Casserole de Santa Fe

Casserole de Santa Fe Recipe from Mexico | Blue Cornmeal, Chili Powder, Cheese, and More

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Casserole de Santa Fe is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of the Southwest with a comforting casserole. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, as it is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

History

The origins of Casserole de Santa Fe can be traced back to the Southwest region of the United States, where the flavors of Mexican and American cuisine blend together to create a unique and flavorful dish. This casserole is a popular choice for gatherings and potlucks, as it is easy to make in large quantities and can be customized to suit individual tastes.

Ingredients

3.5 cups of blue cornmeal
1 tsp of non-alum baking powder
2 tsp of cumin
2 tsp of chili powder
2 cups of milk or water
1 beaten egg or egg replacer
1 cup of chopped green chilis
1 tbsp of unrefined vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups of cooked pinto beans (cooked with a clove of garlic and drained)
1 cup of tomato sauce
2.5 cups of grated cheese
chopped green onions for garnishing the top

How to prepare

Combine the first three ingredients.
In a separate bowl, combine milk, egg, and chilies.
Saute the chopped onion in oil and add it to the milk mixture.
Stir the onion mixture into the cornmeal mixture.
Pour half of the batter into an oiled rectangular casserole dish.
Layer with beans, tomato sauce, and cheese.
Repeat the layering process.
Bake at 375°F (191°C) for 40 minutes.
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with salsa.

Variations

Add cooked ground beef or turkey for a meatier version of the casserole.
Use different types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, for variety.
Top the casserole with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the cornmeal mixture until it is thick and creamy before layering it in the casserole dish.

- Be sure to drain the cooked garlic well to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.

- Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your preferences, such as adding extra vegetables or using a different type of cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Casserole de Santa Fe with a side of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the cornmeal mixture until it is thick and creamy to ensure a smooth texture in the casserole.

- Layer the ingredients evenly in the casserole dish to ensure that each bite is flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular cornmeal if blue cornmeal is not available.

- Substitute canned green chilis for fresh chilis if needed.

- Use any type of cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack.

Make Ahead Tips

Casserole de Santa Fe can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the top of the casserole with chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Casserole de Santa Fe with a side of Mexican rice and a green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Casserole de Santa Fe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Casserole de Santa Fe contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Casserole de Santa Fe contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Casserole de Santa Fe contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Casserole de Santa Fe contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Casserole de Santa Fe is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and may contain gluten (cornmeal). Please check for allergens before consuming.

Summary

Casserole de Santa Fe is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Casserole de Santa Fe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the bold flavors of the Southwest with the comfort of a classic casserole. With its layers of cornmeal, beans, cheese, and spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your next gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Casserole de Santa Fe. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I had just finished helping my neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, with her garden. As a thank you, she invited me inside for a cool glass of lemonade and a chat.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping our drinks, Mrs. Jenkins suddenly jumped up and rummaged through her recipe box. She pulled out a stained and well-worn index card and handed it to me with a smile.

"This is a recipe I picked up during my travels through the Southwest," she said. "It's called Casserole de Santa Fe, and it's been a hit with my family for years. I thought you might enjoy trying it out."

I eagerly read through the ingredients and instructions, my mouth watering at the thought of the spicy flavors and hearty ingredients. I thanked Mrs. Jenkins profusely and promised to give the recipe a try.

That evening, I set to work in my own kitchen, gathering the necessary ingredients and following the steps laid out on the index card. The smell of cumin and chili powder filled the air as the casserole bubbled away in the oven, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When it emerged hot and steaming from the oven, I knew I had a new favorite recipe on my hands. The combination of tender chicken, black beans, corn, and spicy green chilies was a delicious revelation, and I couldn't believe how simple it was to put together.

Over the years, I made Casserole de Santa Fe countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I added extra cheese on top for a gooey, indulgent finish, or I swapped out the chicken for ground beef for a heartier meal. No matter how I made it, the casserole always brought back memories of that first taste in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen.

As word of my delicious Casserole de Santa Fe spread, friends and family began to request it for potlucks and dinner parties. I loved seeing their faces light up as they took their first bite, the flavors of the Southwest dancing on their tongues.

One summer, my granddaughter, Lily, came to visit for a week. She was a budding chef, always eager to learn new recipes and techniques in the kitchen. I knew I had to pass on the recipe for Casserole de Santa Fe to her, to keep the tradition alive for another generation.

Together, Lily and I spent an afternoon chopping vegetables, shredding cheese, and mixing up the spicy sauce for the casserole. As we worked, I shared stories of Mrs. Jenkins and the origins of the recipe, the flavors of the Southwest and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.

When the casserole emerged from the oven, Lily's eyes lit up with excitement. She eagerly dug in, savoring each bite and exclaiming over the bold flavors and comforting textures. I knew then that she had inherited my love of cooking and my passion for sharing delicious meals with others.

Years passed, and Lily grew up to be a talented chef in her own right. She opened her own restaurant, where Casserole de Santa Fe was a staple on the menu, much to the delight of her customers. I couldn't have been prouder of her, carrying on the legacy of a simple recipe that had brought so much joy to our family.

As I sit in my kitchen now, surrounded by the smells of spices and simmering sauces, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the people who have enjoyed my Casserole de Santa Fe over the years. It's a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

And as I look at the stained and well-worn index card that started it all, I know that the recipe for Casserole de Santa Fe will continue to be a beloved tradition in our family for generations to come.