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Home » Tamale Pie

Tamale Pie

April 6, 2017 By Diane Smith 4 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Tamale Pie in baking dish and on white plate
Tamale Pie in baking dish and on white plate

My husband, Charles, and I were very excited to share our whale watching trip photos with friends so we had a plant-based potluck slideshow and I supplied the main course of tamale pie. Our guests brought the sides, appetizers, salads and dessert.

Wow, did our friends come through, it was a huge spread. We had hummus and veggies, lentil dip with crackers, vegan cheese and guacamole for appetizers.

Tamale Pie

There was lettuce salad, fruit salad, faro salad, corn and tomato salad, and rice salad as the side dish. In addition to the Tamale Pie, someone made Cauliflower Enchiladas for the main course.

However, this meal was not completely dairy free because we had brownies and ice cream but I was pleased to say that everyone raved about the food and maybe, just maybe, a few decided that eating a plant-based diet could be pretty tasty!

Tamale Pie

I’m happy to report one of the favorite dishes of the night, was our tamale pie.

This is one of those recipes you can make as mild or spicy as you like. You can always throw in jalapenos or habanero peppers to kick it up a notch. If you want a kick without going too hot, then buy the diced green chilies labeled “Hot” instead of mild or medium.

Tamale Pie in baking dish and on white plate

These flavor-packed recipes are sure to be a hit:

  • Vegan BBQ Meatloaf
  • Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Cream
  • Vegan Avocado Brownies
  • Vegetarian Bean Chili
  • Moroccan Chickpea Vegetable Tagine

You can also add a can of white beans in lieu of one of the other beans to add some color and different flavor, same goes with kidney beans.

Tamale Pie

One last thing, in addition to cilantro you can serve chopped raw onions, sliced avocado and lime wedges on the side. This works great if you’re serving it at a party or potluck because it allows the guests to customize the flavor to their taste.

I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below for this Tamale Pie! If you have a photo, post it on my Facebook page, tag me using the hashtag #plantbasedcooking in your caption, and I won’t miss it!

 

Tamale Pie
Print Recipe
4 from 19 votes

Tamale Pie

This versatile and colorful dish is perfect for lunch or dinner. You can pair it with many side dishes for a complete meal but works just fine alone. Many of the ingredients are already staples in your home. This is one you’ll want to share with your closest friends.
Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Total Time1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 8 people

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Colander
  • Ceramic Bakeware
  • Large Skillet
  • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 large onion diced
  • 1 large red or green bell pepper diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp Ancho chili powder
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 15.5 oz. can black beans (no salt) rinsed and drained (or 1 1/2 cups homemade)
  • 1 15.5 oz. can pinto beans (no salt) rinsed and drained (or 1 1/2 cups homemade)
  • 1 14.5 oz. can diced fire-roasted tomatoes including juice
  • 2 4 oz. cans diced green chilies including juice
  • sea salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup cilantro chopped

Masa Layer

  • 3 cups masa harina (Do not substitute cornmeal! Masa harina is available at most grocery stores.)
  • 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil (for a low oil version you could try substituting apple sauce and leave out the maple syrup.)
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or 1 1/2 cups homemade)
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup

Toppings

  • vegan sour cream
  • fresh cilantro
  • toasted pumpkin seeds
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Chili

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9 x 13″ baking pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of water over medium-high. Add the onion, bell pepper, and saute about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, or until vegetables are softened. Add more water if the pan starts to dry out. Add the garlic and sauté for a few minutes.
  • Add all of the spices and stir well to incorporate, lowering the heat, if necessary.
  • Add the beans, tomatoes, green chilies, and stir to combine. Salt & pepper to taste.
  • Continue to cook until the mixture is only slightly watery.
  • Stir in the cilantro and remove from heat.
  • While the filling is cooking, prepare the masa layer.
  • Fill your baking dish with the filling mixture.

Masa Layer:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together all ingredients until well combined. The mixture should be the consistency of thick pancake mix.
  • With a large spoon, spread the masa mixture over the filling and smooth to the edges.
  • Bake for about 45 minutes or until the topping is starting to brown and isn’t soft any more.
  • Serve toppings and allow everyone to add their own.

Notes

 
 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Tamale Pie
Amount per Serving
Calories
530
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
24.1
g
37
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Sodium
 
347
mg
15
%
Carbohydrates
 
70.2
g
23
%
Fiber
 
1.8
g
8
%
Sugar
 
9.5
g
11
%
Protein
 
12
g
24
%
Vitamin A
 
65.4
IU
1
%
Vitamin C
 
32.5
mg
39
%
Calcium
 
135.1
mg
14
%
Iron
 
5
mg
28
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Tag @PlantBasedCooking on Intagram!
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marcia l Savage

    October 3, 2017 at 6:38 pm

    This is delicious, and I will make it again–the next time for company! I hope it survives being frozen, as that’s what I did with half of it. However, I do think the Nutrition Facts are not accurate, and I hope you can publish a correction. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Diane Smith

      October 3, 2017 at 9:57 pm

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I don’t know what happened on the nutrition label! ???? Thanks for pointing that out. I updated it. I’m not sure these nutrition label generators do a very accurate job, for example on the sodium, but luckily you can adjust most recipes for that by purchasing unsalted beans or making them yourself 🙂

      Reply
  2. Jessica

    March 12, 2022 at 12:11 pm

    5 stars
    We’ve been using this recipe for years now, it is delicious, especially the masa harina top layer

    Reply
    • Diane Smith

      March 12, 2022 at 2:27 pm

      Hey Jessica, You’re so kind to let me know! 💕 I’m so glad you’re enjoying the recipe. I love the combo of chili and cornbread!

      Reply

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