Creamy Grits with Poached Eggs and Bacon

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €9.72 · €1.62/serving

• Kosher saltEst. price €0.02–€0.08
• 1 tablespoon Sherry vinegar or red wine vinegarEst. price €0.15–€0.35
• Freshly ground black pepperEst. price €0.05–€0.15
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butterEst. price €0.40–€0.80
• 4 large eggs, room temperatureEst. price €1.20–€2.00
• 1 cup white grits (not instant)Est. price €1.50–€2.50
• 4 ounces bacon, coarsely choppedEst. price €1.80–€3.00
• 1 Fresno or other red chile, thinly sliced into ringsEst. price €0.20–€0.50
• 1 large shallot, finely choppedEst. price €0.30–€0.60
• 8 cups torn Swiss chard leaves (from 1 large bunch)Est. price €2.00–€3.50

Steps

1. 1

   In a medium saucepan, bring 4 1/2 cups of water to a gentle simmer. Crack an egg into a small bowl and carefully transfer it into the simmering water. Continue with the remaining eggs, adding each one after the whites become opaque, spaced about 30 seconds apart. Poach the eggs until the whites are fully set but the yolks remain runny, which should take around 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the poached eggs from the water as they finish cooking and place them on paper towels to drain before setting aside for serving.

2. 2

   Remove any thin strands of cooked egg using a slotted spoon and discard them. Boil the same saucepan of water again and add a small amount of salt. While whisking continuously, slowly incorporate the grits into the boiling water. Lower the heat to a minimum, cover the saucepan, and cook the grits until they are soft, dense, and have a smooth consistency. This process will take between 25 to 40 minutes, depending on the coarseness of the grits. Remember to whisk occasionally and scrape the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking.

3. 3

   Begin by cooking the bacon in a medium skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it becomes crispy, which should take around 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon into a small bowl. In a separate small bowl, mix together the chile and vinegar to create a flavorful combination.

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• Cultural note

  Creamy Grits with Poached Eggs & is a popular Southern dish in the United States, combining traditional ingredients like grits and bacon with a modern twist of poached eggs and Swiss chard. It reflects the fusion of different culinary influences in Southern cuisine.

• Seasonal note

  Swiss chard, red chile, and shallots are typically in season during the spring and fall, making this dish ideal to prepare during those times. Eggs and bacon are commonly available year-round.

• Health note

  This dish is a good source of protein and contains essential vitamins like A and C from the Swiss chard. However, it is high in calories, fat, and cholesterol, so moderation is key. The fiber content from the grits and vegetables helps promote digestion.