If you're looking for a quick and easy breakfast or snack, you might want to try quick or instant grits made with milk. One cup of dry grits yields about 994 calories, making it a filling and satisfying meal or snack.

In addition to the calories, quick or instant grits made with milk also provide some nutritional benefits. They're a good source of carbohydrates, with one cup of cooked grits containing about 40 grams of carbs. They also provide some protein, with about 4 grams per cup of cooked grits.

In this article, we'll explore some tips and strategies for making quick or instant grits with milk, as well as some health benefits and precautions to keep in mind.

What are quick/instant grits?

Quick or instant grits are a type of cornmeal that has been precooked and then dried. They cook much faster than traditional grits, which are made from whole kernels of corn that are ground into meal. To make quick or instant grits, the cornmeal is first cooked with water or milk, then dried and packaged in airtight containers. They're often used as a breakfast food, but can also be enjoyed as a snack or side dish.

Nutritional Value of Quick/Instant Grits

One cup of dry quick or instant grits made with milk contains about 994 calories. When cooked with water, the calorie count is slightly lower, at about 640 calories per cup. In addition to providing a lot of calories, quick or instant grits made with milk are also a good source of carbohydrates, with about 40 grams per cup of cooked grits. They also contain some protein, with about 4 grams per cup of cooked grits. However, it's important to keep in mind that grits are high in carbs and calories, so they should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Cooking Time for Quick/Instant Grits

The cooking time for quick or instant grits is much shorter than traditional grits, as they've already been precooked. It typically takes about 5-10 minutes to cook quick or instant grits made with milk, depending on the brand and the desired consistency. To cook quick or instant grits made with milk, simply bring the milk to a boil in a saucepan, then whisk in the grits. Reduce the heat and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the grits are creamy and smooth.

How to Make Quick/Instant Grits with Milk

To make quick or instant grits with milk, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup quick or instant grits
• 4 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Follow these steps to make the grits:

1. Bring the milk to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Whisk in the grits, salt, and pepper.
3. Reduce the heat and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the grits are creamy and smooth.

Serving Suggestions for Quick/Instant Grits with Milk

Quick or instant grits with milk can be served as a breakfast dish or as a snack. They're versatile enough to be paired with sweet or savory toppings, depending on your tastes. Here are some serving suggestions for quick or instant grits with milk:

• Top with brown sugar and butter for a sweet breakfast dish
• Add shredded cheese, chopped bacon, and green onions for a savory breakfast dish
• Stir in some sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey for a sweet snack
• Top with salsa, black beans, and sliced avocado for a savory snack or side dish

Benefits of Eating Quick/Instant Grits with Milk

Eating quick or instant grits with milk can provide some health benefits, including:

• Provides a substantial amount of calories and carbs, making it a filling and satisfying meal or snack
• Contains some protein, which can help keep you full and satiated
• Can be versatile and customized with a variety of toppings and mix-ins to suit different tastes and preferences

However, it's important to keep in mind that quick or instant grits with milk should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet, as they're high in carbs and calories.

Storage Tips for Quick/Instant Grits with Milk

Leftover quick or instant grits with milk can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of milk or water to the grits and microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Side Dishes to Serve with Quick/Instant Grits with Milk

Quick or instant grits with milk can be served as a standalone meal or paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some ideas for side dishes to serve with quick or instant grits:

• Scrambled eggs
• Bacon or sausage
• Toast or English muffins
• Fresh fruit
• Yogurt or cottage cheese
• Green salad

These side dishes can help balance out the meal and provide additional nutrients and flavors.

Variations to Make with Quick/Instant Grits with Milk

Quick or instant grits with milk are versatile and can be customized with a variety of mix-ins and toppings. Here are some variations to try:

• Add some grated Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs for a savory twist
• Stir in some maple syrup and chopped pecans for a sweet and nutty flavor
• Top with some sliced peaches and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a fruity breakfast dish
• Stir in some crumbled feta cheese and chopped Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired dish

Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavors.

Health Precautions to Take with Quick/Instant Grits with Milk

While quick or instant grits with milk can be a tasty and satisfying meal, there are some health precautions to keep in mind. First, they're high in carbs and calories, so they should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It's also important to be aware of the sodium content of the grits and any toppings, as sodium intake should be limited to about 2,300 mg per day for most adults. Finally, if you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, be sure to check the ingredient labels on the grits and any toppings to ensure they're safe for you to consume.