Every culture has their classic dishes. The problem is sometimes they are made so often that they loose their impact.

A lovely Italian sausage and some peppers makes a great sandwich. However that’s become old hat for many.

Shrimp and grits is a dynamite Southern meal, but everyone and their mother here makes it.

But what if you take the two and mix them up?

Well then my friends, you have a spicy, creamy, rich dish that can be made very easily in minutes!

It’s so cheap too; if your family doesn’t like heat, substitute mild Italian sausage. If they like extra heat, add some jalapeno.

You can tweak this to your family’s taste with minimal effort. I would be careful when cheesing the grits however. Some cheeses just do not melt well.

Sausage and Peppers

5 hot Italian sausages, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper diced

½ yellow onion, diced

1 banana pepper or jalapeno, diced

Salt, pepper, red pepper, oregano

1 cheap 15 oz can of tomato sauce

1 tbsp butter

Melt the butter in a pan over medium high heat and add the sausage and veggies.

Season and toss until the sausage begins to brown.

Add tomato sauce, season, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Spoon over bowls of slightly cooled cheesy grits and serve.

Cheesy Grits Southern Style

1 cup instant/ quick grits

3 cups water

1 tbsp butter

Pinch salt

3 slices Provolone

½ cup shredded cheddar

Stir grits into boiling salted water, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes before stirring in butter and cheeses. Take off the heat and cover for 10 minutes while you make the sausage and peppers.

I know, I know, some Southerners will balk at the idea of quick grits. To those of you who have the time to spend over a pot I salute you heartily.

If you’re like me and need a quick, cheap dish on hand for a hungry family and friends, this is for you. For eye opening drinks to accompany this and more recipe ideas check us out at our website Rated R Cocktails, and on Twitter and Facebook. As always you can find earlier articles at newsaegis.com as well, just search for JFL or the dish you are looking to make.

Joey Schmidt,or ‘JFL,’ is a Certified Sommelier, Birmingham Bar Menu Consultant, and local Culinary Graduate. He is also the Head Mixologist for Rated R Cocktails, which updates weekly with drink recipes and news. Look for Rated R Cocktails on Twitter, Facebook, and the Internet.