Homemade Grits
Homemade grits with rich pork and savory seasonings create a hearty, comforting dish perfect for breakfast or brunch, appealing to those who love bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 hog head ⓘ
- 2 pork hearts ⓘ
- 1 pork tongue ⓘ
- 1 beef tongue ⓘ
- 1 beef heart ⓘ
- 3 lb. quick oats ⓘ
- pastry for 1 (9-inch) double-crust pie ⓘ
- 1 medium potato, cooked and mashed ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground pork ⓘ
- 1/2 cup potato water ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, minced ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon sage
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine pork, potato water, onion, garlic, and seasonings in a large saucepan.
- Bring to boiling point, then reduce heat and let simmer for 25 minutes or until surplus liquid is reduced, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in mashed potato. Chill mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade broth instead of potato water. You can substitute quick oats with traditional grits or polenta for a different texture. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try using lentils or mushrooms in place of the meats, adjusting seasoning accordingly. Ensure to stir frequently while simmering to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your homemade grits as a hearty main dish or side. They pair beautifully with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a lighter meal. For a comforting dinner, consider serving alongside Swedish Meatballs (Simple Family Style) or a savory stew. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Grits contains roughly 2237 calories, with 45g protein, 214g carbohydrates, and 134g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (90% of the Daily Value), iron (67% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1006mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different meats in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cuts of meat or even poultry. Chicken hearts or livers could be a good substitute for the pork hearts, and beef or turkey could work well in place of the ground pork.
How can I make this dish more spicy?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. You could also serve with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a spicier kick.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before reheating to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).