Baked Vegetables Tamale
Baked Vegetables Tamale is a hearty and comforting dish packed with the flavors of sweet corn, ripe tomatoes, and sharp Cheddar cheese. It's perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, appealing to vegetarians and cheese lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix corn, tomatoes, corn meal, cheese, onion, and green pepper. Let stand for 30 minutes.
- Add eggs, milk, and seasoning.
- Pour into a buttered baking dish and bake at 325°F for 1 1/4 hours or until firm in the center.
- This dish can be served from the baking dish or baked in a loaf and unmolded onto a platter.
- Buttered peas may be used as a garnish with sections of hard-cooked eggs on the platter.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like cumin or chili powder to the vegetable mixture. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can substitute for fresh ones. You can also swap out sharp Cheddar for a milder cheese or a blend of Mexican cheeses for a different taste. This dish is a great option for using up leftover vegetables from your fridge.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked vegetables tamale hot, garnished with buttered peas and slices of hard-cooked eggs for an attractive presentation. This dish pairs beautifully with Guacamole Viva and a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. For a more substantial feast, consider serving it alongside Mexican recipes like Chili Con Queso Dip or Quesadilla Party Wedges.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tamale in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, adding a splash of milk to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Vegetables Tamale contains roughly 632 calories, with 14g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (132% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 825mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this tamale ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tamale mixture, place it in the baking dish, and refrigerate it overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking, or increase baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the cheese?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether. Nutritional yeast can also be sprinkled for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Can I freeze the baked vegetables tamale?
Absolutely! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until warmed through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).