Chai Spiced Grits Recipes

CHILI

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the salt and saute until just browned with a little pink left, about 5 minutes. Remove the meat to a plate and set aside.
• To the same pan, add the onions and another teaspoon of the salt and saute until just translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the carrots and red peppers and saute 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute.
• Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in the diced tomatoes and beans, mixing well. Stir in the taco seasoning and ancho chile powder and mix well. Add the beef back into the pot, pour in the mushroom stock and beer and bring to a simmer. Add the ancho chile--it will be large, but don't worry about this; after the chili is finished, you will remove it. Lower the heat to low and simmer for 2 hours. The longer this cooks the better it tastes.
• Add the edamame and corn and cook an additional 10 minutes. Stir in the peanut butter and liquid smoke. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and season with pepper. Fish out the ancho chile and discard.
• Serve the chili over the Chai Spiced Grits and garnish with Greek yogurt and cilantro sprigs.
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper and the tea bags and steep for 10 minutes. Remove and discard the tea bags. Add the cinnamon and stir to combine.
• Bring the chai mixture back to a boil and sprinkle the grits over it slowly, to prevent clumping. Cook, uncovered and stirring constantly to prevent sticking, until the grits are soft and have a creamy texture, 25 to 35 minutes. (If the grits get too dry, add up to 2 cups warm water during cooking.) Remove from the heat and stir in the cream and lemon zest. Season with more salt and pepper, if necessary.

CHEESY CREOLE GRITS

Steps:

• In a large saucepot combine 3 cups of water, milk, Creole seasoning and salt. Bring to a boil.
• Whisking, add grits in a slow steady stream. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover, stirring occasionally until thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and stir in butter and cheese. Top with Andouille Sausage Creole, if desired.