Smoked Heirloom Tomato Relish with Corn & Beans

Directions

Drain the wood chips well. Prepare a hot charcoal fire. When the fire is hot, arrange the coals in an even layer. Sprinkle the wood chips over the coals and put the grill grate in place. Scrub the grate clean with a wire brush and oil the grate with a folded paper towel dipped in vegetable oil. Arrange the tomato halves cut side down on the grill. Cover the grill and open all the air vents. Smoke the tomatoes until they’re soft and their skins are light brown in spots, about 15 minutes. Using potholders, remove the entire grill grate with the tomatoes on it to a clean heatproof spot and let cool for 5 to 10 minutes. With tongs or a spatula, transfer the tomatoes to a cutting board. Cut the tomatoes into 1/2-inch dice and put in a bowl along with any juices from the cutting board. Bring a 3- to 4-quart saucepan full of well-salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the green beans and boil until barely tender, about 4 minutes. Drain the beans in a colander, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, and set aside. Set the saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, onion, and red pepper and cook until soft and aromatic, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until the garlic no longer smells raw, about 2 minutes. Add the corn and a big pinch of salt and cook until the color brightens and the kernels look translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the green beans, the cherry tomatoes, and the smoked tomatoes with their juices. Season with salt and pepper and simmer until the cherry tomatoes look a little wilted, 1 to 2 minutes.