Buttermilk Stone-Ground Grits Recipe
Southern Living Staff
Updated
Buttermilk adds a subtle, creamy tang to these stone-ground grits. Enjoy them plain, or try one of our fun stir-ins and toppers for a huge selection of grits for the whole family. These grits were inspired by the extraordinary artisan grits made by Jim Barkley’s mill, Barkley’s Mill, in North Carolina. For his stone-ground grits, Barkley uses vintage gristmills that were refurbished and placed in a pristine millhouse at Barkley’s Mill, and the beauty of these old machines is more than stone-deep. Grinding between the vertical stones of the gristmills keeps the corn from overheating during the milling process, protecting the integrity of the whole grain. The freshly ground grits are scooped by hand into cloth sacks, tied closed, and chilled. Those who appreciate corn grits know that this specially-crafted flavor is worth every penny! Grits go well with just about any Southern meal, at any time of day, on any holiday, or with any dish. Shrimp and grits, grits casserole, and grit cakes are some of our favorites; but it’s hard to beat just some grits in a bowl, seasoned just right. These basic buttermilk stone-ground grits provide an amazing base for a long list of Southern recipes, so it’s important to get the simple recipe down pat. Simmering until creamy and thickened is the key to the texture of perfectly cooked grits, and adding butter towards the end ensures epic flavor.
Yields: Serves 4
Active time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
4 cups water
1 cup whole milk
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 cup uncooked stone-ground grits
3/4 cup whole buttermilk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Directions
Bring 4 cups water, 1 cup whole milk, and 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high. Gradually whisk in 1 cup uncooked stone-ground grits; return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until creamy and thickened, 25 to 30 minutes.
Remove from heat, and stir in 3/4 cup whole buttermilk and 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter. Cover and keep warm until ready to serve.