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Disclosure: I was invited by Bon Appétit to participate in an ALDI Blogger Challenge in which we have to create a meal for under $10 using only ALDI’s high-quality ingredients. Compensation was received in the form of ALDI gift certificates in order to purchase products for this post. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
Have you shopped at an ALDI before? I certainly have not — I never even heard of this unique grocery store until Bon Appétit invited me to take part in a fun blogger challenge. Little did I know that there was an ALDI right here in Delray Beach. ALDI is all about great quality products at low, affordable prices. ALDI is a smart shoppers’ dream store, with award-winning products, a variety of fresh and organic produce, a gluten-free line and much, much more — and all at prices that will have you do a double take.
There are two things that first-time shoppers must know before beginning their shopping excursion. Bring your own bags, and make sure to have a quarter handy for your shopping cart. I had no clue what to do with the carts when I arrived — thankfully a woman who had just returned hers gave me the rundown. You simply slip your quarter into a slot to release the chain on the cart; when you’re done shopping, click the chain back into place and out comes your quarter!
My first shopping experience at ALDI was a bit overwhelming. I didn’t make a shopping list because I wasn’t sure what kind of products I’d find. I decided to let the aisles influence me as I strolled up and down each one. The first item I saw was a container of quick-cooking grits — something I have never used before, but after trying the Shrimp and Grits at The Little Goat in Chicago, I’ve been trying to recreate it at home. Guess now’s as good a time as ever!
For less than $10, I was able to find all the ingredients I needed to make my own Shrimp and Grits. I used Sea Queen easy-peel medium raw shrimp, Millville quick-cooking grits, Fit & Active canned petite diced tomatoes, and Specially Selected Aged Reserved White Cheddar. That’s it! It’s a simple dish packed with flavor, and I can’t believe how incredibly easy it was to make. This would be a great idea for a quick weekday supper at home, but could easily impress guests too. I may not be Southern in any way, but this is one Southern dish I can totally get behind.
I was impressed with a lot of the products at ALDI and would definitely return. It is a little out of the way, so I’ll have to make a special trip, but it’s definitely worth it to find good quality ingredients at a price that won’t break the bank.
- 3 tbsp Millville quick-cooking grits
- 1 cup water
- 2 small garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 5-6 Sea Queen medium raw shell-on shrimp
- 3 oz. Specially Selected Aged Reserved White Cheddar, grated
- salt and pepper
- 3 tbsp Fit & Active canned petite diced tomatoes
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley
- Bring 1 cup of water in a medium pot to a boil and add the grits.
- Reduce to low and cook, covered, for about 5 minutes or until the grits have thickened.
- While the grits are cooking, heat oil in a medium sauté pan.
- Add minced garlic and shrimp and cook until the shrimp have turned pink.
- Remove the shrimp from heat.
- Once the grits have thickened, stir in the grated cheddar cheese over heat until completely melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in diced tomatoes until warmed.
- Pour grits into a bowl and top with the cooked shrimp. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
