Description
A rich and elegant Southern-inspired dish featuring tender lamb chops, juicy cajun shrimp, and creamy cheddar grits. This meal is perfect for a cozy night in or an impressive dinner for two.
Ingredients
- 4 lamb chops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Rub lamb chops with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- In a saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low.
- Cook grits for 20–25 minutes, stirring frequently until thick and creamy. Stir in butter, heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Keep warm.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear lamb chops for 3–4 minutes per side, or until they reach desired doneness. Remove and let rest.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic briefly.
- Add shrimp, season with cajun seasoning, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Add lemon juice and remove from heat.
- To serve, spoon grits onto plates, top with shrimp, and serve lamb chops on the side.
Notes
- Use quick-cooking grits for a faster version, but stone-ground gives better texture.
- Swap cajun for blackened seasoning for a flavor variation.
- Smoked cheddar can be used instead of regular cheddar for a richer taste.
- Reheat grits with a splash of broth or milk to maintain creaminess.
- Adjust spice by changing the amount of cajun seasoning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 55g
- Cholesterol: 260mg
