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Nashville Hot Cauliflower Grits: A Spicy Twist on a Southern Classic

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Indulge in creamy Nashville Hot Cauliflower Grits, a flavorful twist on a Southern classic. This dish combines stone-ground grits with tender cauliflower, sharp cheddar cheese, and a spicy Nashville hot sauce, making it perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup grits (stone-ground preferred)
  • 4 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil.
  2. Once boiling, slowly whisk in 1 cup of grits to prevent clumping.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more liquid if needed for creaminess.
  4. While the grits cook, steam or boil the cauliflower florets until tender, about 5-7 minutes, or roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
  5. Transfer cooked cauliflower to a food processor. Add butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  6. Pulse until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning as desired.
  7. Stir the cauliflower mixture into the cooked grits until well combined.
  8. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.
  9. In a small bowl, combine hot sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
  10. Whisk until sugar is dissolved and sauce is well combined. Adjust heat level to taste.
  11. Spoon a generous portion of the cauliflower grits into a bowl, creating a well in the center.
  12. Drizzle Nashville hot sauce over the grits.
  13. Garnish with chopped green onions and additional cayenne pepper if desired.

Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, consider roasting the cauliflower instead of steaming or boiling.
  • Adjust the level of cayenne pepper and hot sauce to suit your spice preference.

Find it online: https://anasrecipes.com/nashville-hot-cauliflower-grits/