Tamales are made usually made by steaming corn dough (masa) wrapped in corn husks. A filling is optional. More about them here.
Though I used similar ingredients, the method of preparing them is not the same (didn't steam them in corn husks). So what I made is technically not a tamale pie. But it is so good!
Though I used similar ingredients, the method of preparing them is not the same (didn't steam them in corn husks). So what I made is technically not a tamale pie. But it is so good!
This is one of our new favourites. I made it for the first time a few weeks ago and I've already made it twice since then.
Instead of making individual pies, I stacked the ingredients in a pan and baked it. Much easier to make and serve. But you can get fancy-shmancy and serve individual portions like in the picture.
Instead of making individual pies, I stacked the ingredients in a pan and baked it. Much easier to make and serve. But you can get fancy-shmancy and serve individual portions like in the picture.
The base of this pie is polenta. Make your own or buy it pre-made. Either is fine. Making polenta is easy, just ask her.
The polenta is topped with a bean & green mixture and some sharp cheddar. A few minutes in the oven is all that is needed. Top with fresh salsa and dinner is served!
The polenta is topped with a bean & green mixture and some sharp cheddar. A few minutes in the oven is all that is needed. Top with fresh salsa and dinner is served!
It is with the bean & green layer that you can get really creative. Literally anything goes.
So far I've used a combination of black beans, cannelini beans, leeks, and mustard greens. But a garbanzo bean, spring onion, and kale combination won't be too far behind.
So far I've used a combination of black beans, cannelini beans, leeks, and mustard greens. But a garbanzo bean, spring onion, and kale combination won't be too far behind.
Tamale Pie
(Inspired by a recipe in the Moosewood Restaurant New Classics.)
Enough for four quasi hungry people.
Use the quantities given below just as a guideline.
(Inspired by a recipe in the Moosewood Restaurant New Classics.)
Enough for four quasi hungry people.
Use the quantities given below just as a guideline.
Prepare the polenta
You will need about 12 polenta slices.
Cook both sides of each slice, till it is slightly crispy.
Set aside.
You will need about 12 polenta slices.
Cook both sides of each slice, till it is slightly crispy.
Set aside.
Prepare the (simple) salsa
Mix together 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved), 4-5 stalks of cilantro (chopped),
½ cup chopped onions, salt and pepper to taste.
Mix together 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved), 4-5 stalks of cilantro (chopped),
½ cup chopped onions, salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the beans and greens
You will need:
2 cups cooked beans
4 cups cooking greens
1 cup leeks, chopped
8-10 stalk cilantro, chopped
1 tsp dry oregano
1 tsp cumin
1 tbsp oil
salt, to taste.
Heat the oil and add the cumin & oregano.
Add the leeks and cook till they soften (4-5 minutes).
Add the beans. With the back of a spoon mash most of the beans, leaving some intact.
Add the greens and mix well.
Cook for about 10 minutes.
You will need:
2 cups cooked beans
4 cups cooking greens
1 cup leeks, chopped
8-10 stalk cilantro, chopped
1 tsp dry oregano
1 tsp cumin
1 tbsp oil
salt, to taste.
Heat the oil and add the cumin & oregano.
Add the leeks and cook till they soften (4-5 minutes).
Add the beans. With the back of a spoon mash most of the beans, leaving some intact.
Add the greens and mix well.
Cook for about 10 minutes.
Assemble the pie
Preheat the oven to 350F.
Lightly grease a 13x9 baking pan. Arrange the polenta in a single layer.
Spread the bean & green mixture over the polenta.
Top with a couple of cups of shredded cheese (sharp cheddar is recommended).
Bake for about 10-15 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350F.
Lightly grease a 13x9 baking pan. Arrange the polenta in a single layer.
Spread the bean & green mixture over the polenta.
Top with a couple of cups of shredded cheese (sharp cheddar is recommended).
Bake for about 10-15 minutes.
Before serving top with salsa and chopped cilantro.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Sending this pie to DK's A.W.E.D: Mexican Food event.
14 comments:
I like Tamales, had it once at the Mexican restaurant. Corn husks are available in the grocery store but I never made it at home. Looks great TC, great entry!:))
This is a very different recipe.... Looks great... so colourful... YUM!
I have made Tamales only once before and was waiting to chk out some of the entries for these. This recipe will be made soon in my kitchen and am so glad that U participated in the event :)
lovely!
polenta & mustard greens...yummmm..:)
TC..that looks so colourful!..lovely..
TC, that's a fantastic entry :-)
i have eaten tamale only ones and the experience was rallllllllllllllly bad.Never ate again.But this sounds good.i like polentas...will give this a try!!
I have seen corn husks at the grocery..But did not know where they were used..This looks really nice..will try sometime
Asha: Now that I've found this version, don't think I'm motivated to try the corn husks. Though I can imagine the flavour the corn husks can bring along.
Sukanya: Do try and let me know if you like it.
DK: Thanks for accepting the entry as it is not quite an authentic version.
Richa:Add a couple more 'm's from me. It was that good!
Sunita, Srivalli: Thanks.
Ranji: OMG. That experience seems to have scarred you! Try mine and let the healing begin :)
Divya: Somehow steaming the tamales in corn husks seemed like it was a lot of work. But this version is quite a shortcut.
that looks great! I have yet to try a hand at tamales..thanks for the inspiration:)
Wow, this looks so good. nice recipe.
Thats clever.
Love tamale. You seem to enjoy world cuisine as well. I am hosting Tried And Tasted Event, we re cooking Carribean this month - up for the challenge? It is about cooking from other blogs, a lot of fun :-)
So perfect. I have been looking for a recipe to make of polenta and now here is another one I found today. Its my day I guess. I have saved this to try later. BTW, I am hosting a ONE DISH MEAL EVENT, I would love for you to participate. The details of the event is at my site.
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