Tamale Pie

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a 2-quart square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. In a small saucepan, bring the 1 1/3 cups water to boiling. In a small bowl, stir together the cornmeal, the 1/2 cup cold water, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Slowly add the cornmeal mixture to the boiling water, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until mixture returns to boiling; reduce heat. Cook over low heat about 10 minutes or until mixture is very thick, stirring occasionally.

Step 2

Pour the hot mixture into the prepared dish. Cover and chill while preparing filling.

Step 3

To prepare the filling: In a large skillet, cook turkey, onion, sweet pepper, and garlic until meat is brown. Drain off fat. Stir chili powder and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt into meat mixture in skillet; cook for 1 minute. Stir in the drained tomatoes, corn, tomato paste, and the 2 tablespoons cilantro.

Step 4

Spoon the meat mixture on top of the chilled cornmeal mixture in baking dish.

Step 5

Bake, uncovered, about 25 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with cheese. If desired, sprinkle with additional snipped cilantro.