Cornmeal topping
5 cups water
1 1/4 cups cornmeal
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup grated Cheddar-style soy
"cheese"
Heat the oil in a large skillet.
Add the onion and saute until it
is translucent. Add the garlic
and bell pepper and continue to
saute until the onion is golden
brown. Add the corn kernels,
pinto beans, tomatoes, and
seasonings. Stir well and
simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
Season to taste with salt.
Remove from the heat.
Bring the water to rolling boil in
a heavy saucepan or double
boiler. Slowly pour the
cornmeal into the water in a
thin, steady stream, stirring
continuously to avoid lumping.
Add the salt and cook over
very low heat, covered, for 20
minutes, stirring occasionally.
Preheat the oven to 375
degrees.
Oil a shallow, 1 1/2-quart
baking dish and line the bottom
with half of the cooked
cornmeal. Pour over it the
skillet mixture and sprinkle with
the optional grated cheese. Top
with the remaining cornmeal,
patting it in smoothly. Bake for
45 to 50 minutes, or until the
cornmeal is golden brown and
crusty. Let stand for 10
minutes, then cut into squares
to serve.