Carmen'z Kitchen

CARIBBEAN COMFORT

🍴 Serves 4
⏰ 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

Jerk Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 5-6 garlic cloves, chopped
  • Optional: fresh pineapple chunks, sauteed or air-fried

Creamy Grits:

  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sweet Potato and Chickpea Hash:

  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced into small cubes
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

SIDES (OPTIONAL)

  • Honey Cornbread

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prepare the Jerk Shrimp

  • Toss shrimp with jerk seasoning, olive oil, and curry powder in a bowl. Set aside to marinate for 15 minutes.
  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the sliced onions and chopped garlic for about 2 minutes.
  • Add the shrimp and cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and slightly caramelized. Add a dash of heavy cream and simmer for 3-5 minutes creamy base).
  • Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Creamy Grits

  • Bring water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium pot. Gradually stir in the grits.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for about 10-15 minutes or until creamy.
  • Stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. Keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Sweet Potato and Chickpea Hash

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sweet potato cubes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add chickpeas, bell pepper, and red onion. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and everything is golden. Garnish with parsley.

Plating

  • Spoon a generous portion of creamy grits into a shallow bowl or plate.
  • Top with jerk shrimp and a scoop of sweet potato and chickpea hash.
  • Serve with a warm honey cornbread muffin on the side.

HEALTHY TIPS

  • Jerk Shrimp: Reduce sodium by using a homemade jerk seasoning mix with less salt. Sautee diced cherry tomatoes and air-fried pineapple chunks with the garlic and onions for a tomato-based sauce instead of adding a dash of heavy cream for a creamy sauce. Add fresh lime juice for added flavor.
  • Creamy Grits: Substitute heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or Greek yogurt for creaminess with fewer calories. Use reduced-fat cheese or skip the cheese altogether and flavor with herbs like chives or parsley.
  • Sweet Potato and Chickpea Hash: Roast the sweet potatoes and chickpeas in the oven with minimal oil instead of pan-frying to reduce fat content. Add more colorful veggies like zucchini or spinach for added nutrients.
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