Grilled Garlic Cheese Grits

Name: Grilled Garlic Cheese Grits
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 9 servings.
Ingredients: 4 cups water; 1 cup uncooked old-fashioned grits; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese; 1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil

"Grits are an everyday food here in the South, I came up with this easy recipe one day when I ran out of potatoes. It's a great alternative to a baked potato when served with grilled steak or chicken," offer Holly Bonds of Smyrna, Georgia.

Ingredients

4 cups water
1 cup uncooked old-fashioned grits
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Slowly add grits and salt, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 40-45 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Add cheese and garlic; stir until cheese is melted. Pour into a 9-in. square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 2-1/2 hours or until firm.
Cut grits into 3-in. squares; brush both sides with oil. Using long-handled tongs, moisten a paper towel with cooking oil and lightly coat the grill rack. Grill, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat for 4-6 minutes on each side or until lightly browned.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 108 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.

Originally published as Grilled Garlic Cheese Grits in Light & Tasty June/July 2004