Santa Fe Spicy Cornbread Delight
Elevate your dinner experience with this flavorful Santa Fe Spicy Cornbread Delight, a delightful cornbread torte that brings together the sweetness of corn and the heat of jalapenos, making it the perfect dish for both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Inspired by garden-fresh ingredients and a love for the musical 'Rent', this dish not only celebrates seasonal salsa but also serves as an excellent conversation starter at any dinner table. Serve it warm or chill it for a refreshing twist; either way, it’s sure to impress. Ideal as a standalone dish or as a side to your favorite chili or salad, this cornbread torte is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh corn kernels
3/4 cup (fresh or frozen)
onion
1/2 cup (diced)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (for sautéing)
cornbread mix
1 (6 1/2 ounce) package (ensure vegetarian-friendly without lard)
egg
1 (lightly beaten)
milk
1/2 cup (approximately)
fresh salsa
2 cups (chilled)
cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (softened in the microwave)
jalapenos
4 tablespoons (minced; adjust according to spice preference)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare a cast iron skillet by heating it on the stovetop.
2
In a small pan, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3/4 cup of fresh corn kernels and 1/2 cup of diced onion. Sauté until the corn is just beginning to brown and the onion has turned translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
3
In a mixing bowl, prepare the cornbread batter according to the package directions, adding in 1 lightly beaten egg and approximately 1/2 cup of milk as needed until the mix is well combined. Fold in the sautéed corn and onion until evenly distributed.
4
Pour the cornbread mixture into the hot cast iron skillet, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5
While the cornbread is baking, prepare the toppings. Place 2 cups of fresh salsa in the refrigerator to chill. In another bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of minced jalapenos into 1 package of softened cream cheese, stirring well to combine. Keep this mixture warm until serving.
6
Once the cornbread is cooked, remove it from the oven and immediately top it with the chilled salsa, spreading it out as you would frost a cake. Gently dollop the jalapeno cream cheese mixture on top of the salsa.
7
Cover the skillet tightly with foil and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Once chilled, slice the torte for serving. You can heat individual slices if desired, but it’s also delightful served cold.
8
For an optimal dining experience, consider pairing this torte with a hearty bowl of chili or a vibrant salad drizzled with a Tex-Mex dressing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Santa Fe Spicy Cornbread Delight?
It is a flavorful cornbread torte that combines the sweetness of corn with the heat of jalapenos, topped with fresh salsa and a cream cheese mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as long as you use a cornbread mix that is vegetarian-friendly and does not contain lard.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (204°C).
What type of pan is recommended for baking?
A cast iron skillet is recommended for the best results.
How do I prepare the corn and onions?
Sauté 3/4 cup of fresh corn kernels and 1/2 cup of diced onion in 2 teaspoons of olive oil until the corn browns and the onion is translucent.
How long does it take to sauté the vegetables?
It takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes over medium heat.
What size cornbread mix is required?
The recipe calls for one 6.5-ounce package of cornbread mix.
How many eggs are needed for the batter?
One lightly beaten egg is needed.
How much milk should be added to the cornbread mix?
Add approximately 1/2 cup of milk, or as needed until the mix is well combined.
How long should the cornbread bake?
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes.
How do I check if the cornbread is finished baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cornbread is done.
What are the primary toppings for this dish?
The toppings are 2 cups of chilled fresh salsa and an 8-ounce package of cream cheese mixed with minced jalapenos.
How do I prepare the salsa?
Place 2 cups of fresh salsa in the refrigerator to chill while the cornbread bakes.
How do I prepare the cream cheese topping?
Mix 4 tablespoons of minced jalapenos into one package of softened cream cheese and keep it warm until serving.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of minced jalapenos according to your spice preference.
When should I add the salsa to the cornbread?
Immediately after removing the cooked cornbread from the oven.
How should the salsa be applied?
Spread the chilled salsa over the hot cornbread as if you were frosting a cake.
How is the cream cheese mixture added?
Gently dollop the jalapeno cream cheese mixture on top of the salsa layer.
What is the next step after assembling the torte?
Cover the skillet tightly with foil and allow it to cool completely to room temperature.
Should this dish be served warm or cold?
It can be served cold once chilled, or individual slices can be heated if desired.
What are some suggested pairings for this dish?
It pairs well with a hearty bowl of chili or a vibrant salad with Tex-Mex dressing.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, a gluten-free cornbread mix can be used as a substitute.
How many ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients in this recipe.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, the recipe allows for either fresh or frozen corn kernels.
What was the inspiration for this dish?
It was inspired by garden-fresh ingredients and a love for the musical 'Rent'.
How much cream cheese is required?
One 8-ounce package of cream cheese is required.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include cornbread, torte, vegetarian, spicy, salsa, jalapenos, and savory pie.
Should the cream cheese be softened?
Yes, it is best to soften the cream cheese in the microwave to make mixing easier.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It is a savory torte with a moist cornbread base and a creamy, zesty topping.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is considered an easy recipe that serves as an excellent conversation starter.