Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Tamale Pie with Pumpkin Cornbread


With my husband working late nights, I've been relying heavily on dinners that can sit in the oven and wait on him. As I was browsing through my Moosewood Cookbooks, I saw their tamale pie recipe that I had made once before, but wasn't very impressed with it. I decided to use it as a starting off point, but make some changes I felt it needed. I had recently purchased a bag of Arrowhead Mills Cornbread Mix, which I thought was simply cornmeal. I decided to make the cornbread healthier and seasonal, I'd add some pumpkin to the mix. This meal was warm, comforting, and a much tastier take on the original dish.

Tamale Pie with Pumpkin Cornbread

1 1/2 c. Arrowhead Mills Cornbread Mix
1 egg, beaten
1 c. skim milk
1/2 c. solid pack pumpkin 
1 tbsp. honey or maple syrup
Pinch of cayenne pepper

1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 ears of corn kernels or 1 c. frozen corn kernels
1 yellow onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 15 oz. can petite diced tomatoes with jalapeƱos
2 c. cooked pinto beans
1 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper

Garnishes:
Chopped cilantro
Grated Cheddar
Sour Cream

Preheat oven to 350*
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp. EVOO, peppers, onion and garlic.
Season with salt and pepper, saute' for 10 minutes, until vegetables have softened.
While veggies cook, in a mixing bowl whisk together egg, milk, pumpkin and honey.
Add cornbread mix, sprinkle of cayenne, and stir until mixture just comes together.
Drain tomatoes and add to vegetables.
Add beans and spices to vegetables, stir well and taste, adjust seasonings.
Pour into a casserole dish, then spread with cornbread topping.
Place in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, until cornbread is golden brown and set.
Spoon into a dish and serve with garnishes.

8 comments:

Andrea the Kitchen Witch said...

This looks so good! I love good tamale pie and this looks GOOD!

Tasha said...

I made a similar dish from a recipe I found in a magazine last fall, but this version looks much tastier and healthier.

Mrs_W_Pookie said...

Ash, how could I modify this to just make the cornbread? I'm clueless when it comes to altering recipes. Also, the pumpkin - pumpkin pie filling, or plain pumpkin? Thanks!

stephen said...

another pumpkin recipe on my list. . Mouth watering over here:)

Joanne said...

I love infusing pumpkin into whatever I can and so I think this tamale pie is something I would love to come home to. Way to doctor it up!

greta said...

sounds like the perfect thing for these colder nights as you can't beat coming home to a good pie!

VegeCooking Club said...

I like the addition of the pumpkin in the cornbread. I have the stuff to make tamales but haven't gotten around to it yet!

Cara said...

Sounds like a perfect use for my new cast iron skillet. I'm obsessed with the thing!