Cheddar Cheese Grits with Spicy Black Beans
Creamy, comforting, and boldly flavorful, this recipe for Cheddar Cheese Grits with Spicy Black Beans is a Southern-inspired dish with a zesty twist. Velvety grits, enriched with sharp cheddar cheese and buttery richness, form the perfect base for a robust black bean topping infused with aromatic spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. A touch of lime juice brightens the dish, while optional cayenne pepper adds a fiery kick for spice lovers. Finished with fresh cilantro and scallion garnish, this vegetarian dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Ready in just 35 minutes, it's an easy, satisfying meal ideal for weeknight dinners or a hearty brunch.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) canned diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 scallions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the salt and gradually whisk in the grits to prevent lumps.
Reduce the heat to low and cook the grits, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until thick and creamy.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the butter and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and set aside, keeping warm.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Simmer the mixture for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to slightly reduce.
Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice, and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if necessary.
To assemble, spoon the warm cheddar grits into bowls and top with the spicy black bean mixture.
Garnish with sliced scallions and additional cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
378 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.2 g | 25% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.2 g | 51% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 46 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 958 mg | 42% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.4 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.0 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.4 g | ||
| Protein | 16.2 g | 32% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 302 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 604 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
