Chilli cornbread pie

Chef: Neven Maguire

Prep: 30 mins

Cook: 35 mins

An unusual recipe but none the less seriously delicious. You will impress any visitor with this pie.

4 tbsp sunflower oil

1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped

1 celery stick, diced

1 red chilli, seeded and finely chopped

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp cayenne pepper

Pinch of ground cinnamon

450g (1 lb) lean minced beef

1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)

400g can of chopped tomatoes

450ml (15 fl oz) chicken or vegetable stock

2 x 400g cans of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

150g (5 oz) yellow cornmeal (or quick-cook polenta)

150g (5 oz) self-raising flour, sifted

2 tsp baking powder

2 eggs, lightly beaten

300ml (10 fl oz) buttermilk or Greek yoghurt

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Lightly dressed mixed leaf salad, to serve

Heat half the oil in a large sauté or frying pan set over a medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery and chilli and sauté for 5 minutes or until softened but not browned. Stir in the spices and continue to cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Add the minced beef and sauté for about 5 minutes until lightly browned, breaking up any lumps with a wooden spoon. Stir in the cocoa powder, if using, along with the tomatoes, stock and kidney beans, then season with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 1 hour or until the sauce has slightly reduced.

Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Place the cornmeal in a bowl with the flour, baking powder and a teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine, then make a well in the centre and quickly whisk in the remaining oil, the buttermilk or yoghurt and the eggs to make a smooth, thick batter.

Spoon the chilli mince into the bottom of a deep ovenproof dish and pour over the cornmeal mixture in an even layer. Bake for 35-40 minutes in the middle of the oven until just golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Serve at once with a mixed leaf salad.

Serves
4-6

Preparation Time
30 minutes

Cooking Time
35 minutes

Main ingredients
Beef

Recipe Type
Dinner, Entertaining, Pies

Special Info
Pregnant Mums

Level of Difficulty
Easy