Pastissou with a Native American Twist

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional French Pastissou is transformed into a savory cornbread dish by incorporating Native American ingredients and flavors. The original Pastissou typically consists of a sweet pastry filled with almond cream. However, in this Native American-inspired version, the sweet pastry is replaced with a moist and flavorful cornbread base. The filling is also modified to include seasoned ground meat, vegetables, and herbs, adding a savory twist to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Pastissou, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) cornmeal 2 cups (240g) cornmeal
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1 lb (450g) ground meat (such as bison or turkey) 1 lb (450g) ground meat (such as bison or turkey)
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as cilantro or parsley), for garnish Fresh herbs (such as cilantro or parsley), for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1885 KJ
• Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugar: 3g)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and eggs.
4. 4.
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. 5.
   Pour the cornbread batter into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
6. 6.
   In a skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
7. 7.
   Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. 8.
   Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly over the cornbread batter.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
11. 11.
    Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Make sure to use fine or medium-grind cornmeal for a smoother texture in the cornbread.
• Ground meat — Opt for lean ground meat such as bison or turkey for a healthier option.
• Fresh herbs — Feel free to use your preferred herbs for garnishing, such as cilantro or parsley.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can incorporate Native American spices like smoked paprika or chili powder into the cornbread batter.
• Serve the Savory Cornbread Pastissou with a side of fresh salsa or guacamole for a burst of freshness.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add some diced jalapenos or hot sauce to the meat and vegetable mixture.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Experiment with different types of ground meat or vegetables to customize the dish to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the Savory Cornbread Pastissou warm as a main course. It pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, cut the Savory Cornbread Pastissou into individual portions and garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh herbs. Serve it on a rustic wooden platter or individual plates for an inviting and appetizing presentation.