These are a Southern breakfast staple and are a great soluble-fiber alternative to oatmeal or your usual cereal. Serve them with eggs or on their own (sprinkled with toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds).
In a heavy saucepan bring the water to a rolling boil. Stir grits into the boiling water and when water returns to the boil, reduce heat to a simmer. Cook over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. When grits have thickened, remove from heat and let stand a few minutes to thicken more.
The longer they stand the thicker they get. Serve hot, with milk, brown sugar, maple syrup, toasted nuts or seeds, or your favorite jam.