Light & Flavorful Tex-Mex Corn Spoon Bread
Indulge in the comfort of Spoon Bread with this healthier twist on a Tex-Mex classic! This delectable dish combines fresh corn kernels with vibrant bell peppers, zesty green chiles, and a hint of jalapeño for the perfect balance of flavors. Using low-fat ingredients and egg whites, this recipe is not only lighter but still packed with the rich, corny essence that Spoon Bread is loved for. Presentation is key—serve this dish in tamale wrappers tied at one end for a beautiful and festive touch that will impress your guests. Perfect as a side dish at family gatherings or as a delicious addition to any Tex-Mex meal, this Spoon Bread will quickly become a new favorite!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Corn kernels
1 1/2 cups (Fresh or frozen, thawed)
Vegetarian broth (chicken flavored)
1 cup (Liquid)
Skim milk
1 cup (Liquid)
Yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup (Dry)
Onion
1/2 cup (Diced)
Red bell pepper
1/2 cup (Diced)
Green chili
1/2 cup (Diced)
Jalapeño chili
1 (Stemmed, seeded, and diced)
Eggs
2 (Lightly beaten)
Salt
to taste (Seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (Seasoning)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (Dry)
Egg whites
2 (Beaten)
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (Grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken-flavored vegetarian broth and skim milk to a boil. Gradually stir in the yellow cornmeal while constantly mixing. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
3
Once thickened, stir in the fresh corn kernels and set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
4
In a non-stick skillet sprayed with cooking spray, sauté the diced onion, red bell pepper, diced green chilies, and jalapeño over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
5
Combine the sautéed vegetable mixture and the lightly beaten eggs with the cooled cornmeal mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper, mixing until everything is well combined.
6
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form.
7
Gently fold a portion of the egg whites into the cornmeal mixture to lighten it, and then carefully fold in the remaining egg whites until just combined.
8
Spray a 2-quart oblong baking dish with non-stick spray and pour the batter into the prepared dish.
9
Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
10
Place the baking dish inside a larger pan filled with warm water to create a bain-marie, which ensures even cooking.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
12
Allow the spoon bread to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it firm up slightly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Light & Flavorful Tex-Mex Corn Spoon Bread?
It is a healthier version of a traditional Tex-Mex spoon bread that uses corn kernels, bell peppers, and low-fat ingredients.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
Is this spoon bread recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it uses chicken-flavored vegetarian broth and contains no meat.
What type of cornmeal is best for this dish?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dry yellow cornmeal.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use 1 1/2 cups of fresh or frozen corn kernels, provided the frozen corn is thawed.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What kind of broth is used in the recipe?
It uses 1 cup of liquid chicken-flavored vegetarian broth.
What type of milk is used to keep it light?
The recipe uses 1 cup of liquid skim milk.
How should the onions and peppers be prepared?
The onion, red bell pepper, and green chilies should all be diced into half-cup portions.
How do I prepare the jalapeño chili?
The jalapeño should be stemmed, seeded, and diced before being sautéed.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe requires 2 lightly beaten eggs plus 2 beaten egg whites.
Is there any sugar in this spoon bread?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of dry sugar is used to help beat the egg whites and add a hint of sweetness.
What cheese is recommended for the topping?
Two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese are sprinkled over the top before baking.
How long does it take to cook the cornmeal mixture?
Once the broth and milk boil and cornmeal is added, it takes about 3 to 5 minutes to thicken.
What is the first step in preparing the vegetables?
Sauté the onion, red bell pepper, green chilies, and jalapeño in a non-stick skillet for about 5 minutes.
How should I beat the egg whites?
Beat the egg whites with the sugar in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form.
What is the correct way to mix the egg whites into the batter?
Gently fold a portion of the egg whites to lighten the batter, then carefully fold in the rest.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 2-quart oblong baking dish is perfect for this amount of batter.
What is a bain-marie and why use it?
A bain-marie involves placing the baking dish inside a larger pan of warm water to ensure even cooking.
How long does the spoon bread bake?
It should bake for 45 to 60 minutes.
How do I know when the spoon bread is finished?
The center should be set and the top should be a golden brown color.
Does the dish need to rest after baking?
Yes, allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it firm up.
Is this dish considered low-fat?
Yes, by using skim milk, egg whites, and non-stick spray, it is a lower-fat alternative to traditional recipes.
Can I serve this in a special way for guests?
Yes, the description suggests serving it in tamale wrappers tied at one end for a festive presentation.
What makes this spoon bread 'Tex-Mex'?
The inclusion of red bell peppers, green chilies, jalapeños, and corn gives it a distinct Tex-Mex flavor profile.
Is there any salt or pepper in the recipe?
Yes, you should season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste before folding in the egg whites.
Can I use a skillet for the whole process?
While the vegetables are sautéed in a skillet, the final baking must be done in a 2-quart baking dish.
What category of food is this?
It is classified as a side dish, comfort food, and a healthy Tex-Mex recipe.
Does this recipe use oil or butter?
No, it uses non-stick cooking spray to keep the fat content low.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 total ingredients listed for this spoon bread.