go on and fool me

Because of the holiday, this installment of Meatless Monday is a day late, but it is SO worth it!

I came across this recipe for Tortilla Pie from Martha Stewart about a year ago and have had it bookmarked since then. I decided to try it today. Of course, I just used the recipe as a suggestion, but I make my own path.

Tonight started with a good swirl of olive oil in a pan. Anyone see anything in this? A seahorse maybe?

Added a chopped onion and some minced garlic

and a can of green chiles, chopped up

some cumin

Let the onions, garlic, and peppers cook until soft, about 5 minutes or so.

Then add in rapid succession

2 cans of black beans, rinsed and drained

a bottle of beer

2 cans of diced tomatoes, drained. I took the scissors to them to chop them more

and I add smoked paprika to just about everything

a bag of frozen corn

the green parts of 4 green onions, finely chopped

and let this cook until most of the liquid is cooked out.

While this is cooking, get out your 9 inch springform pan. Cut big tortillas to the shape of the bottom of your pan so there will be a tight fit in your springform pan. Is this step really necessary? I don’t know. But I’m always thankful when I follow Martha’s directions that make me raise an eyebrow. (Like when she told me to add butter and cheese to gnocchi sauce…)

The problem with this step? You will have these little tortilla strips. Eat just one. Give the rest to your husband/boyfriend/roommate/out the window. I had a hard time not eating them all. I made Nathan eat them.

And this is where the fun starts. Just like lasagna. Tortilla on the bottom

Layer with the black bean mixture and some cheese

Repeat until you’ve used all of the bean mixture. I had 5 layers

Bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes

This is a great time to do some cleaning. If you’re anything like me, you will destroy your kitchen during the prep of this meal. I mean, my kitchen was such a mess! I got started on the dishes, counters, and sweeping. Just as I started with the sweeping, the smell was so fantastic I could hardly stand it. I finished just as the timer went off and was greeted with this.

(Imagine angels singing. Seriously.)

As I took the outside off the pan, my wonderful husband stated, “That is beautiful! Just like you!”

He just loves me ’cause I can cook.

Top with sliced green onions. Cut into wedges. Serve with sour cream.

Of everything I’ve ever cooked, you must try this.

You will be thankful.