Grouper with Corn "Pudding" and Collard Greens

Chef Bryan Caswell shares his recipe for grouper with corn pudding and collard greens, on the menu at Reef in Houston. (Originally appeared in Food and Wine magazine, 2009)

Serves: 6

For Corn Pudding

6 large ears of corn, shucked
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1tablespoon fresh lime juice
Salt, to taste
Cayenne pepper, to taste

For Collard Greens

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 ounces smoked andouille sausage, cut lengthwise into thin strips
½ pound young, tender collard greens, stems discarded and leaves cut into 1-inch strips
1 small shallot, minced
1 small fresh red chile, halved, seeded and thinly sliced crosswise
2 red radishes, thinly sliced
2 small white icicle radishes, cut into thin sticks
1 large scallion, white part only, thinly sliced on the bias
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Salt, to taste

For Grouper

Six 7 ounces skinless grouper fillets
Vegetable oil, for rubbing
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Salt, to taste
Cayenne pepper, to taste

1. For the corn pudding: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and place a 9- or 10-inch cast-iron skillet in it to heat. Using a box grater, coarsely grate the corn into a bowl, reserving all of the solids and juices. Add the oil to the hot skillet and swirl to coat. Spread the corn and juices in the skillet and bake for 45 minutes, until browned and crusty on the bottom. Scrape the corn into a saucepan and stir in the butter and lime juice. Season with salt and cayenne. Keep warm.

2. Meanwhile, prepare the collard greens: In a large cast-iron skillet, heat the oil. Add the andouille and cook over moderate heat until browned, 2 minutes; transfer to a plate. Set the skillet over high heat and when the oil is almost smoking, add the collards and cook, undisturbed, until slightly charred, 1 minute. Stir and cook for 30 seconds longer. Add the andouille, shallot and chile and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the shallot is softened, 1 minute. Add the radishes and scallion and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Scrape the collards into a bowl and stir in the lime juice. Season with salt, cover and keep warm.

3. Lastly, cook the grouper: Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees. Heat a grill pan. Rub the grouper with oil and season with salt and cayenne. Grill over high heat, skinned side up, until lightly charred, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn and transfer to a large baking sheet. Top each fillet with ½ tablespoon of butter and bake for about 3 minutes, until cooked through.

4. Spoon the corn into small bowls. Spoon the collards onto plates and top with the grouper fillets and any pan juices. Serve immediately with the corn.

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