If you're looking to spice up your weeknight dinners with something hearty and satisfying, this Vegetarian Tamale Pie is a fantastic choice. With a savory vegetable filling and a golden cornbread crust, it's a delightful twist on traditional tamales.
The base of our pie starts with olive oil, which is perfect for sautéing and adds a subtle richness. A large onion provides a sweet and savory depth, while garlic enhances the aroma and flavor. The red bell pepper and jalapeño introduce color and a gentle heat, balancing the dish. Corn kernels add a bit of sweetness and texture, and black beans are a hearty protein source. Diced tomatoes contribute acidity and moisture. For spices, we use ground cumin and chili powder to give that classic tamale taste. The shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey layer that ties everything together.
The cornbread topping is made with cornmeal and all-purpose flour, which together form a light, crumbly crust. Baking powder helps it rise, while salt seasons the batter. The wet ingredients — milk, eggs, and melted butter — ensure a moist and tender topping.
This tamale pie pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a side of guacamole and tortilla chips. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top can also enhance the flavors.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that's warming up, take a large skillet and heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic, letting them sauté until they're translucent. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Next, add the chopped red bell pepper and jalapeño. Cook these for another 3-4 minutes until they're softened. Stir in the corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes, and sprinkle in the cumin and chili powder. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld all those wonderful flavors together.
Transfer this veggie mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top, because who doesn't love a bit of cheesy goodness?
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the milk, eggs, and melted butter. Combine these wet and dry ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
Pour this batter evenly over your vegetable mixture. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's done when the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, let the tamale pie cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set a bit, so you get nice clean slices.
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