Masala Shrimp & Grits!!

Ingredients:

For the shrimp (approx 12-14 medium sized shrimp, deveined, tail removed)

Marinade:

1. 1 tsp red chilly powder, garam masala, turmeric

2. 1 tbsp lime juice

3. salt to taste

4. 5 cloves garlic, minced

5. 1/2 inch grated ginger

6. 2 thai chillis (finely chopped)

Masala:

1. 1/4 green pepper, finely chopped

2. 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

3. 1 tsp red chilly powder, garam masala, cumin powder, turmeric

4. salt to taste

5. 2 dry red chillis

6. 5-6 curry leaves

7. 2 tbsp coconut oil

Grits:

1. 1/2 cup quick grits

2. 2 cups water

3. salt to taste

4. 2 tsp garlic powder

5. 1 tsp red chilly powder

6. 1/3 cup grated cheddar cheese

Tempering:

1. 5-6 curry leaves

2. 2 dry red chillis

3. 2 tsp red chilly powder

4. 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. First marinate the shrimp: Combine all ingredients and toss shrimp. Cover and place in fridge to marinate for about 15-20 minutes.

2. Next, get the masala ready! Add coconut oil to a wok - once warm, add in curry leaves and dry red chillis. Next, add in onions and sautee until translucent. Add in dry spices/salt and green peppers. Sautee on low heat until green peppers are slightly tender. (add a little water if needed to deglaze, but the masala should remain dry)

3. Now add in the marinated shrimp. Sautee on medium low heat for about 7-8 minutes until Shrimp are good through.

4. To make the grits, boil 2 cups of water. Once water has boiled, slowly add the grits to the water. Cook for about 3-4 mins, stirring as needed. Once slightly thickened, add in salt, garlic powder, chilly powder and cheese. Stir frequently until it reaches desired consistency.

5. Make the tempering: Add oil to a small pan. Add in curry leaves, dry red chilly peppers and red chilly powder and sauté for 1 minute or so until leaves/spices splutter. Keep aside.

6. Now plate: add in 2 ladles of grits, top with masala shrimp and spoon over tempering. Top with cilantro to garnish!