Breakfast vocabulary around the world : 'Grits'

Grits is a food of Native American origin that is common in the Southern United States; it mainly consists of coarsely ground hominy. It is sometimes called sofkee or sofkey from the Creek word. The name 'grits' likely derives from the Northern European grit gruels. It is similar to other thick maize-based porridges from around the world, such as polenta. It also resembles farina, a thinner porridge. Grits can also be fried in a pan or mold to create a firm block. The resulting block can be cut with a knife or wire, and the slices are fried in a fat such as vegetable oil, butter or bacon grease.