Pie for dinner

I am always on the lookout for meatless main dishes. Beans are a great way to add fiber and protein to your diet without all the fat, cholesterol and expense of meat. This tamale pie, from Better Homes and Gardens, fit the bill. It made for a yummy and fast weeknight dinner. It is also a great recipe for using canned food storage.

THE RECIPE:

1 c. chopped green sweet pepper
1/2 c. chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. cooking oil
1 15-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 15-ounce can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 6-ounce can (2/3 cup) vegetable juice, such as V8
1 4-ounce can diced green chile peppers, undrained
1/2 tsp. chili powder (the original recipe called for 1 teaspoon, but we're wimps)
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. salt
1 8-ounce package corn muffin mix, such as Jiffy, and required milk and egg
1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro

Grease a 2-quart square baking dish or 10-inch quiche dish and set aside. In a medium skillet, cook sweet pepper, onion and garlic in hot oil until tender. Stir in beans, vegetable juice, chile peppers and seasonings; heat through. Spoon bean mixture into prepared dish.

Prepare corn muffin mix according to package directions. Add cheese and cilantro, stirring until just combined. Spoon batter evenly over bean mixture. Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until golden. If desired, serve with salsa and sour cream. Serves 6.