Photo by Scott Suchman for The Washington Post
Whipping egg whites and then folding them into the rest of the ingredients makes this corn spoonbread souffle-like, and the addition of soft goat’s cheese and chives gives it a heady, slightly sophisticated aroma and flavor.
It all makes a flavorful, pillowy bed for the kernels of sweet corn that are studded throughout. Serve it alongside roasted or grilled meat or poultry, or as a vegetarian entree.
Corn Spoonbread With Goat Cheese and Chives
Ingredients
2 cups low-fat milk (1 percent)
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (from 2 ears)
2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
3 ounces soft goat cheese (chevre; 1/2 cup) *
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons finely chopped chives
2 large eggs, separated into whites and yolks
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Use cooking oil spray to grease a 2-quart souffle dish or high-sided baking dish.
Combine the milk and corn in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring just to a boil, stirring constantly, then reduce the heat to medium and gradually stir in the cornmeal. Cook, stirring often, for about 2 minutes or until the mixture thickens to a doughlike consistency. Remove from the heat.
Stir in the cheese and salt until evenly distributed (the white should disappear). Transfer to a mixing bowl; let cool for 15 minutes, then whisk in the chives and egg yolks until well incorporated.
Combine the egg whites and cream of tartar in the bowl of a stand mixer or handheld electric mixer; beat on medium-low speed until foamy, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat for about 2 minutes, until soft peaks form.
Fold a third of the beaten egg whites into the cornmeal mixture to loosen it a bit, then gently fold in the remaining egg whites just until no trace of white is left. Transfer to the baking dish; bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until slightly puffed, golden brown on top and just set. Serve warm.
Makes 5
Serving size: 1/2 cup
Per serving: Calories 170; Total Fat 6g (Saturated Fat 3g); Cholesterol 75mg; Sodium 230mg; Total Carbohydrates 21g; Dietary Fiber 2g; Protein 10g
* Many cheeses are not technically vegetarian because they are made using an animal-derived enzyme called rennet. To make this recipe officially vegetarian, use cheese labeled “vegetarian,” or “no animal enzymes.”
