Chicken Tamale Pie
A chunky chicken chili topped with a cornbread-y or polenta-y batter situation baked up to a crisp in your oven, also known as everything you want in one pot. Tamales are a Mexican dish made of starchy, corn-based dough that is cooked by steaming inside a corn husk. The filling includes meats, vegetables or even cheese and they are a great portable food.
The tamale pie, however, is a decidedly American variation on the idea. It's typically a casserole-style dish consisting of seasoned ground beef, salsa, sauce, cheese, and a cornbread crust. Common shortcuts for this easy dish include ready-made cornbread mix. As tasty as a beef tamale pie is, shredded chicken is equally delicious in this dish. Nutritious beans add flavor and make it even heartier. And, of course, don't skimp on the cheese. You can use a cornbread mix but this homemade recipe is super-simple and delicious. If you're craving even more layers, top it with a scoop of salsa.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cans beans, drained and rinsed (I used one black, one Great Northern)
- 1 can sweet corn, drained and rinsed
- 1 (4-ounce) can hot green chilies
- 1 (12-ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice
- 1/4 cup chicken stock (optional)
- For the topping
- 3/4 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon butter