Mercedes Tamale Pie
Mercedes Tamale Pie offers a hearty, flavorful combination of vegetables and cornmeal, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with a touch of Southern charm.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute carrots, celery, onion, and green pepper together.
- Mix the sautéed vegetables with whole corn, creamed corn, cornmeal, salt, and cumin.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. You can substitute the cornmeal with a gluten-free blend if needed. If you prefer a creamier texture, adding a bit of shredded cheese or sour cream can enhance the flavor. This dish is quite versatile and can easily be adapted with other vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tamale pie warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or some tortilla chips for extra crunch. You can also serve it alongside Mexican Style Chicken And Rice for a hearty meal that guests will love. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the tamale pie cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions until hot. For best results, cover with foil while reheating in the oven to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mercedes Tamale Pie contains roughly 721 calories, with 20g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (184% of the Daily Value), and calcium (70% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1704mg per serving (74% 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 recipe vegetarian?
Yes, to make this tamale pie vegetarian, simply omit any meat products and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add beans for additional protein and texture, which will complement the flavors of the dish nicely.
What can I use instead of cornmeal?
If you don't have cornmeal, you can use polenta or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly depending on what you choose, but it should still yield a delicious result.
Can I freeze the tamale pie?
Yes, this tamale pie freezes well. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).