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Middle Eastern Style Shrimp & Grits

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  • Author: Mari
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A bold twist on the classic shrimp and grits, featuring za’atar-spiced shrimp over creamy seafood and labneh grits, finished with a tangy pomegranate reduction and toasted pine nuts. A fusion of Southern comfort and Middle Eastern flavors!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Za’atar Shrimp:

  • 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon za’atar spice blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Seafood & Labneh Grits:

  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 2 cups seafood broth (or water)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup labneh (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 cup sautéed mushrooms (optional)

For the Pomegranate Reduction:

  • 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

For Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
  • 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp:

    • Toss shrimp with olive oil, za’atar, salt, pepper, garlic, and lemon juice.
    • Let marinate for 10 minutes.

  2. Cook the Grits:

    • In a saucepan, bring seafood broth and milk to a simmer.
    • Whisk in grits and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • Stir in labneh, salt, smoked paprika, cumin, and mushrooms.
    • Keep warm.

  3. Make the Pomegranate Reduction:

    • In a small pan, simmer pomegranate juice, honey, and balsamic vinegar over medium heat until thickened (about 10 minutes).
    • Set aside.

  4. Sauté the Shrimp:

    • Heat a pan over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque.

  5. Assemble the Dish:

    • Spoon grits onto a plate, top with shrimp, and drizzle with pomegranate reduction.
    • Garnish with pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, and fresh parsley.

  6. Serve Immediately & Enjoy!

Notes

  • Use regular grits or polenta if stone-ground grits are unavailable.
  • Try swapping labneh for feta cheese crumbles for a tangy variation.
  • Serve with grilled vegetables or warm pita bread for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Fusion Cuisine
  • Method: Grilled, Simmered
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Southern Fusion

Find it online: https://yumandjoy.com/middle-eastern-style-shrimp-grits/