Grits are a southern staple, eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner. There’s nothing better than a big ‘ole pot of grits simmering on the stove. Once cooked, they are soft, creamy and delicious.
After you’ve cooked grits and they’ve cooled, reheating them can be tough. You want to be sure to avoid the thick and gummy texture that reheating grits can sometimes cause. There are some foolproof ways to reheat grits, but the best way is on the stovetop.
Reheating Grits on the Stovetop
While heating grits on the stovetop is the best way to reheat them, you do have to be careful not to let them become hard and gummy. And, be sure to use a non-stick pot if you have one.
Step 1: Put the grits in the pot and add milk, water or chicken stock.
You want to add enough liquid so the grits are soft but not watery.
Step 2: Cook the grits on medium heat.
Be sure not to turn the temperature up too high or your grits will dry out and will burn. You’ve got to take it slow and steady!
Be sure to constantly stir the grits so there are no clumps.
Once the grits have heated through, you are ready to eat them!
The Pros
The pros of reheating grits on the stovetop is that this method is easy and allows you to keep a better eye on the grits during the reheating process. Because they are on the stovetop, you are able to see if they need more liquid, constantly stir them, and make sure they are heated through.
Most everyone has a stove and a pot, so this method is easily accessible to everyone.
The Cons
The cons of reheating grits on the stove are that it takes longer than other methods. If you want to quickly reheat your grits, this is not the method to use.
Also, this method is messy and will require you to do more dishes!
Reheating Grits in the Microwave
Reheating grits in the microwave is a quick and easy way to reheat them. While they will not likely turn out as good as if you use the stovetop, this way is definitely easier.
Step 1: Put your grits in a microwave safe bowl.
Step 2: Add milk, water or broth.
You want to add enough liquid so the grits are soft but not watery.
Step 3: Heat in the microwave on a medium setting for 30 seconds. Stir and repeat in 30 second intervals as needed.
The Pros
The pros of reheating grits in the microwave are that it’s easy and convenient. Using the microwave is also the fastest method, which if you’re in a time crunch, is definitely a pro.
Also, most people have microwaves, so this method is readily available to most.
The Cons
The number one con of reheating grits in the microwave is simply that it just doesn’t taste as good. No matter how hard you try, grits reheated on the stovetop are always better.
Another con to reheating in the microwave is that it’s hard to monitor the grits while they are cooking. You could possible pull them out of the microwave completely over cooked, then they will hard to save.
Conclusion
Grits are a delicious dish that can be used in a variety of ways. While grits can be heated in the microwave, the stovetop is the best method to reheat them for you and your family to enjoy. Learning these methods will surely give you grits that taste just like your grandmother would have made!
