Cajun Shrimp and Grits

I was drawn to this recipe when I first saw it on Facebook, but was uncertain if I would post it or not.  I checked a couple of the major grocers online to see if they had grits, they did not, but once again Amazon saves the day.  This recipe comes from Homemade Recipes.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 ounces tasso ham, minced (1/2 cup)
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 36 medium shrimp, peeled
• tsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 1/4 cups water, divided
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup fat-free milk
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup uncooked quick-cooking grits
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 

Add tasso; sauté 2 minutes or until edges are golden. 

Add onion; sauté 2 minutes. 

Add garlic; sauté 1 minute. 

Add shrimp to pan, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, and cook 3 minutes, turning once. 

Add 1/4 cup water, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. 

Remove from heat; add butter, stirring to melt. 

Cover and keep warm.

Bring milk, salt, and 2 cups water to a boil over medium-high heat. 

Reduce heat.

Gradually add grits, and cook until thick and bubbly (about 5 minutes), stirring constantly with a whisk. 

Remove grits from heat; add cheese, stirring with a whisk until cheese melts.

Spoon grits evenly onto 6 plates. 

Top evenly with shrimp, ham mixture, and green onions.