World Tamale Pie

World Tamale Pie Recipe from Mexico with Corn and Chili Powder

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

World Tamale Pie is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of a traditional tamale with a savory meat filling. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering with friends.

History

The origins of Tamale Pie are a bit murky, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The dish was likely inspired by traditional Mexican tamales, but adapted to be easier and quicker to make. Over the years, different variations of the recipe have emerged, each with its own unique twist.

Ingredients

corn meal crust

2.5 cups of cold water
1 tsp of salt
1.25 cups of yellow corn meal
0.5 tsp of chili powder

How to prepare

Brown 1 lb (454 g) of ground beef and one small onion, finely chopped.
Add one can of sliced tomatoes (preferably Mexican style) and one small can of tomato sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add 0.5 tsp of garlic powder and 1 tsp of chili powder.
Let it simmer while preparing the cornmeal crust.
Stir in 0.5 can of creamed corn before pouring the mixture into the crust.
For the cornmeal crust:
Combine the above ingredients and cook over medium heat until thickened (approximately ten minutes).
Add one cup of milk and 0.5 can of creamed corn. Line the sides and bottom of a 1.5 qt (1.42 liter) buttered casserole dish.
Pour the meat mixture into the crust and cover the top with the remaining cornmeal mixture.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for thirty minutes.
Cover the top of the crust with one cup of shredded Cheddar cheese and one small can of sliced olives.
Return to the oven until the cheese melts.

Variations

Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a meat-free version of the pie.
Spicy version: Add diced jalapenos or hot sauce to the meat mixture for an extra kick of heat.
Cheese lover's version: Use a combination of different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack, for a gooey and cheesy topping.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the ground beef and onions well to develop a deep flavor in the filling.

- Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences. You can add more chili powder for a spicier pie or omit it altogether for a milder version.

- Be sure to let the meat mixture simmer for a while to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Don't overcook the cornmeal crust, as it can become too dry. Keep an eye on it while it's cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the World Tamale Pie hot, straight out of the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the ground beef: Make sure to cook the ground beef until it is well-browned and any excess moisture has evaporated. This will help develop a rich flavor in the filling.

- Simmering the meat mixture: Let the meat mixture simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

- Baking the pie: Bake the pie at a moderate temperature (350°F/175°C) to ensure that the cornmeal crust cooks through without burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground beef: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork as a substitute for the ground beef.

- Creamed corn: If you don't have creamed corn on hand, you can use regular corn kernels and add a bit of heavy cream for creaminess.

- Cheddar cheese: Any melty cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Colby, can be used as a substitute for Cheddar cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the World Tamale Pie ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Simply cover the assembled pie with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed.

Presentation Ideas

For a festive presentation, garnish the World Tamale Pie with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro and a drizzle of hot sauce. Serve it in individual ramekins for a cute and portion-controlled presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

World Tamale Pie pairs well with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. You can also serve it with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover World Tamale Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can also freeze the pie for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 3g

Fats

- Total Fat: 15g

- Saturated Fat: 6g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 18g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 8%

- Calcium: 15%

- Iron: 20%

Alergens

Contains dairy (Cheddar cheese)

- May contain gluten (cornmeal crust)

Summary

World Tamale Pie is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious option for a family dinner.

Summary

World Tamale Pie is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together the best of both worlds - the flavors of a traditional tamale and the convenience of a casserole. With a savory meat filling and a cornmeal crust, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it for dinner or bring it to your next potluck for a crowd-pleasing meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that my friend had given me. As I turned the pages, a recipe for World Tamale Pie caught my eye. I had never heard of such a dish before, but something about it intrigued me.

I read through the ingredients and instructions, imagining the flavors and textures coming together to create a delicious and comforting meal. The recipe called for ground beef, corn, tomatoes, and spices, all topped with a cornmeal crust. It seemed like the perfect dish to warm up a chilly evening.

I decided to give it a try, following the recipe as closely as I could. As I browned the ground beef and mixed in the corn and tomatoes, the kitchen filled with the savory aromas of the spices. I could hardly wait for the dish to finish baking in the oven.

When the timer finally went off, I pulled the World Tamale Pie out of the oven and marveled at its golden crust. I scooped out a generous portion onto a plate and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, the hearty beef and sweet corn mingling with the tangy tomatoes and warm spices. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire. It was a dish that was easy to make yet incredibly flavorful, a crowd-pleaser that would bring comfort and joy to those who enjoyed it.

Over the years, I made the World Tamale Pie countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes. Sometimes I added extra spices for a kick, or swapped out the ground beef for ground turkey. No matter how I varied the recipe, it always turned out delicious.

As I shared the dish with friends and family, they too fell in love with the World Tamale Pie. They would ask me for the recipe, and I would gladly pass it along, knowing that it would bring them as much joy as it had brought me.

I often think back to that cold winter day when I first discovered the recipe for World Tamale Pie. It was a turning point in my culinary journey, a dish that opened my eyes to the possibilities of simple yet flavorful cooking. I am grateful for the friends and family who have shared their recipes with me over the years, each one adding to my collection of beloved dishes.

And so, I continue to cook and bake, always on the lookout for new recipes to try and share with those I love. The World Tamale Pie will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy that can be found in a humble dish made with love and shared with others.