Recipe: Potluck-Perfect Tamale Pie (using lime zest, scallions and olives)

POTLUCK-PERFECT TAMALE PIE

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cloves garlic
3/4 pound) extra-lean ground beef
2 tablespoons grated lime zest
2 scallions, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
1 cup sliced black olives
3 cups water
1 cup coarse cornmeal
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup corn kernels
3/4 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 11x7-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and a little salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until onions are softened.

Stir in cumin, coriander, oregano, and garlic, cooking for 1 minute. Add beef and cook, stirring often, until browned. Stir in lime zest and scallions, cooking for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, chiles, and olives, stirring to combine. Cook until heated through. Reduce heat to low.

Meanwhile, bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add cornmeal and season with salt and pepper. Whisk continuously until mixture starts to thicken. Add paprika and corn and continue to whisk until cornmeal has a thick oatmeal consistency. Stir in cheese. Remove from heat.

Spoon beef mixture into prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Pour cornmeal mixture over top and spread evenly to cover.

Bake for 30 minutes or until corn bread topping is set. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Adapted from source: Make-Ahead Meals Made Healthy by Michele Borboa M.S.