Tamale Pie

Tamale Pie Recipe - Delicious and Flavorful Dish from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Introduction

Tamale pie is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of traditional tamales with a savory meat and vegetable filling. This comforting casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering.

History

Tamale pie is a popular dish in the United States, with roots in Mexican cuisine. It is believed to have originated in the Southwest, where Mexican and American culinary traditions blend together. The dish is a convenient way to enjoy the flavors of tamales without the time-consuming process of making individual corn husk-wrapped parcels.

Ingredients

4 cups water
1.5 cups yellow cornmeal
2 cups cold water
3 tsp salt
0.25 - 0.5 cup butter or lard
0.5 lb (227 g) bulk sausage
2 tbsp chili powder
0.5 tsp ground cumin
1 clove garlic, minced
1 to 1.5 cups finely chopped onions
1 small green pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cup finely chopped celery
1.5 lb (680 g) ground beef
3 cups canned Italian plum tomatoes, or 4 cups peeled and seeded fresh tomatoes
2 cups fresh, frozen, or canned corn kernels
4 oz (113 g) canned, mild green chiles, diced
1 tsp minced jalapeño pepper (optional)
1 cup pitted ripe olives
2 cups grated medium or sharp cheddar cheese

How to prepare

Bring 3 qt (2.84 liters) of water to a boil in a saucepan.
Meanwhile, stir 2 cups of cornmeal into 2 cups of cold water (this helps prevent lumping) and stir this mixture into the boiling water.
Continue to stir while the water returns to a boil.
Turn the heat to low, stir in 1.5 tsp of salt and the butter, cover, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring often.
In a large frying pan, mash the sausage and cook over medium heat until it begins to lose color.
Add the chili powder and cumin, stir, and cook for about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic, onions, green pepper, celery, and remaining salt.
Stir and cook until the vegetables are limp.
Crumble the beef into the pan and mash and cook until the raw color disappears.
Add the tomatoes, corn, and green chilies (and jalapeño pepper, if used), and let the mixture simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
Grease or oil a large baking pan that is at least 10 x 14 x 2 inches in size.
Spread 0.67 of the cornmeal mixture on the bottom and sides of the pan.
Spoon in the filling and distribute the olives evenly over it.
Spoon the remaining cornmeal over the top and sprinkle with the cheese.
Bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 1 hour.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter version of tamale pie.
Add black beans or diced bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To prevent lumps in the cornmeal mixture, be sure to stir the cornmeal into cold water before adding it to the boiling water.

- Make sure to cook the cornmeal mixture until it is thick and creamy before spreading it in the baking pan.

- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or meats for a unique twist on this classic dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve tamale pie with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, and a dollop of sour cream for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Bake the tamale pie in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a golden brown crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable oil or butter as a substitute for lard.

- Use ground pork or chorizo instead of bulk sausage for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the filling and cornmeal mixture ahead of time and assemble the tamale pie just before baking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the tamale pie with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime for a colorful and flavorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair tamale pie with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover tamale pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 420 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 22g per serving

Saturated Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 24g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Tamale pie is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (cornmeal).

Summary

Tamale pie is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a family dinner.

Summary

Tamale pie is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the best of Mexican and American cuisine. With a rich and savory filling topped with a creamy cornmeal crust, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this hearty meal with your loved ones for a satisfying and delicious dinner.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, that I first tasted Tamale Pie. I can still remember the rich, savory flavors and the comforting warmth of the dish. It was love at first bite, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I had been visiting a friend's house for dinner when I first tried Tamale Pie. My friend's mother, Mrs. Jenkins, was an excellent cook and she had prepared the most delicious meal I had ever tasted. The combination of tender ground beef, spicy chili, and creamy cornbread topping was a revelation to me.

I begged Mrs. Jenkins for the recipe, and she kindly agreed to share it with me. As she dictated the ingredients and instructions to me, I diligently wrote them down in my notebook. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Tamale Pie countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own taste. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that first delicious taste and the generosity of Mrs. Jenkins in sharing her recipe with me.

One of the things I love most about cooking is the way it connects us to others. Every recipe I have in my collection is a story, a memory of a person or a place. And the story of how I learned to make Tamale Pie is one of my favorites.

As I grew older and my own children came along, I passed down the recipe for Tamale Pie to them. It became a favorite in our household, a dish that we all looked forward to on chilly evenings or special occasions.

I remember one Christmas in particular when I made Tamale Pie for our family dinner. The aroma of the spicy chili and cornbread wafted through the house, filling it with warmth and cheer. As we sat down to eat, my children's eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bite of the dish. It was a moment of pure joy, and I knew then that this recipe would be a part of our family for generations to come.

As the years passed and my grandchildren came along, I continued to make Tamale Pie for them. It became a tradition, a dish that they would request whenever they came to visit. I loved watching their faces light up with excitement as they sat down at the table to enjoy a steaming plate of Tamale Pie.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting aromas of chili and cornbread, I am filled with gratitude for all of the wonderful memories that this recipe has brought into my life. It is a reminder of the connections we form through food, the stories we share, and the love that we pass down from generation to generation.

And so, whenever I make Tamale Pie, I think of Mrs. Jenkins and the kindness she showed me in sharing her recipe all those years ago. I think of my own children and grandchildren, and the joy that this dish has brought to our family. And I am grateful for the simple pleasure of a delicious meal shared with loved ones.

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. And I know that I will continue to make Tamale Pie for many years to come, sharing its warmth and flavor with all of those I hold dear.