Chef John's Spicy Ham Shrimp and Grits

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter 

6 ounces smoked ham, diced 

1 red bell pepper, finely diced 

1/2 cup finely diced celery 

4 green onions, chopped, white and green parts separated 

1 fresh jalapeno pepper, finely diced 

2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning 

3 tablespoons flour

3 1/2 cups cold chicken broth 

1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 

1 pound small raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 

1 pinch salt, or to taste

1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

Directions:

1.Melt butter over medium heat in a deep frying pan. Stir in diced ham and cook until lightly browned about 5 minutes.

2.Stir in red bell pepper, celery, white portions of green onion, jalapeno pepper, and garlic; cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in Cajun seasoning and cook for 1 minute.

3.Stir in flour; cook and stir until flour is no longer gritty about 3 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce; increase heat to medium-high. Simmer until vegetables are soft and liquid is reduced and thick, 10 to 15 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low.

4.Stir in shrimp; cook and stir until shrimp are cooked through 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and cayenne pepper to taste. Garnish with green parts of green onions.