Ingredients

• Fish
• 4 Tilapia Fillets
• 1 c. yellow cornmeal
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 c. olive oil
• Grits
• 2 1/2 c. water
• 1 c. grits
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 c. milk
• 1/2 c. grated Manchego cheese
• Salsa
• 1 can Ro Tel tomatoes (tomatoes with chilies)
• 1/2 c. chopped onion
• 1/4 c. chopped bell pepper
• 2 garlic cloves–crushed
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 TBSP olive oil
• 1 c. crab meat

Instructions

1. Fish:
2. Combine cornmeal, garlic powder, salt & pepper.  Dredge tilapia fillets in cornmeal and shake off excess.  Heat olive oil in a skillet to approximately 350 degrees.  Sprinkle a pinch of cornmeal into the oil.  If it’s hot enough, the cornmeal will sizzle.  Fry tilapia fillets until golden brown.  Flip only once.  Remove from heat.
3. Grits:
4. Heat water, garlic & salt to boiling.  Whisk in grits and reduce heat to medium low.  Cook grits for 5 minutes.  As they cook, they will thicken. Add milk in small amounts while whisking to prevent sticking.  In last minute of cooking, whisk in cheese and remaining milk.  Remove from heat and allow to thicken.
5. Salsa:
6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet.  Add peppers, onions, and garlic.  Saute until onions are translucent.  Do not burn.  Add tomatoes, bay leaves, and crab meat.  Use spoon/spatula to break up crab meat. Reduce heat and cook until thick…approximately 10 minutes.For added heat, add 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes.