Reader Recipe of the Month - Tempeh Tamale Casserole by Catherine Leslie - Brief Article

We chose this Mexican-style dish from reader Catherine Leslie of S. Wales, N.Y. For her efforts, she'll receive a Vegetarian Times apron. Send your favorite original recipe to Kathy Farrell-Kingsley, Food Editor, at the address in the box above.

Tempeh Tamale Casserole

8 SERVINGS

OVO-LACTO

1 lb. three-grain tempeh, cut into
  3/4-inch cubes
1 large onion, chopped (2 cups)
1 small green bell pepper,
  chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and
  chopped
28-oz. can chopped tomatoes
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen
  corn kernels
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper

Cornmeal topping

3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
2 tsp. baking powder
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3/4 cup skim milk
1 Tbs. vegetable oil

PREHEAT OVEN TO 400 [degrees] F. Coat large ovenproof Dutch oven or flameproof casserole with vegetable cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add tempeh, onion, bell pepper and jalapeno pepper and cook, stirring often, until tempeh is browned and vegetables soften, about 10 minutes.

Add tomatoes (with juice), corn, chili powder, cumin and ground pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors have blended, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

Meanwhile, make topping. In medium bowl, mix cornmeal, baking powder, milk, egg and oil just until blended.

Spoon cornmeal mixture over top of tempeh mixture. Bake until topping is lightly golden and set, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve hot.

PER SERVING: 251 CAL.; 16G PROT.; 7G TOTAL FAT (1G SAT. FAT); 34G CARB.; 27MG CHOL.; 192MG SOD.; 3G FIBER