TAMALE PIE Meaning and
Definition
-
Tamale pie is a savory dish that combines elements of Mexican tamale and American pie. It is typically made by layering a seasoned meat filling, often consisting of ground beef or chicken cooked with onions, peppers, and spices, between two layers of cornmeal or masa dough. The filling is usually richly flavored with ingredients such as chili powder, cumin, garlic, and tomato sauce, providing a zesty and robust taste.
The cornmeal or masa dough serves as the crust of the pie, giving it a strong resemblance to traditional tamale, but in a more convenient and easier-to-eat form. The dough is usually made by combining cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, oil or shortening, and sometimes milk or water, resulting in a firm yet tender texture that complements the meat filling.
After layering the meat filling and cornmeal dough, the tamale pie is typically baked in the oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through. Upon serving, it can be garnished with various toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños to add extra flavor and a touch of freshness.
Tamale pie is known for its hearty nature and comforting flavors, making it a popular choice for casual family meals or potlucks. It offers a delightful combination of spicy, meaty, and slightly sweet flavors, creating a dish that is both satisfying and reminiscent of the flavors of both Mexican and American cuisines.
Common Misspellings for TAMALE PIE
- ramale pie
- famale pie
- gamale pie
- yamale pie
- 6amale pie
- 5amale pie
- tzmale pie
- tsmale pie
- twmale pie
- tqmale pie
- tanale pie
- takale pie
- tajale pie
- tamzle pie
- tamsle pie
- tamwle pie
- tamqle pie
- tamake pie
- tamape pie
Etymology of TAMALE PIE
The word "tamale pie" is derived from two sources:
1. Tamale: The term "tamale" originates from the Nahuatl language spoken by the indigenous people of Mexico. The Nahuatl word for tamale is "tamalli". The dish itself has a long history in Mexican cuisine and is made from masa (a dough made from corn) filled with various fillings such as meat, cheese, or vegetables, wrapped in a corn husk, and steamed or boiled.
2. Pie: The word "pie" comes from Middle English and Old French, where it was spelled as "pie" or "pye". It originally referred to a baked dish consisting of a pastry shell filled with various sweet or savory ingredients.
When these two terms are combined, "tamale pie" refers to a dish that takes inspiration from the flavors and concept of traditional tamales but is presented in the form of a pie.
