Vegetable Tamale Pie

Vegetable Tamale Pie Recipe - Mexican Cuisine | Pinto Beans, Jalapenos, Cheddar and More

Region / culture: Mexico | Servings: 6

Introduction

Vegetable Tamale Pie is a delicious and hearty dish that combines a flavorful vegetable filling with a cornmeal topping. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a potluck gathering.

History

Tamale pie is a popular dish in the United States, with roots in Mexican cuisine. It is a variation of traditional tamales, which are made with masa (corn dough) and filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. Tamale pie simplifies the process by baking the filling and topping together in a casserole dish.

Ingredients

Vegetable filling

14 oz (397 g) pinto beans, cooked, drained
1 cup white onion, chopped
0.5 cup green bell pepper, cubed
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
2 cup tomatoes, chopped canned drained
0.5 cup red bell pepper, cubed
6 oz (170 g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
8 ripe olives sliced
0.75 tsp garlic
0.75 tsp cumin, ground
0.75 tsp chile powder

Tamale topping

0.5 cup + 1 tbsp all purpose flour
1.5 tsp baking powder
3.75 oz (106 g) yellow cornmeal
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.13 tsp salt
1 large egg at room temperature
0.5 cup plain yogurt
2 tsp margarine, melted and cooled
1 tbsp chives, cut to garnish, optional

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Spray an 8"x8" pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Place all filling ingredients into the prepared baking pan.
Toss the ingredients until well mixed and set aside.
To prepare the tamale topping, place flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and stir until evenly mixed.
In a small bowl, beat together yogurt, egg, and margarine.
Add the yogurt mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened.
Spoon the mixture evenly on top of the vegetable filling.
If desired, sprinkle evenly with chives.
Bake for 35 – 40 minutes, until the filling is hot and bubbly, the topping is lightly browned, and a toothpick inserted in the center of the topping comes out clean.

Variations

Add some black beans or corn to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Monterey Jack, for a different flavor profile.
Top the tamale pie with some sliced avocado or a dollop of guacamole before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the canned tomatoes and pinto beans before adding them to the filling to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.

- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or add some cooked ground meat for extra protein.

- For a spicier dish, leave the seeds in the jalapeno peppers or add some hot sauce to the filling.

- Serve the tamale pie with a dollop of sour cream or salsa for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Vegetable Tamale Pie with a side of Mexican rice, a green salad, or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking, mixing, chopping, grating

Ingredient Substitutions

Use black beans or kidney beans instead of pinto beans.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for plain yogurt.

- Use butter instead of margarine in the tamale topping.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling and topping ahead of time and assemble the tamale pie just before baking. Store the components separately in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the tamale pie with some fresh cilantro, sliced jalapenos, or a drizzle of hot sauce for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Vegetable Tamale Pie with a refreshing cucumber salad, a fruity sangria, or a cold beer for a satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 38g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 14g per serving

Saturated Fat: 7g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and calcium.

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese, yogurt) and eggs.

Summary

Vegetable Tamale Pie is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Vegetable Tamale Pie is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering. With a hearty vegetable filling and a cornmeal topping, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a sunny day in the summer of 1965, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was a fantastic cook, always experimenting with new recipes and flavors. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the delicious aroma of spices and vegetables simmering on the stove.

"Come, sit down, dear," Maria said, motioning for me to take a seat at her kitchen table. "I have something special to share with you today."

Curious, I watched as Maria pulled out a worn and tattered recipe card from her recipe box. On it was written the words "Vegetable Tamale Pie."

"I learned this recipe from my grandmother many years ago," Maria explained. "It's a family favorite, and I thought you might enjoy it too."

I eagerly listened as Maria walked me through the steps of making the Vegetable Tamale Pie. It was a unique dish, combining the flavors of savory vegetables with a sweet cornbread topping. The thought of it made my mouth water.

As Maria guided me through each step of the recipe, I couldn't help but marvel at her cooking skills. She moved around the kitchen with ease, chopping vegetables, mixing spices, and preparing the cornbread topping. It was like watching a master at work.

After a few hours of cooking and chatting, the Vegetable Tamale Pie was finally ready. Maria brought it out of the oven, and the smell that wafted through the kitchen was absolutely divine. I couldn't wait to dig in.

As we sat down to eat, Maria and I savored every bite of the Vegetable Tamale Pie. The flavors melded together perfectly, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I made the Vegetable Tamale Pie countless times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. Sometimes I would throw in some extra vegetables, or experiment with different spices. But no matter how I tweaked the recipe, the essence of Maria's original dish always shone through.

As I perfected the recipe over the years, I shared it with friends and family, who all raved about its deliciousness. It became a go-to dish for potlucks, family gatherings, and cozy nights at home.

To this day, whenever I make Vegetable Tamale Pie, I think of Maria and that fateful day in her kitchen. I am forever grateful to her for sharing this recipe with me, and for inspiring me to become the skilled cook that I am today.

So, if you ever find yourself craving a comforting and delicious meal, give the Vegetable Tamale Pie a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass on the recipe to someone special, just like Maria did for me.