Chili-Cheddar Grits with Grilled Corn

If you're not familiar with grits, then you're missing out. Grits are ground corn that are cooked to a porridge/oatmeal-like consistency, and they're very popular in Southern cuisine (my favorite: shrimp and grits.) This is a great dish that combines grits and with tasty cheese and charred corn, which provides a nice crunch. It's from Fine Cooking, of course, and even though there's no meat, it's a hearty dish.

I used regular (i.e. non-quick cooking) grits, and it turned out great. If you do the same, simply cook them per their instructions until they have 10 minutes left; at that point join step 4 and add the chili powder, tomato puree, etc.

Finally, make sure to turn your grill up high as you can, as the charred corn and tomatoes are a nice touch. If needed, put them under your broiler.

Ingredients

• 3 medium ears fresh corn, shucked 
• 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil 
• 1 lb. medium plum tomatoes, halved 
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 
• 1 cup quick-cooking (not instant) grits 
• 4 tsp. chili powder 
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions 
• 4 oz. extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (about 1 cup)

Instructions

1. Prepare a high gas or charcoal grill fire. Lightly rub the corn with 1 tsp. of the oil. In a medium bowl, toss the tomatoes with the remaining 2 tsp. oil and a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper.
2. Put the corn and tomatoes, cut side up, on the grill and cover. Grill, turning the corn occasionally (don’t turn the tomatoes), until the corn is browned in places and the tomato skins have darkened and the flesh has softened, 8 to 12 minutes.
3. Set aside 4 tomato halves for garnish and put the remaining tomatoes in a food processor; pulse until smooth. When the corn is cool enough to handle, cut the kernels from the cobs.
4. In a heavy-duty 4-quart saucepan, bring 3-1/2 cups of water and 2 tsp. salt to a boil over high heat. Whisk in the grits, chili powder, and the tomato purée. Bring to a boil and stir in two-thirds of the corn kernels and the scallions.
5. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook, partially covered and stirring frequently, until the grits are tender and thick, about 5 minutes. Add the cheese and a few grinds of pepper; stir until the cheese melts. Divide the grits among 4 soup bowls and top each with a tomato half and some of the remaining corn. Serve immediately.

Serves 4. Eat quickly.