Are you craving a delicious and satisfying meal that's both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Trini Corn Pie recipe! This beloved Trinidadian dish is a comforting classic, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking, showcasing the vibrant flavors of Trinidad and Tobago. Get ready to experience a taste of the Caribbean in your own kitchen! This healthy meal is surprisingly quick to make, making it one of the best recipes for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- 4 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can creamed corn
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Making the Corn Filling:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and scotch bonnet pepper and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the corn kernels, creamed corn, diced tomatoes, thyme, cumin, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Preparing the Batter:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the milk and oil, whisking until a smooth batter forms.
- Stir in the beaten egg.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Pour the corn filling into the prepared baking dish.
- Carefully pour the batter over the corn filling. Don't stir it in.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Serving Suggestions:
Let the corn pie cool slightly before slicing and serving. This delicious dish is fantastic on its own, but you can also pair it with a side salad or some fried plantains for a complete Trinidadian meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your liking. For a milder pie, remove all the seeds and membranes.
- Cheese Please: Add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the corn filling for extra flavor and richness.
- Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to the filling.
- Make it Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter or oil.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 8-10g
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This easy recipe is a wonderful addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas. Enjoy this taste of Trinidad! It’s a truly delicious dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Share your culinary creations with us – we’d love to see your Trini Corn Pie masterpieces!