Recipe(tried): Pan-Fried Cornmeal Crusted Trout with Succotash and Baby Greens with a Buttermilk-Lemon Dressing

Buttermilk and Lemon Dressing Yum, yum, yum:-)!

Yesterday was a rainy day here so, since we couldn't grill outdoors, I decided to make this meal from Emeril Lagasse for dinner. I had made it once before. We loved it then, and last night was no different. DH and I think that this is one fantastic meal so, of course, I had to share it. Both times, I halved the fish, and succotash recipes, and, also used enough baby greens for just the two of us. I did have to make a few changes regarding ingredients, too. I had to use tilapia rather than trout, and since I seem to only be able to find masa harina in 5 lb. bags, or larger, I used a combination of regular all-purpose flour and corn flour (Bob's Red Mill). After having made the dressing several times, I knew it had become a favorite of ours so I doubled it to have on hand for other nights when we have this salad. Do try any or all of these recipes. I don't think you will be disappointed.

PAN-FRIED CORNMEAL CRUSTED TROUT WITH SUCCOTASH AND MIXED BABY GREENS WITH A BUTTERMILK AND LEMON DRESSING
Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse
Yield: 6 servings

1 1/2 cups buttermilk
5 tablespoons Essence, recipe follows
1 tablespoon hot sauce
2/3 cup corn flour (I used all purpose flour for this amount)
3/4 cup masa harina (I used corn flour for this amount)
2 teaspoons salt
6 (6-ounce) trout fillets (I used tilapia fillets)
3/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying
Succotash, recipe follows
Salad, recipe follows

Place the buttermilk in a shallow, non-reactive casserole dish. Season with 2 tablespoons of the Essence and the hot sauce and stir to blend. In a medium bowl, combine the corn flour, masa harina, 2 tablespoons of the remaining Essence and the salt. Stir well to blend. Place the trout in the seasoned flour and turn to coat on both sides. Then place in the buttermilk, coating well on both sides.

Heat the oil in a large cast iron fry pan over medium heat. Place the trout fillets in the corn flour mixture and toss to evenly coat. Lay the trout smooth side up in the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Turn over and cook another 1 to 2 minutes on the other side. Remove from the pan and transfer to paper towel-lined plates to drain. Season with the remaining tablespoon of Essence and serve with the succotash and mixed green salad.

EMERIL'S ESSENCE CREOLE SEASONING
(also referred to as Bayou Blast):

2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Yield: 2/3 cup

Source: New New Orleans Cooking by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch, published by William Morrow, 1993.

SUCCOTASH:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup diced country ham
1 cup small diced onion
4 cups fresh, sweet corn
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 cups chicken stock
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups frozen lima beans
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup peeled, seeded and chopped Roma tomatoes
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves

In a heavy-bottomed 10-inch cast iron skillet set over medium heat, heat the butter until melted. Add the ham and saute until lightly caramelized, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 to 45 seconds. Add the stock, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the thyme, salt, and cayenne pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7 to 8 minutes. Add the lima beans and cream and cook for 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes and chopped parsley to the pan and re-season if necessary.

Serve as a side to the Pan Fried Cornmeal Crusted Trout.

Yield: 4 cups

SALAD:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons buttermilk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped green onion tops
2 teaspoons minced shallots
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
6 cups mixed baby greens

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except the baby greens. Whisk together and let sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marry. Drizzle over the baby greens, toss the salad, and divide evenly among the six entree plates for the trout and succotash.

Yield: 6 servings