Country Captain Shrimp & Grits Recipe | Southern Seafood Classic

Ingredients

• 4 cups half-and-half
• 1 tablespoon chopped thyme
• 2 cups grits
• 1 stick butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups diced yellow onion
• 2 cups diced celery
• 2 cups diced red bell pepper
• 1 chile pepper, seeded and minced
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated turmeric
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 2 tablespoons garam masala
• 1 tablespoon mustard powder
• 2 teaspoons ground allspice
• 2 teaspoons hot Hungarian paprika
• 2 cups good-quality canned tomatoes, chopped, plus 1 cup of juice reserved
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ cup dried cherries
• 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Slivered toasted almonds, unsweetened shredded coconut, and thinly sliced scallion for garnish