Tested and Perfected by Food and Wine
Food & Wine Recipe

Cheddar-Semolina Grits

Contributed by
  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME: 10 MIN
  • SERVINGS: 6
  • •FAST

Traditional grits are made with ground corn, but Jean-Georges Vongerichten creates his with semolina flour, produced from durum wheat; the coarse grain has a lovely pale yellow color and mild flavor. These creamy, cheesy grits go well with everything from poached eggs to beef short ribs.

  1. 1 1/2 quarts chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
  2. 1 1/4 cups semolina
  3. Salt
  4. 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  5. 1 cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (3 ounces)
  6. 1/2 teaspoon ground fennel
  7. Freshly grated nutmeg
  1. In a large saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Whisk in the semolina and a large pinch of salt and simmer, whisking, until thick, about 4 minutes. Stir in the butter and cheddar until melted. Add the fennel and season with salt and nutmeg. Serve right away.