Tamale Pie I

Tamale Pie I Recipe - Authentic Mexican Dish

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Tamale Pie is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of a traditional tamale with a savory pie. This recipe is a perfect comfort food for a cozy night in or a family gathering.

History

The origins of Tamale Pie can be traced back to the United States in the early 1900s. It was created as a way to enjoy the flavors of tamales in a simpler and more convenient form. Over the years, the recipe has evolved and been adapted to include a variety of ingredients and flavors.

Ingredients

3 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cups onions, chopped
2 – 3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1 fresh green chile*, minced or 2 tsp minced chipotles in adobo sauce
2 tsp ground cumin
2 cups water
1 cup green beans, de-stemmed and diced
2 cups potatoes, in 0.75 inch cubes
2 – 3 cups sweet potatoes, carrots, or butternut squash, in 0.75-inch cubes
1 tbsp lemon or lemon juice
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup cornmeal
2 tbsp white flour
1.5 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.5 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
0.5 cup red bell pepper, diced
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, minced
2 eggs
0.5 cup buttermilk

How to prepare

Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan and sauté onions, garlic, 0.5 tsp of salt, and chile for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions start to brown.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Add cumin, water, green beans, potatoes, and sweet potatoes to the pan and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in lime juice and pour the mixture into a lightly-oiled baking dish.
While the potatoes are cooking, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, remaining 0.5 tsp of salt, corn, bell peppers, and cilantro in one bowl.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and remaining 2 tbsp of oil.
Combine the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, folding until just mixed.
Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top of the vegetable mixture in the baking dish, then spread the egg/cornmeal mixture evenly on top.
Bake for 30 minutes, until a knife or toothpick inserted into the cornmeal topping comes out clean.
Serve hot.

Variations

Add cooked ground beef or shredded chicken for a meatier version of Tamale Pie.
Swap out the vegetables for your favorites, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to sauté the onions and garlic until they are golden brown to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender but still have a bit of crunch to them for the perfect texture.

- Don't overmix the cornmeal topping, as this can result in a dense and tough texture.

- Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or protein options.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tamale Pie hot with a side of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for a complete and delicious meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing

- Boiling

- Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a healthier option.

- Substitute almond milk for buttermilk for a dairy-free alternative.

- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Tamale Pie can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and bake when ready.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tamale Pie in individual ramekins for a cute and personalized presentation. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Tamale Pie with a crisp green salad or a side of Mexican rice for a complete and satisfying meal. A cold beer or a glass of red wine would also complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of 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

280

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 35g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g

- Saturated Fat: 4g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 8g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20% DV

- Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Calcium: 15% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheddar cheese, buttermilk)

- Contains eggs

Summary

Tamale Pie is a balanced dish that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Summary

Tamale Pie is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of a traditional tamale with a savory pie. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals, this recipe is a nutritious and satisfying meal option for any occasion. Enjoy the rich and flavorful taste of Tamale Pie with your family and friends today!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in Mexico. My abuela, my grandmother, was a wonderful cook and she passed down her love for food and cooking to me.

One day, as I was watching her prepare dinner, she pulled out a tattered old cookbook from a dusty shelf. She flipped through the pages, searching for a particular recipe. When she found it, her eyes lit up with excitement.

"Ah, here it is," she said, pointing to a page that was stained with splatters of tomato sauce and grease. "Tamale Pie."

I had never heard of such a dish before. My grandmother explained that it was a delicious combination of cornmeal, meat, and spices, all baked together in a pie dish. She told me that it was a recipe passed down from her own mother, and that it was a family favorite.

As she began to gather the ingredients and prepare the dish, I watched in awe. The way she chopped the onions, browned the meat, and mixed the cornmeal batter was like a dance. Her hands moved with a grace and precision that only years of practice could achieve.

When the tamale pie was finally ready, she placed it in the oven and the tantalizing aroma filled the kitchen. I couldn't wait to taste it.

As we sat down to dinner that evening, I took my first bite of the tamale pie. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the savory meat, the creamy cornmeal, the hint of spice. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

From that day on, tamale pie became a staple in our household. My abuela would make it for special occasions, for Sunday dinners, or just because. And each time she made it, I would watch and learn, trying to memorize every step and every ingredient.

As I grew older, I started to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations. I added more spices, different types of meat, and even vegetables. Each time I made it, I felt a connection to my abuela and the generations of women who had come before me.

Now, as a grandmother myself, I still make tamale pie for my family. It has become a tradition, a way to pass down a piece of my heritage to the next generation. And each time I make it, I think of my abuela and the day she first introduced me to this delicious dish.

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of the love, the tradition, and the joy that food can bring. And as long as I am able, I will continue to make tamale pie for my family, keeping the spirit of my abuela alive in every bite.