REFRIED BEAN, ZUCCHINI AND CORN GRATIN
This is my own interpretation of a traditional Southwestern dish (that has many interpretations) called Three Sisters Casserole. Three Sisters refers to the Native American practice of growing corn, beans and squash in the same field. I've seen many different recipes for Three Sisters Casserole and Three Sisters Gratin, some using winter squash, more using summer squash. Sometimes the vegetables are combined and topped with a layer of polenta. In this version, each element gets its own flavorful layer. Although you can use canned beans for the dish, I urge you to use simmered beans because the refried beans will taste best if you reduce them in their flavorful broth.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories dinner, casseroles, main course, side dish
Time 1h15m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Heat oven to 375 degrees. Oil or butter a 2-quart baking dish or gratin dish.
- Refry beans: Drain off about 1/2 cup of liquid from beans, retaining it in a separate bowl to use later for moistening beans, should they dry out. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large, heavy nonstick frying pan and add ground cumin and chili. Cook, stirring over medium heat, for about a minute, until the spices begin to sizzle and cook. Add beans and optional chipotle. Fry beans, stirring and mashing with the back of a spoon, until they thicken and form a thin crust on the bottom of the pan. Stir up crust and mix into the beans. Cook until beans are thick but not dry, about 10 minutes. Add liquid you saved from the beans if they seem too dry. Taste refried beans and adjust salt (they probably won't need any as the broth reduces when you refry them). Spread in an even layer in the baking dish. (Note: If you use canned beans, do not drain. The frying process will go more quickly.)
- Clean and dry skillet. Heat over medium heat and add olive oil. Add onion and cook, stirring, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and garlic and cook, stirring, until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add squash, oregano, salt and pepper, and turn up heat slightly. Cook, stirring often or tossing in pan, until squash is translucent and tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Spread in an even layer over the beans.
- Combine corn and milk in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Simmer 5 minutes, until corn is just tender. Stir in cornmeal and minced serrano, add salt to taste, and continue to simmer until mixture is thick, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in grated cheese. Remove from heat and spread in an even layer over squash. Sprinkle crumbled cheese over top. Dot with butter or drizzle on oil.
- Place in oven and bake 25 minutes, until bubbly and crumbled cheese is lightly browned. Serve hot or warm.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 524, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 76 grams, Fat 16 grams, Fiber 16 grams, Protein 24 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 1021 milligrams, Sugar 10 grams, TransFat 0 grams
CORN AND VEGETABLE GRATIN WITH CUMIN
This pretty gratin is not as rich as it tastes. I blend the kernels from one of the ears of corn with eggs and milk for a sweet, rich custard that holds it all together. Cumin seeds accent the mixture and give it a Southwestern twist.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories casseroles, side dish
Time 1h
Yield Serves six
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Oil a 2-quart gratin or baking dish. Set aside the kernels from one of the ears of corn. Heat the olive oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the onion. Cook, stirring often, until it begins to soften, about three minutes, and add the red pepper and a generous pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until the onions and peppers are tender, about five minutes. Add the garlic and the zucchini, stir together and add another generous pinch of salt and some pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the zucchini is just beginning to look bright green and some of the slices are translucent. Stir in the kernels from one of the ears of corn. Stir together for a minute or two, and remove from the heat. Scrape into a large bowl.
- Place the remaining corn kernels in a blender jar, and add the eggs, milk and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Blend until smooth. Pour into the bowl with the vegetables. Add the cumin and the cheese, and stir everything together. Scrape into the gratin dish.
- Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is browned and the gratin is firm to the touch. Serve hot or warm.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 131, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 6 grams, Fat 9 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 8 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 313 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams
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