Tamale Pie

Cooking Instructions

1. To make filling: Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly oil a 9-by-13-inch baking dish or coat it with nonstick spray.

2. Place tomatillos, onion and garlic in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.

3. Toast corn in a large dry skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium heat, stirring frequently, until browned, about 7 minutes. Add reserved tomatillo mixture, cumin and sugar. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in beans, chipotles (or salsa), cilantro and cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

4. To make topping & assemble: Bring water and salt to a boil in a heavy 2-quart saucepan. Slowly add cornmeal, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 4 minutes.

5. Spread half the cornmeal mixture in the prepared baking dish. Top with filling. Spoon 3 lengthwise strips of remaining cornmeal mixture over the top. Sprinkle with cheese.

6. Bake pie for 20 to 30 minutes, or until bubbling. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.