I demonstrated a tamale pie for our maximum weight loss class yesterday. I am going to have to change the name to Spanish Casserole Conquistadora. By the time the whole thing was done, it didn’t really resemble tamale pie except for the flavor. I might as well just rename the whole thing to Spanish Casserole Conquistadora.

Spanish Casserole Conquistadora

I used Quinoa for the topping instead of the cornmeal mix the recipe called for. Quinoa is a very small grain that is from South America. Of all the grains, it has the highest amount of protein – being a complete protein in itself. It’s very filling. People who are gluten sensitive can handle it just fine.

Here is the recipe for the tamale pie, of which I forgot to put the beans in for the class. But, they still liked it – a little spicy.

Spanish Casserole Conquistadora  by nutribuff.com

• 2 cans or 3 cups cooked pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 8-oz. cans organic tomato sauce
• 1 16 oz. can diced organic tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 med. onion, chopped – if it’s cold, you won’t cry as much
• 1 can green chilies
• 2-3 garlic buds, minced
• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp real salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 cup Quinoa (You can get it at the health food store.)
• 2 cups water

Put all the ingredients into a 4 qt slow cooker except the quionoa and water. Mix well. Sprinkle the quinoa on the top and add the 2 cups water. Mix it around a little just at the top. Let slow cook on low or high for an hour or two until you can smell it or until the quinoa is tender.

Cooked Quinoa has a mild, pleasant taste and works great for the Tamale Pie recipe.

Gluten-Free Quinoa used for the Tamale Pie

Quinoa grows abundantly per square foot in extreme cold or heat

Variations: Cook the quinoa and water separate and just let everything else warm up in the slow cooker. If the rest is only warmed up, there will be more enzymes with only slightly cooked more raw vegetables. Try it without the beans, that was good. Instead of quinoa, try potatoes, rice or millet for a healthy variety.

This is an excellent dish for weight loss. Click this link about gaining better health during weight loss by eating the right foods that are water based and high in fiber. By choosing water-based foods, you get filled up with less calories than if you had dairy or flesh, which both have plenty of fat. As Dr. McDougall says;

“The fat you eat is the fat you wear.”

Eating high-fiber foods assists your body in its efforts to get rid of the fat. This tamale pie has good starch, which is your body’s primary fuel for energy. So, have some energy and healing nutrients while you are trying to lose weight and exercise. And, don’t go hungry or your body will use up your muscles for protein.