Buzz
Some folks, particularly from New England, claim grits are too 'mushy,' but mush has its own charm. At times, you don't need that crisp texture or contrast; sometimes, all you need is something warm, comforting, and easily scoopable. On some mornings, you just don’t want to deal with the effort of chewing.
That's why grits are the perfect way to start the day. They don’t demand much—just scoop them into your mouth and enjoy. Grits generously warm you up from the inside, preparing you for the challenges of another day on this mortal coil. They're simple to make, too—especially with an Instant Pot. (I often make a big batch to last the week, even though some purists might frown upon it, but that's okay.)
And while there’s a time for textural contrasts like shrimp and bacon (brunch, anyone?), both require extra effort and preparation, while ‘nduja effortlessly melts into grits, as if it was meant to pair perfectly with them.
‘Nduja is rich, slightly fruity, beautifully spiced, and an ideal companion for a creamy bowl of corn porridge. This fermented pork spread brings heat, saltiness, and a savory cured flavor, asking nothing in return. You can add small bits of it to your grits for bursts of flavor, or you can stir it in fully until every bite is infused with the distinct taste of ‘nduja. (You can do the same with tomato sauce—it’s amazing.)
If you can't find authentic ‘nduja—the genuine Italian charcuterie—there are alternatives. La Querica offers a solid version, or you could create your own ‘nduja-inspired spread using prosciutto and Calabrian chiles.
Updated 09/02/20 11:20 am EST: The article previously misstated that ‘nduja was Spanish, but it is actually Italian. We apologize for the mistake.
