Vegetarian Tamale Pie with Black Beans

A Vegetarian Tamale Pie that is loaded with flavor and super satisfying. Plus a gluten-free, easy masa crust!

It was time this tamale pie got a reboot. With not just new images, but a few tweaks to the recipe to make it even better. This recipe was good before, but now, it’s something that was so good it was hard to stop eating (Which is now a must before publishing a recipe). The ingredient list may look long, but most are basic spices and pantry ingredients many home cooks will already have on hand. Thinking about canned diced tomatoes, frozen corn, cumin, cinnamon, garlic, etc. The most unique ingredient might be masa harina. But if you’re unfamiliar, fear not! You can find it in most major grocery stores and it’s very easy to work with. Let’s make it!

Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links, which means if you decide to purchase any of the items linked in this post, I should earn a small commission. This creates no additional cost to you and helps support the work that goes into running The Fig Jar. Thank you! -Becky 

Ingredients

Vegetarian tamale pie

Fillings

• canned tomatoes and tomato paste

• black beans

• frozen corn

• onion and bell pepper

• garlic

• chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

• spices: cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, cinnamon

Crust

• masa harina

• water

• oil or butter

How to make tamale pie crust with masa harina

What is masa harina?

It’s corn that has been soaked in a solution of calcium hydroxide (referred to as lime water, but it’s not made with limes), then dried and ground. Soaking the corn in this solution softens it and makes it easier for our bodies to digest and absorb certain nutrients, like niacin. This is different from cornmeal in that cornmeal is not soaked and has a coarser texture.

Where can I find masa harina?

Masa harina can be found in most supermarkets, either in the international foods aisle (in the Latin foods section) or the baking aisle. Bobs Red Mill makes it, their brand is usually with the rest of their stuff in the baking aisle, in my experience. You can also buy it online (affiliate link).

Okay, now how do we make this masa crust?

It’s so easy! You will need: masa harina, melted butter, water and salt.

All you need to do is combine the ingredients in a bowl, cover and set aside while you make the filling! The mixture will become dough-like and should stay together in a cohesive mass when you squeeze it. If it seems too dry, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of water.

Once you’re ready to assemble the crust, just press the dough into the pan to create an even layer on the bottom and sides of the pan.

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The filling

If you need to make substitutions with the fillings–zucchini or yellow squash could be used in place of the corn. You could use pinto, kidney or white beans instead of black.

Preparing the filling is very simple. The most important thing to do is let it simmer long enough so no thin liquid remains. Just follow the recipe instructions and you’ll be good! This filling will fit perfectly in a 9-inch pie pan.

One of the changes I made to the recipe was adding cheese to the filling and not just to the top. This was a game changer. It mellows out the acidity from the tomatoes and the spice from the chipotle peppers and helps the filling bind together a bit better.

Suggested toppings for tamale pie

This is super yummy as is but I love to add:

• sour cream
• cilantro
• avocado

And serving with a simple salad of mixed greens is a nice light accompaniment for this hearty pie.

Tried this recipe?

If you try this vegetarian tamale pie recipe, let me know in the comments below! And/or you can find me on Instagram @thefigjar or #thefigjar.