2½cupsdiced tomatoes( I used fire roasted canned tomatoes)
1½cupswater
½cupheavy cream
salt and pepper to taste
Cajun Roasted Vegetables
2cupscauliflower florets
2cupsparsnips, diced
1cupyellow onion, diced
1cupgreen bell pepper, diced
1cupred bell pepper, diced
5teaspoonsCajun seasoning
2tablespoonsolive oil
Instructions
Cheesy Grits
In a large pot, combine water, milk, butter and salt and bring to a gentle boil.
Add in grits, stir and reduce heat to a simmer.
Stirring frequently, cook grits until they are tender. If need be, add more water to keep them creamy.
Once grits are cooked, turn off the heat, and slowly add in grated cheddar.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tomato Gravy
In a wide sauce pan, heat oil over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, saute the garlic until golden.
Add in the spice, tomatoes, water and cream and bring to a boil.
Stirring often, cook the sauce until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce has thickened.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cajun Roasted Vegetables
Preheat oven to 425F and line a sheet pan with foil.
Combine oil and Cajun seasoning in small bowl or pitcher.
One at a time, mix each vegetable in a bowl with a little of the spice and oil mixture.
Place the vegetables on the prepared sheet pan, but don't mix the veggies together.
Sprinkle all the veggies with salt.
Bake until veggies are tender but still crisp. In my oven, onions took 7 minutes, peppers 12 and the parsnips and cauliflower took about 20 minutes. As each get done, remove them to a heatproof bowl and cover.
Assembly
Spoon grits into the bottom of a shallow bowl, making a well in the center.
Ladle the tomato gravy onto the center of the grits.
Top with roasted veggies and garnish with parsley or scallions if desired.
Notes
To save time, start your grits and tomato gravy first. While those are cooking, chop your veggies.
I used Legion Cajun Seasoning and absolutely loved the flavor. Beware lower quality seasonings that are full of fillers like sugar.
I brought back Geechie Boy Grits from Charleston but you can use any kind you like as long as they are not instant grits.