Molly Baz

1. Do some prep:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and grease a 9” x 13” pan with butter.

Defrost 2 (10-ounce) bags frozen corn and place in a colander set over a bowl or in the sink. When the corn is fully defrosted, squeeze to expel as much excess water from the kernels as possible.

Peel and chop 1 large onion. Chop 1 large fennel bulb, including any tender stalks and fronds.  Peel (if necessary) and roughly chop 1 ¼ pounds of root vegetables. Peel and finely chop 6 cloves garlic.

Destem 6-ounces sturdy greens. Discard stems and rip leaves into large pieces.

Coarsely chop enough sage to measure 3 tablespoons.

Grate 3 ounces of parmigiano-reggiano.

Tear 1 pound of leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces.

2. Make the filling:

Warm a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 5 tablespoons butter and swirl to coat. Add the chopped onions and fennel. Season with salt and pepper and saute, stirring occasionally, until aromatics are softened and ever so slightly golden on the edges, about 6-8 minutes. Adjust heat as necessary to prevent burning.

Add the root vegetables, garlic, sage, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper and continue to saute, stirring, until root vegetables are softened, about 8 minutes more. Add ¾ cup white wine and cook until nearly evaporated, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze, 3-4 minutes.

Add ⅓ cup flour and stir to coat. Cook, stirring, 1 minute more. Gradually add 4 cups of milk and bring to a simmer. Cook until reduced and thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in ¼ cup lemon juice and the chicken or turkey. Season the filling to taste with salt and pepper.

Transfer filling to prepared pan. Scatter the torn greens over the top of the pudding.

3. Make the corn pudding topper:

Melt 5 tablespoons butter. Add to the bowl of a blender, along with 3 eggs, 1 ¼ teaspoon salt, the remaining ¼ cup milk, and half the thawed corn. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides of the blender as necessary. Add the remaining corn, 3 ounces (about ½ cup) grated parmesan cheese and pulse just once or twice to incorporate so it is still chunky. Do not overblend.

Scrape contents of blender over the greens in the pan spread to incorporate. Using a spoon, gently fold the corn mixture into the greens, so that the two components begin to combine, but still retain their own identity. That is to say, don’t overmix! Finding pockets of greens and pockets of corn custard among the more incorporated portions of the skillet is what will make for the most dynamic eating experience!

4. Bake:

Transfer pan to the oven and bake until bubbling and golden brown all around the edges, about 40-50 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before scooping and serving.