12 grit recipes

Veal grillades and grits, a classic New Orleans Creole brunch dish. Flour-dusted veal steaks browned and baked in a rich tomato-pepper gravy, spooned over creamy grits.

Okra and tomatoes simmer with Vidalia onion, garlic, bay, and a kick of cayenne, served over creamy grits. Vegetarian Southern comfort food, naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Classic chopped liver made with calves liver, caramelized onions, hard-cooked egg, and butter, ground twice for a smooth, rich spread. Serve chilled on dark rye with tomato and cucumber.

Carolina-style polenta made from corn grits cooked creamy and slow, enriched with butter and bouillon, then sliced, coated in cracker crumbs, and pan-fried until golden and crispy.

Potato, egg, and hominy breakfast skillet: hash browns, Rotel tomatoes, hominy, and scrambled egg substitute, seasoned with chili powder and cumin. One-pan Tex-Mex breakfast.

Chunky beef posole chili built on tender chunks of browned beef shoulder with jalapeno, cumin, and tomatoes, thickened with grits for a corn-rich body. Topped with cilantro, scallions, sour cream, and tortilla.

Hominy stew with meaty pork bones, roasted bell peppers, hot Italian sausage, and salsa simmered in chicken broth. A hearty, pozole-style bowl with Southwestern heat.

Spicy black-eyed peas simmered with cumin, chili powder, dry mustard, canned tomatoes, and Tabasco. A quick Southern side dish served over rice or with grits.

Almond paste macaroons with cornmeal for a subtle Southern grit and honey for floral sweetness. Piped, flattened, and baked on parchment until golden with chewy centers.

Polenta blueberry cakes are tiny lemon-glazed muffins with cornmeal grit, buttermilk tang, and juicy blueberries folded through. A make-ahead dessert or brunch bite for a crowd.

A crusty Cajun yeast bread loaded with three kinds of pepper: black, cayenne, and hot sauce. Polenta adds grit and crunch while garlic and parsley bring herby depth. Baked with steam like French bread.

Italian fisherman's bread with golden raisins, candied citrus peels, fennel seeds, and Marsala wine. A rich, buttery quick bread with no yeast, scored in a decorative grid.