adds a savory component. Whether it is fish stock for a shrimp and grits recipe or chicken stock for a barbecued chicken dish, those combinations work well. On the other hand, adding dairy brings a creamy consistency to the grits. For that breakfast dish served with cheese or something sweet, milk or cream would be a better choice. 

In the end, a flavorful grits recipe begins even before the pot hits the stove. The liquid in the measuring cup is the foundation for flavor. 

While the old chef joke says that the difference between grits and polenta is the number of dollar signs on the menu, the humor gives way to both differences and similarities. The differences come down to origin, texture, and type of corn. Beyond those differences, one similarity between the two dishes can lead to more flavorful grits. Similar to polenta, the unwritten grits rule or secret is patience.

Although people can debate the usefulness of quick grits, the reality is that creamy grits require time behind the stove. From the constant stirring to visually appreciating the ratio of liquid to grits, the dish cannot be rushed. Unlike the instant version that offers deliciousness with the push of a button, ground corn needs time to absorb all those flavors. Some might say it was grandma's love that was a secret ingredient in her shrimp and grits recipe, but it might have been the patience to slowly allow all those flavors to come together. Well, patience and maybe some leftover stock or milk to add even more flavor.

The most flavorful grits recipe upgrade cannot be found in a recipe or on the back of the package. It might be best to put away the distractions, add your liquid upgrade of choice, get comfy behind the stove, and get stirring for a good amount of time.

After amplifying grit's flavor with a simple ingredient swap, topping that creamy ground corn goodness is another food subject to be tackled. Although some people prefer the simplicity of a pat of butter, a few berries, or maybe a sprinkling of cheese, grits can be paired with a plethora of toppings. Some flavors might be more approachable than others. For example, shrimp and grits might be one of the more common flavor combinations. Whether the shrimp are grilled, blackened, or seasoned in another way, the dish is satisfying because of the contrast in both flavor and texture. Especially with a boldly seasoned or blackened shrimp, the creamy, sweet notes from the corn grits balance the spice.

For cooks looking for a breakfast slant, poached eggs and bacon can easily compliment the luscious grits. Whether it is a few pieces of bacon crumble or a hefty piece of pork belly, the flavor pairings go back to the flavor contrast. Sweet and salty, creamy and luscious, the pairings bring out eating satisfaction. Even that runny yolk from a poached egg can add to the experience of the grits.

Even though there are some traditional or favorite food combinations, grits lend themselves to culinary creativity. Almost any protein can top them. For the aspiring cook who wants to diversify their recipe collection, grits might be the base that offers a plethora of dishes to try.