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Vegan Tamale Pie

vegan tamale pie

Vegan Tamale Pie: A Cozy, Holiday-Inspired Dish 🌟

Tamales are a beloved holiday tradition, celebrated for their comforting flavors and deep cultural roots. But as anyone who’s ever made tamales knows, they can be quite a production—especially if you’re short on time! Traditional tamales often feature meat fillings, but this Vegan Tamale Pie delivers all the same festive, hearty flavors in a fraction of the time. No rolling, no steaming—just bake and enjoy!

vegan tamale pie

Why This Vegan Tamale Pie is Perfect for the Holidays

Traditional tamales often bring families together for a day of prep and cooking—but if your schedule doesn’t allow for hours in the kitchen, this pie is the perfect shortcut. You’ll still enjoy the classic masa topping, infused with a hint of turmeric for a golden hue, and a flavorful filling bursting with holiday colors from bell peppers, corn, and zucchini. The best part? It’s entirely plant-based and comes together in under an hour.

Top Tips for Success

  • For an authentic tamale-inspired flavor, don’t skip the chili powder and cumin in the filling!
  • Smooth the filling before adding the masa for an even, layered texture.
  • Serve with vegan sour cream, fresh salsa, or a side of guacamole to elevate every bite.

Serve It With

Pair this Vegan Tamale Pie with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a festive, crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for intimate holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners when you’re craving something warm and nostalgic.

Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 40 mins Total Time: 50 mins
Cooking Temp 375  °F
Servings 6
Calories 290
Description

Enjoy the festive flavors of tamales without the hassle! This easy Vegan Tamale Pie features a hearty, plant-based filling topped with a golden masa crust—perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients
    For the Filling:
  • 2 tbsp 2–4 water
  • 1 medium red onion, diced
  • 3 cloves 3–5 garlic, minced
  • 1/4 bunch cilantro, chopped (stems included; reserve some leaves for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (thawed if frozen)
  • 2 cans beans (15 oz.)
  • 1 can tomato sauce (14.5 oz.)
  • 1 tsp salt, divided
    • For the Masa Topping:
  • 2 cups masa harina
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/4 tsp ground turmeric (optional, for color)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
To Make
    1. Preheat and Prep:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, grease a 9×9″ baking dish and set aside.
    2. 2. Sauté Aromatics:
  2. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and 1/2 teaspoon salt, sautéing for 3 minutes. Use a splash of water to prevent sticking. Stir in the garlic, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
    3. 3. Cook the Veggies:
  3. Add the bell pepper, zucchini, and corn to the pan. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the zucchini becomes translucent and any liquid evaporates.
    4. 4. Make It Saucy:
  4. Stir in the beans and tomato sauce, mixing well. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes. If your pan isn’t oven-safe, transfer the mixture to your greased baking dish now. Smooth the top with a spatula.
    5. 5. Prepare the Masa Topping:
  5. In a medium bowl, combine masa harina, water, olive oil, turmeric, and salt. Stir until smooth and thick. Dollop the masa mixture over the veggie filling and spread evenly into a thin layer.
    6. 6. Bake to Perfection:
  6. Bake the dish for 25–27 minutes, or until the masa is golden and set.
    7. 7. Serve and Enjoy:
  7. Garnish with reserved cilantro and serve warm. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 290kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 0.5g3%
Sodium 600mg25%
Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
Dietary Fiber 12g48%
Sugars 6g
Protein 10g20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: vegan, holidays
Read it online: https://healthyhermidlife.com/recipe/vegan-tamale-pie/