Mushroom & Butter Bean Ragù with Cheesy Grits

Directions:

For ragù:

1. In a large Dutch oven, combine beans, broth, and 1 tablespoon salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until beans are tender, 1 hour. (Make sure you reserve the cooking liquid.)
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden brown, 15 minutes. Add leeks, garlic, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, black pepper, and red pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and aromatic, 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add cooked beans and cooking liquid; cook, stirring occasionally, until thick, 5 minutes. Stir in parsley and lemon zest and juice.

For grits:

1. In a medium pan, bring 3 cups water, cream, and salt to a soft boil over medium-high heat. Gently whisk in grits, stirring constantly, until grits have absorbed most of liquid, 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook until grits are tender, 10 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in Gouda and butter until smooth and combined. Garnish with parsley, lemon zest, and red pepper, if desired.