Prawns and Grits Cakes

Ingredients for Prawns and Grits Cakes

• 475ml regular grits

• 1450ml plus 160ml low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock (amount may vary, depending on grits package directions), divided

• Parchment paper

• Vegetable oil cooking spray

• 120ml grated Parmesan

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 450g large local prawns, shelled and deveined

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Hot pepper sauce, such as Tabasco

• 3 slices thick-cut bacon, cut in 1/2-inch dice

• 50g diced red pepper

• 120g chopped spring onions

• 2 tablespoons unbleached plain flour

• 60ml dry white wine or additional stock

• 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley

Cook grits as directed on package, using about 1450ml stock instead of water. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; coat paper with cooking spray. Stir Parmesan and butter into grits; season with salt and black pepper. Pour grits onto sheet; smooth into an even layer. Cover and refrigerate until very firm, at least 2 1/2 hours or overnight. Use a 2-inch biscuit or round biscuit cutter to cut out 16 cakes; cover cakes and refrigerate. A half hour before serving, heat oven to 300°. In a bowl, toss prawns with juice and a few shakes of hot pepper sauce. In a large skillet, sauté bacon and pepper over medium heat until bacon is light brown but not crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove all but 2 teaspoons bacon fat from pan. Reduce heat to medium-low; add spring onions and toss to coat. Sprinkle in flour; sauté, stirring frequently with a wooden spatula, until light brown, 2 to 5 minutes. Add remaining 160ml stock and wine; cook, stirring, until sauce thickens. Season with salt, black pepper and more hot pepper sauce. Add prawns and any liquid; sauté until just opaque, 2 to 5 minutes, being careful not to overcook. Just prior to serving, transfer grits cakes to a baking sheet; bake until warm through, about 6 minutes. Spoon a bit of sauce and 1 prawns over each cake; garnish with parsley. Do AHEAD: The grits-cake base of these nibbles needs to firm up in the fridge for at least 2 1/2 hours—and more time is fine. Prep it the night before your party.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.