Tortilla and Black Bean Pie
Overview
This Tortilla and Black Bean Pie is a delicious and comforting dish that brings a unique twist to traditional tortilla pies by omitting tomatoes. With the sweetness of corn and the richness of black beans, this pie is a perfect choice for a cozy meal. The combination of spices, cheese, and beans creates a satisfying layer of flavor in every bite. The pie can be customized with toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole, but it’s fantastic on its own, too. The original recipe uses a springform pan for easy removal, but a simple round cake pan works just as well for serving. It’s an ideal one-dish meal for a casual dinner or a flavorful weeknight treat.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flour tortillas | 4 |
| Onion | 1, diced |
| Chili pepper | 1, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 1 clove, minced |
| Ground cumin | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh ground black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Black beans (canned or cooked) | 2 cups |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Frozen corn | 1 1/2 cups |
| Green onions | 4, sliced |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430.4 |
| Fat Content | 17.4 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 8.9 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 39.7 mg |
| Sodium Content | 369.1 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 49.2 g |
| Fiber Content | 11.4 g |
| Sugar Content | 2.3 g |
| Protein Content | 22.2 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If necessary, trim the flour tortillas using a knife to fit inside a round cake pan. Set the tortillas aside. -
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
In a medium skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chili pepper, and minced garlic to the pan. Stir well and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent. -
Season and Cook the Beans:
Add the ground cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the pan. Stir to combine. Then, add the black beans (either canned or freshly cooked) along with 1/2 cup of water. Stir the mixture together and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until most of the liquid evaporates. -
Add Corn and Remove from Heat:
Stir in the frozen corn and green onions. Continue stirring for a minute, then remove the skillet from the heat. The mixture should now be thick and aromatic. -
Assemble the Pie:
Take a round cake pan and place one flour tortilla at the bottom. Layer the tortilla with 1/4 of the bean mixture and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat this layering process three more times, each time adding another tortilla, more bean mixture, and cheese. For the top layer, finish off with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. -
Bake the Pie:
Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until everything is hot, bubbly, and the cheese has melted into a golden, gooey layer. -
Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the pie to sit for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut clean slices. -
Optional Toppings:
Serve the pie with any of your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. However, this dish is also wonderful when served plain, as it’s packed with flavor on its own.
Recipe Notes:
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties, such as Monterey Jack or a spicy pepper jack, for a fun twist.
- Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan-friendly, simply use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Pan Alternatives: Although a springform pan is typically recommended for easy removal, a regular round cake pan works just as well. If you want a crispier bottom, you can use a cast-iron skillet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Tortilla and Black Bean Pie is a great vegetarian meal that is easy to prepare and bursting with Southwestern flavors. With its satisfying combination of textures and flavors, it’s bound to become a go-to dish for your family. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, a potluck, or a weeknight meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite on your table.
Perfect for those who love a hearty, comforting meal without the usual tomato-based ingredients, this tortilla pie is all about the combination of savory beans, sweet corn, and melty cheese. And, with a short prep time and minimal cooking effort, it’s ideal for busy nights when you need something delicious without a lot of fuss. Enjoy!
