How to Make Grits from Scratch: A Step-by-Step Guide

There’s something about a good bowl of grits that just hits the spot. Whether eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this Southern staple food is the ultimate in comfort food. But what if you’ve never had grits before, or you’re used to eating the instant kind? Well, fear not! Making grits from scratch is easier than you might think, and once you’ve tried them, you’ll never go back.

Before we dive into the recipe, it’s worth knowing what exactly grits are. They’re a type of porridge made from boiled cornmeal, and they’re a hallmark of Southern cuisine. Grits can be served plain, with butter and salt, or with a variety of other additions like cheese, bacon, or even shrimp. The beauty of making grits from scratch is that they’re highly customizable – you can make them as simple or as fancy as you like!

1. What Are Grits and Where Did They Come From?

Grits are a beloved staple of Southern comfort food, but where did they originate? Grits are made from hominy grits, which are made by soaking corn kernels in an alkali solution to remove the hull and germ. These soaked kernels, known as hominy, are then dried and ground into coarse granules.

Historically, indigenous North Americans were the first to make this food, and they called it “nixtamal” or “masa”. Nixtamal was a staple food of the Aztecs, who used it to make tortillas and tamales. The process of making hominy grits was brought to the United States by African slaves, who were brought over to work in the fields of the South in the 17th and 18th centuries.

2. Choosing the Right Grits

There are two types of grits you can use: instant grits or stone-ground grits. Instant grits are usually finer and are precooked to allow for a quicker cooking time. Stone-ground grits, on the other hand, take much longer to cook but results in a creamier texture.

When choosing the right grits for you, it ultimately depends on your preference and the amount of time you have to cook. Instant grits may be easier, but stone-ground grits are worth the time and effort.

3. Preparing the Hominy Grits

Before you start making the grits, make sure to rinse your hominy grits with water. This will help remove any dirt, debris, or hulls that may be present.

To prepare the hominy grits, add water or broth to a pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, gradually add your grits to the pot while stirring constantly to avoid any big lumps from forming.

4. Cooking the Grits

To cook the grits, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Stir the grits every few minutes to prevent lumping and sticking. The grits will typically take around 20-25 minutes to cook for stone-ground grits and around 5-10 minutes for instant grits.

5. Adding Flavors to Grits

Grits are versatile and can be a perfect blank canvas for all sorts of flavors. Some popular grits toppings include cheese, butter, and bacon. You can also add salt, pepper, or hot sauce for just a little bit of a kick.

6. Making Creamy Grits

For creamier grits, add milk, cream, or cheese. Milk or cream can be added at the beginning of the cooking process, while cheese should be added at the end, just before serving.

7. Making Vegan Grits

To make vegan-friendly grits, use vegetable broth or water instead of milk or cream and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast instead of dairy cheese.

8. Making Shrimp and Grits

One of the most popular ways to serve grits is with shrimp and a New Orleans-style sauce. To make this dish, sauté peeled shrimp with garlic, onions, peppers, and Cajun seasoning, and serve it atop a bowl of creamy grits.

9. Make Breakfast Grits

Breakfast grits are perfect for a hearty breakfast. Serve them with a fried egg, bacon, and salsa. You can also add diced tomatoes or avocado for a fresh twist.

10. Leftover Grits? Try Grits Cakes

If you have any leftover grits, try making fried grits cakes. Simply put the leftover grits in the fridge for at least an hour until they become firm. Cut them into slices, coat with flour or cornmeal, and fry them until golden brown. They make excellent breakfast potato replacements!

In conclusion, making grits from scratch is not only easy but a delicious way to add a touch of Southern comfort food to any meal. Get creative with different toppings and flavors to make it your favorite comfort food!

Choosing the Right Grits

When it comes to making delicious grits, choosing the right variety is crucial. While all grits are made from ground corn, they are not created equal. Here are some of the types of grits you might come across:

1. Stone-Ground Grits: Stone-ground grits are the most traditional variety and are produced by grinding dried corn on a stone mill. This process results in a coarser texture and a nuttier flavor.

2. Quick Grits: Quick grits are made by soaking white corn kernels in an alkali solution to remove the hull and germ. They are then steamed and dried, resulting in a smoother texture and a milder flavor.

3. Instant Grits: Instant grits are the most processed type of grits. They are made by precooking the cornmeal, dehydrating it, and then grinding it into a powder. Instant grits are the quickest and easiest to prepare, but they offer less flavor and nutritional value than their counterparts.

When selecting your grits, be sure to read the packaging carefully to determine which variety you are getting. Remember that stone-ground grits take longer to cook than quick or instant grits, but they offer a rich flavor and texture that is worth the extra time and effort.

How to Cook Grits Perfectly Every Time

Grits are a wonderful breakfast staple that can easily be transformed into a savory delicacy. While making grits from scratch is relatively easy, achieving the perfect consistency and flavor can be quite challenging. Here are some tips on how to cook grits perfectly every time.

Choose the Right Grits

The key to making perfect grits from scratch is selecting the right type of grits. Stone-ground grits are the best option as they are made from whole corn kernels, which makes them more flavorful and textured. Avoid instant grits, as they are heavily processed and lack the rich, nutty flavor of stone-ground grits.

Use the Correct Ratio of Grits to Liquid

The ratio of grits to liquid is crucial to get the perfect consistency. Use a ratio of 4 cups of water or broth to 1 cup of grits. This will help to ensure that the grits cook evenly and are neither too dry nor too soupy.

Salt the Water Before Adding Grits

Before adding the grits, generously salt the water to infuse flavor into the grits. Use about 1 teaspoon of salt per cup of water. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper to the water to amp up the flavor even more.

Cook the Grits Slowly and Stir Consistently

Cooking grits slowly and consistently stirring them is essential to achieving the perfect texture. Once the grits are added to the salted water, bring the heat down to medium-low and cook for about 20-25 minutes. Make sure to stir the grits every few minutes to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.

Add Butter and Cheese for Flavor

To add an extra layer of flavor to your grits, add a tablespoon or two of butter and a handful of shredded cheese. The butter will make the grits creamier and richer, while the cheese will give them a yummy cheesy flavor. You can use any cheese you like, but cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda are all popular choices.

By following these simple tips, you can achieve the perfect bowl of grits every time. Experiment with different toppings like bacon, shrimp, or eggs to make your grits more interesting. With a little bit of patience and creativity, you can turn this humble dish into a breakfast masterpiece that will delight your taste buds.

Come Back for More Homemade Grits Recipes!

Now that you know how to make mouthwatering grits from scratch, you can easily impress your family or friends for breakfast or brunch. Remember to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings, and let your taste buds guide you. Thanks for reading, and make sure to check out our website for more homestyle recipes in the future. See you soon!