Grits with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Goat Cheese
π Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Description:
Indulge in the comforting embrace of this dish, whether as a main course or a delightful side dish, where the richness of sun-dried tomato pesto and creamy goat cheese intertwine with the hearty goodness of grits. Originally crafted with a lavish amount of butter and whipping cream, this rendition opts for a lighter touch with fat-free half-and-half, though the choice is yours to indulge in the full flavor experience. For a twist, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes can seamlessly substitute the pesto. With this recipe yielding either two generous main servings or four side servings, it’s perfect for any occasion.
Recipe Category: Breakfast π³
Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Grains, Savory, < 60 Mins, Oven, Beginner Cook, Stove Top, Easy π½οΈ
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 553.7
- Fat Content: 27.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 17.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 72.8mg
- Sodium Content: 862mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 52.2g
- Fiber Content: 2.1g
- Sugar Content: 10.7g
- Protein Content: 25.1g
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 1/4 | butter |
| 1 | garlic clove |
| 1 | cup hominy grits |
| 1/2 | cup sun-dried tomato pesto |
| 3/4 | teaspoon fresh thyme |
| 2 1/2 | teaspoons dried thyme |
| 1 | cup fat-free half-and-half |
| 4 | ounces goat cheese |
| Fresh chives for garnish |
Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350Β°F. Then, generously spray two single-serving casseroles or baking dishes (each with a capacity of 2 cups) with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Prepare Grits Mixture: In a saucepan, bring the chicken stock, butter, and minced garlic to a vigorous boil. Gradually whisk in the hominy grits until the mixture starts bubbling.
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Simmer Grits: Reduce the heat to moderate-low, cover the saucepan, and allow the grits to simmer for approximately 8 minutes, ensuring to whisk frequently to prevent any lumps from forming.
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Incorporate Half-and-Half: After the initial simmer, whisk in 1/2 cup of the fat-free half-and-half and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, whisking frequently to maintain a smooth consistency.
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Final Simmer: Add the remaining half-and-half to the saucepan and simmer for another 5 minutes, whisking often until the mixture reaches a luxuriously thick texture.
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Enhance with Flavor: Stir in the sun-dried tomato pesto and fresh thyme, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the grits mixture, infusing it with delightful flavors.
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Top with Goat Cheese: Carefully scatter the goat cheese over the surface of the grits mixture, allowing it to gently meld into the warm embrace of the dish.
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Bake to Perfection: Transfer the prepared casseroles or baking dishes into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the goat cheese softens and begins to melt, creating a tantalizingly creamy topping.
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Garnish and Serve: Once baked to perfection, garnish the dish with freshly chopped chives for a burst of vibrant color and flavor. Serve immediately, savoring each spoonful of this comforting masterpiece.
This delightful recipe promises a symphony of flavors and textures, marrying the creamy richness of goat cheese with the robust essence of sun-dried tomato pesto, all enveloped in the comforting embrace of velvety grits. Whether enjoyed as a satisfying breakfast or a hearty side dish, each bite is sure to transport you to culinary bliss.
