Homesick Texan’s Green Chile Corn Pudding

 

2 Hatch, Anaheim, or Poblano chiles

2 T. unsalted butter

3 ears of corn, kernels removed or 2 C. fresh corn kernels

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 T. chopped cilantro, plus more for garnishing

3/4 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

Pinch of cayenne

1 1/2 C. (6 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack or pepper Jack cheese

1/2 C. cornmeal

1 tsp. baking powder

2 large eggs, beaten

1 C. half and half

 

Roast the Hatch, Anaheim, or Poblano chiles under the broiler until blackened, about 5 minutes per side. Place the chiles in a paper sack or plastic food-storage bag, close it tight and let the chiles steam for 20 minutes. After the chiles have steamed, remove from the bag and rub off the skin. Remove the stems and seeds from the chiles and dice. When the chiles are ready, preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large ovenproof skillet, preferably a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, on low heat melt the butter. (If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, lightly grease a 9-inch square-baking dish for the pudding, and melt the butter in a saucepan.) Once the butter has melted, turn off the heat and swirl the butter around the base of the skillet and the sides to lightly grease it. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the diced chiles, corn, garlic, cilantro, salt, cumin, cayenne, melted butter, and 1/2 C. of the Monterey Jack cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings. Stir in the cornmeal and baking powder. Whisk together the eggs and half and half, and then pour them over the corn. Stir until everything is well combined. Pour the corn mixture back into the skillet (or a baking dish if using that instead) and sprinkle evenly over the top the rest of the cheese. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned and the custard is set. (The color may be a little lighter in the center, but that’s okay.) Allow the pudding to rest int the skillet for 15 minutes. Garnish with cilantro before serving.