Tender and flavorful, Gospel Shank with Smoked Gouda Grits is a dish that will steal the show at any gathering. The combination of braised beef shanks and creamy smoked gouda grits creates a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This recipe stands out for its unique flavor profile, achieved by smoking the shanks before braising, adding depth to the dish that will leave your guests raving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The smoking process infuses the beef shanks with a deep, smoky taste that pairs perfectly with the creamy grits.
- Comforting Meal: This dish provides a warm and hearty experience, ideal for cozy evenings or gatherings.
- Impressive Presentation: Serve this dish to wow your guests with its beautiful plating and vibrant colors.
- Versatile Pairing: The smoked gouda grits can complement various proteins, making it suitable for different dishes.
- Easy Preparation: Although it seems gourmet, this recipe is straightforward and can be made in a few hours.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to make preparation smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Traeger grill or smoker
- Cast iron pan
- Sauce pot
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: Ideal for slow cooking and braising, ensuring even heat distribution for tender beef.
- Traeger grill or smoker: Provides controlled smoking capabilities, enhancing flavor in meats like beef shanks.
- Cast iron pan: Perfect for sautéing ingredients like onions, allowing for excellent heat retention and browning.
Ingredients
Tender braised beef shanks with smoky cheesy grits get some extra flavor from being smoked before braised.
For the Beef Shanks
- 4 cups beef stock
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 carrots (chopped)
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 1 onion sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh oregano
For the Smoked Gouda Grits
- 1 cup grits
- 4 cups chicken stock or water
- 1/2 cup cream
- 3/4 cup smoked Gouda cheese (grated)
For Garnish
- 3 Cipollini onions (halved)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 3 T butter (divided)
- 1 tsp salt (if using water instead of chicken stock)
How to Make Gospel Shank with Smoked Gouda Grits
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Shanks
- Tie the shanks using cotton butcher’s twine to keep them intact during cooking.
- Generously season the shanks with Meat Church Gospel seasoning for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Smoke the Beef Shanks
- Preheat your Traeger to 275°F.
- Smoke the seasoned shanks for about 2 hours until they develop a rich color and smoke flavor.
Step 3: Braise the Beef Shanks
- Remove the shanks from the smoker and place them in an enameled cast iron Dutch oven along with chopped carrots, sliced onion, garlic cloves, thyme, oregano, red wine, and beef stock.
- Cover with a lid and increase grill heat to 300°F.
- Cook for another 2 hours or until the meat is tender and begins to fall off the bone.
Step 4: Prepare Smoked Gouda Grits
- In a small cast iron pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Sauté Cipollini onions for 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute before removing from heat.
- In a separate sauce pot, bring chicken stock or water mixed with cream to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Cook Grits
- Lower heat on chicken stock mixture; slowly add grits while whisking continuously until thickened to desired consistency.
- Stir in remaining butter and grated smoked Gouda cheese until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
Step 6: Assemble Your Dish
- Serve the braised Gospel shank over a generous portion of smoked gouda grits.
- Top with sautéed Cipollini onions and additional smoked Gouda cheese if desired.
Enjoy your flavorful Gospel Shank with Smoked Gouda Grits!
How to Serve Gospel Shank with Smoked Gouda Grits
Serving Gospel Shank with Smoked Gouda Grits is a delightful experience that balances rich flavors and comforting textures. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Pair with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped parsley – Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness.
- Thyme leaves – Add a few thyme leaves for a subtle herbal note that complements the shank.
Accompany with Vegetables
- Roasted asparagus – The crispness of roasted asparagus pairs wonderfully with the creamy grits.
- Sautéed greens – Options like kale or spinach can add nutritional value and balance the richness of the dish.
Add Some Crunch
- Fried onions – Top your dish with crispy fried onions for a satisfying crunch and extra flavor.
- Toasted pecans – A sprinkle of toasted pecans can add a delightful nutty flavor and texture contrast.
How to Perfect Gospel Shank with Smoked Gouda Grits
Getting the perfect Gospel Shank with Smoked Gouda Grits requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure success.
- Use quality beef stock – A rich, flavorful beef stock enhances the overall taste of your braised shanks.
- Smoke at the right temperature – Make sure your smoker is preheated to 275F for optimal flavor infusion during smoking.
- Don’t rush the braising process – Allowing sufficient time for braising ensures tender meat that falls off the bone.
- Whisk continuously while cooking grits – This prevents lumps and results in creamy, smooth grits.
- Taste as you go – Adjust seasoning gradually, especially when adding salt, to avoid overpowering flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Gospel Shank with Smoked Gouda Grits
Complementing your Gospel Shank with Smoked Gouda Grits is easy with delicious side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Bread – A crusty loaf spread with garlic butter adds a savory touch perfect for soaking up juices.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that offsets the richness of the main dish.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes are classic comfort food that pairs well with beef shanks.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – These caramelized sprouts add an earthy flavor that complements smoky elements.
- Mixed Green Salad – A light salad helps cleanse the palate between bites of rich beef and cheesy grits.
- Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast to savory dishes, enhancing your meal experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Gospel Shank with Smoked Gouda Grits, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Over-seasoning the meat: While seasoning is essential, too much can overpower the dish. Use just enough Meat Church Gospel to enhance the flavor without overwhelming it.
- Ignoring smoking time: Smoking adds depth, but leaving the shanks in too long can dry them out. Follow the recommended 2 hours for optimal moisture and flavor.
- Not preparing the grits properly: Adding grits too quickly can lead to clumps. Always whisk continuously when pouring them into boiling liquid for a creamy texture.
- Skipping the resting period: After braising, allow the beef shanks to rest before serving. This helps redistribute juices, ensuring tender and flavorful meat.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold stock or cream can shock the cooking process. Make sure all your liquids are at room temperature before you start cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Gospel Shank with Smoked Gouda Grits in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Gospel Shank with Smoked Gouda Grits
- Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers.
- The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Gospel Shank with Smoked Gouda Grits
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cover the dish with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: In a saucepan over low heat, add a splash of chicken stock or water as needed and stir until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gospel Shank?
Gospel Shank refers to beef shanks that are seasoned and smoked before being braised, resulting in tender meat infused with smoky flavors.
Can I use different cheese in my grits?
While smoked Gouda adds a unique taste, you can substitute it with other cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack if desired.
How do I know when my beef shanks are done?
The beef shanks are done when they are fork-tender and easily pull away from the bone. This typically happens after about 4 hours of cooking at the right temperature.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare both components ahead of time and store them separately until ready to serve. Just reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
Gospel Shank with Smoked Gouda Grits is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite herbs or spices for an extra personal touch!
Gospel Shank with Smoked Gouda Grits
Gospel Shank with Smoked Gouda Grits is a show-stopping dish that combines succulent, braised beef shanks with creamy, smoky gouda-infused grits. The secret to this recipe lies in the unique smoking technique used before braising, which elevates the flavor profile and creates a hearty meal perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. The tender meat, paired with the rich, cheesy grits, provides a comforting experience sure to impress your guests. With straightforward preparation and impressive presentation, this dish not only satisfies the palate but also adds elegance to your table.
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- Beef shanks
- Beef stock
- Red wine
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Onion
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh oregano
- Grits
- Chicken stock or water
- Cream
- Smoked Gouda cheese
Instructions
- Tie beef shanks with butcher's twine and season generously.
- Smoke shanks at 275°F for 2 hours until flavorful.
- Braise in a Dutch oven with vegetables, red wine, and beef stock at 300°F for about 2 hours until tender.
- Sauté Cipollini onions and garlic in butter until caramelized.
- Cook grits in chicken stock or water mixed with cream; whisk continuously until creamy.
- Serve braised shank over gouda grits topped with sautéed onions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Use quality beef stock for richer flavor. Control smoking temperature for optimal infusion. Always whisk grits continuously to avoid lumps.
