Part 2: Shrimp & Grits Around the World – A Dish With Global Roots 🌍

Welcome back friends!  Remember this is a 3 part series so don't forget to check out Part 1  Shrimp & Grits - A Dish that stands the test of time 

 

Shrimp & Grits may be a Southern classic, but let’s be real—this combo of seafood and hearty grains isn’t just a Southern thing. Cultures all over the world have been pairing grains with seafood for centuries, creating dishes that are comforting, flavorful, and deeply rooted in tradition. Whether it’s creamy, rustic, or spicy, one thing’s for sure—good food transcends borders.

 

🌎 Global Twists on Shrimp & Grits

 

🍤 Italy – Polenta & Seafood

In Northern Italy, polenta—a creamy, corn-based dish similar to grits—is a comfort food staple. Italian seafood polenta is often served with shrimp, mussels, or calamari in a slow-simmered tomato sauce. Like Shrimp & Grits, it started as humble peasant food and evolved into something truly special.

 

🍲 China – Shrimp Congee

If you’ve ever had congee, you know it’s the definition of cozy. This silky rice porridge is a Chinese comfort food, often topped with shrimp, scallions, and soy sauce. Different grain, same idea—simple ingredients transformed into something rich and satisfying.

 

🍛 Nigeria & Ghana – Shrimp with Eba (Garri) or Banku

Over in West Africa, Eba (made from cassava) and Banku (a mix of fermented corn and cassava dough) are mealtime staples. Paired with bold, spicy shrimp stews, these dishes bring the same creamy-meets-hearty vibe as Shrimp & Grits, but with the fiery, complex flavors that West African cuisine is known for.

 

🍚 Sierra Leone & Liberia – Shrimp & Rice Porridge

In Sierra Leone and Liberia, shrimp often makes its way into rice porridge—a slow-cooked dish that’s smoky, earthy, and packed with spice. The creamy consistency of the rice mirrors grits, proving once again that across the world, people have been perfecting the seafood-and-grains combo for generations.

 

🌍 A Universal Comfort Food

 

From coastal Italy to Southern kitchens, this blend of hearty grains and fresh seafood has stood the test of time. Whether you’re spooning up shrimp over creamy grits, digging into a bowl of polenta and seafood, or savoring a West African shrimp stew, one thing is clear—this dish is part of a much bigger culinary legacy.

 

So next time you’re cooking Shrimp & Grits, just know—you’re tapping into a tradition that spans continents. 🌎✨

 

💬 Got a favorite way to enjoy Shrimp & Grits? Or have you tried a version from another culture? Let’s talk in the comments! ⬇️