They are almost too cute to eat.
Almost, but not quite.
And when you see how easy these little pies are to prepare, you might give up buying frozen meals for good.
They take just THREE simple steps, the first of which is to simply throw a bunch of cans into a pot and wait. Not much harder than microwaving a frozen meal, is it?
The perfect comfort food for a chilly Fall night.
Katie’s Mexican Tamale Pies
(makes 4-5 pies)
- 1 can (15oz) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 small zucchini, cut into tiny pieces (optional)
- 1 can (15oz) corn, drained (or 1 3/4 cup fresh or frozen)
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp each: onion and garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- optional: hot sauce or red pepper flakes (for a spicier version)
- for the topping: 1 cup cornmeal, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 cups water, and optional 2 tsp oil. Or you could probably just use instant polenta and slice it on top.
Combine first 8 ingredients in a small pot and cook on low-medium for 40 minutes, stirring very occasionally as it bubbles. (If you prefer, you can even make this in a crockpot!) Meanwhile, if using the homemade polenta topping, combine all other ingredients and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. As soon as it starts to boil, lower the heat to a simmer and stir constantly until it thickens. Preheat the oven to 350 F and portion the bean mixture into oven-proof dishes or aluminum pans (as shown in the picture directly below these instructions). Top with polenta, smooth the tops, and bake 45 minutes. I also set the oven to “broil” for a few minutes at the end, to achieve more of a crust on top. You can either eat in the dish, or go around the sides and pop the pies out. (Note: if you sub fresh corn and/or unsalted tomatoes, you’ll probably want to add a little extra salt.)
View Tamale Pie Nutrition Facts
Above, before being covered with the cornmeal topping.
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Those are cute! I love how warm and filling they look. Can’t wait to give them a try!
Yum! I love anything Mexican and these look wonderful! Not to mention, adorable to boot. 😉
I used to buy frozen meals all the time. They’re just so easy! I loved Trader Joe’s taquitos and tamales, TJ’s Mac ‘n’ Cheese, and especially Hot Pockets. Oh, how I love hot pockets.
Those look great! I don’t even know the original pies, but these look great and they are fresh!
Wow this looks amazing!!!! I will definetly have to try this soon!!
I was wondering, have you ever tried making your ultimate fudge pie without chocolate chips, using just cocoa powder and a sweetner?
I would love to know since I don’t have any chocolate in the house (I know-tragic!!) but I do have tofu and I neeeeeeeeeeed your amazing fudge pie like, now!! If anyone has tried experimenting, please let me know!
I keep wondering that about the Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Mousse, which is also delicious! I wonder if you need the cocoa butter for stability (if that makes sense).
I think it wouldn’t taste as rich and decadent. But you could do it if you wanted to sub oil or maybe even some peanut butter? The fat helps mask any tofu aftertaste.
I avoid eating anything that comes in a can, Have you thought about recommending using frozen corn, fresh tomatoes and aseptic packaged beans?
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/05/concern-over-canned-foods/index.htm
Hi Joan,
Very good point! To be honest, I haven’t looked into the BPA thing as much as I probably should. I don’t microwave plastic anymore, and I use glass storage containers, but I do still eat canned goods (although my beans are BPA-free cans). There are so many things to worry about these days that it’s hard to keep up with everything… I’m going to read your link now, and yes I definitely think packaged beans would work well. For the tomatoes, you might just have to add a little extra salt if using fresh.
I’d love more ideas like this! I used to buy frozen “healthy” meals, but since I’ve had to go gluten and dairy free, the options are cut WAY down. Even most of Amy’s dinners have dairy in them.
Hi Katie,
These look so cute and scrumptious…they would be so perfect to take for packed lunch to my University – with this in mind, I was wondering if they would be okay to freeze? I tend to cook food as and when me and my folks need to chow it down, so I am sorry if this seems like a silly question >.<" !
I haven’t actually tried it, since mine are still fresh. If you try it before me, please report back!
If you can freeze Amy’s version and if you can freeze bean casseroles, you can freeze this–no prob.
Hi Katie. You dish looks delish! Adding a bit of chipotle peppers with adobo sauce (comes in a small can) will take this recipe to a whoooole new level. It adds an intense depth of yummines, haha.
On a random note, I’m trying to recreate one of your many chocolate recipes and was wondering what type and brand of chocolate chips you use (company name and cocoa content) and where I can possibly purchase them.
Thanks!
I usually just buy whatever vegan brand is cheapest at the store. Lately, I’ve been buying a lot of Whole Foods brand or Enjoy Life because I used to sometimes use Ghirardelli, but I heard that they purchase cocoa that is made with slave labor :(.
Or I buy chocolate bars and chop them up, or use my own homemade chocolate bars.
OMG. i cant even get over this. okay i know this may sound weird but you are truly my inspiration katie! im 17 years old and a senior in highschool. im devoted to living a happy, healthy lifestye and am currently searching for a college with a nutrition undergraduates program. im not going to lie or hide it, but i am struggling on my journey of recovery from annorexia and it is a constant fear of mine that without the gym and with increased calories i will someday lose all control and become fat. However, every time i see your blog and see how you create amazing, healthy recipes that can sometimes contain calorie dense items, it gives me hope that i can get better. Eating healthy isnt defined by low calorie but by nutrient density and nutritional benefits. its about fueling your body properly and listening to your bodys signals. i want to have an active/healthy lifestyle and i know that i must fuel my body properly in order to pursue this dream. i want to discover health and be as sucessful as you are. thankyou for everything katie.
Aw Sam, good luck. I think just the fact that you WANT to get healthy shows that you WILL. Just think about the food nourishing your body. Think about exactly what the calories are doing– providing energy to your cells and your skin and your hair and your brain and heart.
*Hugs*
I’m currently living with the disorder and you’re really inspirational. Please tell me, does the mindset ever truly go away, do you think?
Katie, looks delish…..can these be frozen and then reheated in oven or microwave or are they better eaten right away? I substitute and get called at the last minute to work so grabbing one of these out of the freezer for my lunch would be great then I wouldn’t have to worry about preparing my lunch on such short notice!
They can definitely be re-heated. I’m not sure about freezing, as I haven’t tried it. If you try it before me, please report back!