Gulf Coast Shrimp and Grits

INGREDIENTS

4 cups

water

2 tbsp

unsalted butter

small cloves of garlic , finely minced

1/2 cup

heavy cream

1/2 tsp

salt

1 cup

uncooked quick grits

2 cups

shredded cheddar cheese

1 tbsp

canola oil

1 cup

mild andouille or other spicy smoked sausage

2 lb

small to medium shrimp , peeled and deveined

2 tbsp

canola oil

1 tbsp

butter

1 tbsp

all purpose flour

1/2 cup

chopped onion

1/4 cup

chopped green bell pepper

1/8 cup

chopped celery

1 can

Rotel or diced tomatoes , well drained

3 tsp

Cajun seasoning (like Slap Ya Mama )

1 1/2 cups

shrimp stock or chicken broth

1 tbsp

unsalted butter

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper ,

Red pepper flakes , optional

Sliced green onion , for garnish