Grits With Tasso Food

SHRIMP AND SMOKED GRITS WITH TASSO GRAVY

Steps:

• For the shrimp spice: Mix the ingredients together. Measure out 1 teaspoon for the tasso gravy and 2 tablespoons for the shrimp and reserve. Store the remaining shrimp spice in an airtight container.
• For the smoked grits: In a thick-bottomed pot, bring the cream and chicken broth to a boil. Add in the grits and reduce the heat to medium high. Stir often and cook until the grits are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Fold in the goat cheese and cook until the goat cheese is melted and the grits are smooth.
• For the tasso gravy: In a thick-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Cook until the butter is bubbling and hot, then add the flour. Stirring often, cook the flour until it is a golden-brown color. Add the ham broth and heavy cream. While stirring often, cook until it comes to a boil and begins to thicken. Once the gravy is thick, stir in the paprika, hot sauce, mustard, Worcestershire and reserved 1 teaspoon shrimp spice. Turn the heat to medium and simmer for 1 minute. Add in the ham and simmer for 1 minute. Turn the heat to low and stir in the fresh parsley.
• For the shrimp: Toss the shrimp and reserved 2 tablespoons shrimp spice together and let sit about a half hour before cooking.
• To finish and assemble the dish: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil and cook until the butter is bubbling and hot. Add the shrimp and cook, tossing and moving the shrimp, for about 2 minutes. Add the tasso gravy and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
• In a large bowl, mound the grits in the center. Place the shrimp on top of the grits. Spoon the tasso gravy over the shrimp and around the bowl.

SHRIMP AND TASSO GRAVY OVER YELLOW GRITS

Steps:

• For the grits: Bring the milk, salt, butter and 6 cups water to a boil over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed pot. Slowly pour in the grits, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat and continue to stir for several minutes to make sure the grits do not scorch. Continue to cook the grits for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently. Keep warm until ready to serve. If they become too thick, add warm water or milk to thin.
• For the tasso gravy: Cook the leeks in 1 tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan until soft. Add the chili powder, paprika, basil, oregano, black pepper, seasoning salt, thyme, garlic and seafood seasoning, stirring to release the flavors. Add the clam juice and tomato juice and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the half-and-half and simmer for 10 minutes. Make a roux with the flour and the 3 tablespoons melted butter in a small bowl. Slowly add it to the gravy mixture, stirring vigorously. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and add ham.
• For the shrimp: Saute the shrimp in the butter in a large saute pan until they start to turn pink. Add the tasso gravy and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes.
• To serve: Top each plate with some grits and spoon the shrimp and tasso gravy over the top. Serve immediately.

CHARLESTON SHRIMP AND GRITS WITH TASSO BLUE CRAB GRAVY

Steps:

• To make the Tasoo Blue Crab Gravy:
• Preheat a large bottom pot to medium-high heat.
• Add butter to pot and let melt. Add ham, white onion, peppers, Cajun seasoning, salt, brown sugar, onion powder, and minced garlic. Stir in flour and continue to cook while stirring until you achieve a dark brown color, a brown roux. Slowly whisk in 6 cups of fish stock, add slowly to help avoid lumps. Bring to a boil and use remaining 2 cups of stock to adjust for consistency. Remove from heat and add the crabmeat. Set aside for use.
• In a saute pan, over medium-high heat, saute shrimp and sausage. Place shrimp and sausage over grits, if using, and top with crab gravy sauce.

CHARLESTON SHRIMP AND GRITS WITH TASSO BLUE CRAB GRAVY

Steps:

• To make the Tasoo Blue Crab Gravy: Preheat a large bottom pot to medium-high heat.
• Add butter to pot and let melt. Add ham, white onion, peppers, Cajun seasoning, salt, brown sugar, onion powder, and minced garlic. Stir in flour and continue to cook while stirring until you achieve a dark brown color, a brown roux. Slowly whisk in 6 cups of fish stock, add slowly to help avoid lumps. Bring to a boil and use remaining 2 cups of stock to adjust for consistency. Remove from heat and add the crabmeat. Set aside for use.
• In a saute pan, over medium-high heat, saute shrimp and sausage. Place shrimp and sausage over grits, if using, and top with crab gravy sauce.

GRITS WITH TASSO

Steps:

• Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a 4-quart heavy saucepan and stir in grits and salt. Return to a boil, stirring frequently.
• Reduce heat and simmer grits, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until very thick and most of water is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
• Reduce heat further and cook grits at a bare simmer until cooked through, about 1 hour 10 minutes, stirring frequently and adding remaining 1 1/2 cups water (1/4 cup at a time) whenever grits become very thick.
• Add tasso, butter, and salt and pepper to taste, stirring until butter is melted.

MIXED GREENS WITH TURNIPS & TASSO

Steps:

• Place all greens in sink or a large pot; fill to brim with lukewarm water. Let greens stand 15 minutes.
• Carefully remove greens from water without disturbing sandy-silt which has settled to the bottom. Wash leaves under running water; tear leaves into small pieces, removing tough ribs.
• Place torn greens, onions, turnips, and tasso or ham in a 10- to 12-quart soup pot; fill to top with water. Add sugar, picante sauce, salt and pepper.
• Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; boil 5 minutes. Reduce heat. Barely simmer, stirring occasionally, 3 hours. Taste for seasoning; adjust if necessary. Greens should have lots of liquid left; add more water if necessary. Serve hot.