Recipe: Deep Dish Tamale Pie
Summary: Masa biscuits top a rich-tasting, achiote-laced chicken filling in this lean deep-dish version of tamale pie.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces achiote condiment; or Achiote Substitute (recipe follows)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh mint or 1 teaspoon dry mint
- 1/8 teaspoon anise seeds
- 3 cups bite-size pieces of cooked chicken
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 2 large tomatoes (about 1 lb. total), cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch blended with 1/4 cup cold water
- Masa Topping (recipe follows)
- Cilantro sprigs (optional)
Instructions
- In a l-1/2 to 2-quart pan, combine achiote condiment (or substitute) with 1/2 cup of the broth.
- With a heavy spoon, blend to make a smooth paste.
- Stir in remaining 1 1/2 cups broth, mint, and anise seeds.
- Bring to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
- Mix achiote sauce, chicken, onions, tomatoes, and cornstarch mixture.
- Spoon into a deep 2 to 3-quart baking dish and spread to make an even layer.
- Prepare Masa Topping; spoon topping in dollops over filling.
- Bake on bottom rack of a 400° oven until filling is bubbly in center and topping is well browned (45 to 55 minutes).
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with cilantro sprigs, if desired.
- Makes 6 servings.
- Achiote Substitute:
- In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons paprika, 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar, 1 1/2 teaspoons dry oregano, 3 cloves garlic (minced), and 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin.
- Masa Topping:
- In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup masa harina (dehydrated masa flour), 1/2 cup ‘all-purpose flour, and 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder.
- Add 1 large egg white, 1 1/2 tablespoons salad oil, and 1/2 cup nonfat milk; stir just until blended.
Quick notes
Purchase the rust-colored achiote condiment in a Mexican market, or mix up a substitute from paprika, herbs, and vinegar from the Recipe above.
Per serving: 332 calories (28% calories from fat), 27 g protein, 34 g carbohydrates, 10 g total fat (2 g saturated fat), 63 mg cholesterol, 231 mg sodium
Preparation time: 25 minute(s)
Cooking time: 50 minute(s)
Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, High protein
Number of servings (yield): 6
Culinary tradition: Mexican
Calories: 332
Fat: 10 g
Protein: 27 g
