Corn And Green Chili Tamale Casserole

Tamale History:

Tamales just might be the best food ever created. If you have ever had a good one, you know just what I am talking about. Tamales are best on a cold winter day. The spiciness and the warmth do a body good.

Tamales can be traced back as early as 5000 BC. They served as a nutritious and portable food for Aztec, Mayan, and Incan warriors.

This is so easy to put together! I left the tamales in the frig overnight rather than using the microwave to thaw them. I layered all the ingredients, except the sauce and cheese, and placed the casserole in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add the sauce and cheese and pop it in the oven. It is always a good idea to remove a casserole from the oven about 30mintes before baking, this one is no exception.

This recipe also says it can be cooked in the microwave, on high for about 15 minutes until hot and bubbly. I have not tried this. I do used the "delayed Bake" setting on my oven so I can put it in and at the desired time, it is ready to eat!

6 4-ounce frozen chicken or beef tamales
1 10-ounce package frozen white or yellow corn (unthawed)
3 -4-ounce can diced mild green chilies
3 green onions, chopped
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup whipping cream
1 7-ounce can salsa verde
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder ( I use Ancho Chili Powder)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese

Avocado wedges
Additional salsa verde (optional)
Sour Cream

Preheat oven to 375°F. Place frozen tamales in microwave and cook on high until thawed, about 5 minutes. Remove husks. Cut tamales in half lengthwise. Place in single layer in 10-inch-diameter glass pie dish or an 8 x 10 in. baking dish. Sprinkle with frozen corn, chilies, green onions and 1/2 cup cilantro. Whisk cream, salsa verde, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper in medium bowl to blend. Drizzle over casserole. Sprinkle grated cheese over top.

Bake casserole until heated through and bubbling, about 35-45 minutes. Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil and allow the casserole to rest for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cilantro. Serve with avocado, sour cream and more salsa, if desired.

Makes 4 Servings.