Shrimp and Grits Recipe - Chili Pepper Madness

Ingredients

• 1 pound andouille sausage (sliced)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 1-2 jalapeno peppers (chopped (use green pepper for milder))
• 2 stalks celery (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 14 ounces diced tomatoes (fire roasted tomatoes are GREAT here – use canned or fresh)
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasonings (or use Creole seasonings)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups seafood stock (or use chicken stock or seafood stock)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (chopped)
• 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 8 cups water (or use 4 cups water + 4 cups whole milk or heavy cream for creamier grits)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 2 cup grits
• 4 cups shredded white cheddar cheese (or more to taste)
• Spicy chili flakes (fresh chopped parsley, chopped green onions)