Cheesy Polenta with Spicy Shrimp

I love polenta, and I'm happy that I finally tried cooking it myself.  I usually just buy the pre-made tubes of it, which work well in some recipes, but for this recipe I wanted something creamier.  It's really easy to make too, and then you can add your own flavourings- such as the smoky paprika and old cheddar cheese in this recipe.  And when topped with fiery shrimp in a lemon sauce...mmm...devine!   

Cheesy Polenta with Spicy Shrimp

1 cup cornmeal

1 tsp salt

4 cups water

2 tsp paprika

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 cup grated old cheddar

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

1 tbsp oil

1 pound peeled shrimp 

1 tsp hot pepper flakes

juice from one lemon

In a medium pot whisk the cornmeal and salt with 2 cups of water over medium heat until it begins to thicken (about 5 minutes).  Add another cup of water along with the paprika and cayenne and whisk until it begins to thicken again.  Add the last cup of water and continue to whisk until tender and thickened, about 5-8 minutes.  Stir in the cheese and cilantro.

In a frying pan heat the oil over medium-high heat.  Add the shrimp and pepper flakes and sautte until shrimp are pink, around 5 minutes or less.  Remove from heat and add in the lemon juice.  Scrape up any bits of chili peppers and then top the polenta with the shrimp and lemon sauce.  Enjoy!