BLACK BEAN TAMALE PIE

Steps:

• In a sealable plastic bag or shallow dish, combine the black beans, sherry, and lemon juice.
• Marinate in the refrigerator 2 to 12 hours.
• Drain before using.
• Spoon the olive oil into a heavy nonstick or well-seasoned skillet over moderately high heat.
• Add the corn, toss once, then let brown very well, about 5 minutes.
• Toss again and continue browning for a minute or two.
• Add the jalapeno, garlic, cumin, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and the pepper.
• Cook a minute or two, then pour in 1/4 cup of the water to deglaze the pan.
• Turn out into a large bowl and toss in the tomatoes, scallions, and cilantro.
• The recipe may be prepared a day ahead to here.
• Bring 3 cups of the water and the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to a boil in a large, heavy saucepan over high heat.
• Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together the cornmeal and remaining 2 cups cold water.
• Add the cornmeal mixture to the boiling water and stir constantly until the mixture returns to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is as thick as mashed potatoes, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in 1 cup of the yogurt.
• Cook over very low heat, stirring frequently, until again as thick as mashed potatoes, about 8 minutes.
• Spread about 2/3 of hte cornmeal batter in the prepared casserole (keep the remainder covered over hot water to keep warm), making a 1 inch raised edge all around.
• Spoon the drained black beans on top and press in lightly.
• Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the cheese over the beans.
• Add all of the corn-tomato mixture and spread into an even layer.
• Spoon the remaining cornmeal mixture over the top in dabs and spread to make an even layer that covers the top (it's ok if some of the vegetables show through).
• Spoon the remaining yogurt and the canned tomato sauce in alternating diagonal lines.
• Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar.
• Bake about 1 hour, or until deep golden brown on top.
• Remove from the oven and let stand for atleast 15 minutes before serving.
• Cut into squares, remove them with a spatula, and serve hot, with a dolllop of sour cream, a couple black olives and radish slices, and a sprig of cilantro, if desired.
• If making ahead, cool to room temperature, cover with foil, and refrigerate. To reheat sprinkle the casserole with 2 to 3 tablespoons water and cover with foil. If at room temperature, bake at 350 for about 45 minutes. If cold, add about 15 minutes.