Cheddar Grits with Ham and Spinach
Creamy cheddar grits with savory ham and tender spinach make a comforting, filling meal in one bowl.
3 min
Prep
12 min
Cook
1
Serves
435
Calories
Macros · per serving
34g protein
38g carbs
17g fat
Ingredients
For 1 servings
- 40 g quick-cooking grits
- 240 ml water
- 100 g commercially fully cooked ready-to-eat ham
- 75 g frozen chopped spinach
- 30 g cheddar cheese
- 0.125 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Use a 1000-watt microwave at HIGH (100% power). Dice the ham and finely chop or shred the cheddar. In a wide 1.2-litre microwave-safe bowl, stir together the grits, cold water and pepper. This is approximately 1/4 cup grits to 1 cup water; the generous bowl headspace allows for bubbling. Cover with a vented microwave-safe lid.
- 2
Microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes. Stir thoroughly, scraping the bottom, and rotate the bowl a quarter-turn. Microwave on HIGH for another 2 minutes in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each, until the grits are tender and beginning to thicken.
- 3
Stir in the ham, frozen spinach and cheddar. Cover with the vented lid and microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes. Stir thoroughly, breaking apart any spinach clumps, and rotate the bowl. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute, then use additional 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until a food thermometer reads at least 165°F/74°C in several spots, including the center.
- 4
Leave covered for 3 minutes, then stir and check that the center is still at least 165°F/74°C before eating. If necessary, microwave on HIGH in 30-second intervals and repeat the covered standing time. For 700–900-watt microwaves, extend cooking in 30-second intervals as needed, relying on tenderness and temperature checks rather than time alone. Keep ham and cheddar refrigerated and spinach frozen until needed; refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
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