Recipe: Shrimp and Scallops in Garlic Gravy Over Stone-Ground Grits

Shrimp and Scallops in Garlic Gravy Over Stone-Ground Grits
Recipe By : Atlanta Journal-Constitution 11/2/00
Serving Size : 4

1 bulb garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups milk
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup stone-ground grits
1 1/2 cups heavy cream -- divided
1/2 cup red wine
1 sprig fresh thyme
2 cups chicken stock -- preferably homemade
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour -- dissolved in:
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon oil -- for sauteing
8 medium to large shrimp
8 medium to large sea scallops
1 tablespoon chopped chives -- for garnish

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sprinkle garlic head with salt and pepper and wrap in foil. Bake 30 to 40 minutes, or until soft.

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine water, milk and butter over medium-high heat. Bring almost to the boiling point. Stir in grits. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer for 20 to 30 minutes or until grits are soft, stirring frequently. Add 1/2 cup of the cream, and salt and pepper to taste.

In a medium saucepan, combine red wine and thyme. Add the roasted garlic and cook, over medium heat, until reduced by 2/3. Add chicken stock and whisk in flour-and-water mixture; continue cooking until reduced by 1/3. Add remaining 1 cup cream and bring to a simmer, stirring. Simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly. Strain and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Heat oil in a large skillet or saute pan over medium heat. Add shrimp and scallops and cook until halfway done. Add garlic gravy to pan and cook until shrimp and scallops are just cooked through. Serve at once over hot grits in a bowl. Garnish with chives.

Notes from author: Q: Some time ago I enjoyed a wonderful South City Recipe dish of shrimp and scallops in a rich, creamy brown sauce served over grits. Any chance of you securing the recipe?

--- Jim Wright, Atlanta

A: As many times as our plaintive requests for recipes have been rebuffed by those big chain eateries because of a "proprietary interest" in keeping their recipes secret, many small, individually owned establishments have been more than glad to share. Here is another recipe for a wonderful dish from South City Recipe, glad once again to tell the world how it works culinary magic on contemporary Southern cuisine. (It also reports no loss of business after recently sharing its delicious twist on fried green tomatoes.)