Savory Green Apple & Tomatillo Cornbread Bake
Experience a delightful fusion of tart green apples and zesty tomatillos in this savory cornbread bake. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of fruits and the umami of vegetables, creating a unique dressing that's perfect for any occasion. This dish can be prepared in advance and is versatile enough to serve as a standalone vegetarian option or as a flavorful base for chicken or fish fillets. Topped with a luscious sauce made from red currant jelly and spices, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
4-6
Servings
150
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatillos
3 (husks removed, cored, and diced)
Granny Smith Apple
1 (peeled, cored, and diced)
White Onion
1/2 cup (diced)
Margarine
3 tablespoons
Lemon Juice
1/4 cup
Splenda Sugar Substitute
2 packets (1 gram each)
Salt
1 teaspoon (or salt substitute)
Ground Sage
1 teaspoon
White Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Raisins or Craisins
1/2 cup
Vegetable or Chicken Broth
3/4 cup
Cornbread Stuffing Cubes or Crumbled Cornbread
2 1/2 cups (dry)
Pam Cooking Spray
(for greasing the baking dish)
Red Currant Jelly
1/4 cup (for sauce)
Cinnamon or Allspice
1/8 teaspoon
Ground Sage
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a medium saucepan, combine the diced tomatillos, diced Granny Smith apple, diced white onion, margarine, and lemon juice. Stir in the Splenda sugar substitute (use two 1-gram packets), salt, sage, and white pepper. Cook over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently until softened.
3
In a large mixing bowl, add your cornbread stuffing cubes or crumbled cornbread, along with the raisins or craisins.
4
Pour the cooked mixture from the saucepan over the cornbread mixture and toss to combine evenly.
5
Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the mixture and toss until everything is well incorporated.
6
Lightly spray a large round shallow baking dish or an 8 x 8 inch baking dish with Pam cooking spray. Fill the dish with the dressing mixture, spreading it out evenly.
7
If desired, place your chicken breasts or fish fillets on top of the dressing before baking.
8
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. If you are using meat or fish, during the last 15 minutes of cooking, heat the red currant jelly with cinnamon and allspice in a small saucepan. Once melted, spoon it over the chicken or fish.
9
For added flavor, consider sprinkling paprika and chili powder over the meat or fish as it cooks, which will help it brown beautifully.
10
Serve hot and enjoy this delicious blend of flavors!
Nutrition Information
3.3g
Fat
25g
Carbs
2g
Protein
2g
Fiber
5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Green Apple & Tomatillo Cornbread Bake?
It is a savory cornbread dressing that fuses the tartness of green apples with zesty tomatillos, creating a unique dish suitable as a side or a vegetarian main.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes 4-6 servings.
What are the primary fruit and vegetable ingredients?
The primary ingredients include 3 diced tomatillos, 1 diced Granny Smith apple, and 1/2 cup of diced white onion.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
Can this dish be prepared for vegetarians?
Yes, by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, it serves as a standalone vegetarian option.
What is the recommended baking time?
The dish should be baked uncovered for 30 minutes.
What type of cornbread is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of dry cornbread stuffing cubes or crumbled cornbread.
How do you prepare the tomatillos?
The husks should be removed, and the tomatillos should be cored and diced.
What kind of sauce is served with this bake?
A luscious sauce made from 1/4 cup red currant jelly mixed with cinnamon and allspice.
Is there a sugar substitute recommended?
Yes, the recipe suggests using two 1-gram packets of Splenda sugar substitute.
What liquid is used to moisten the cornbread?
3/4 cup of either vegetable or chicken broth is used.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes, you can place chicken breasts or fish fillets on top of the dressing before baking.
What spices are added to the fruit and vegetable mixture?
The mixture includes salt, 1 teaspoon of ground sage, and 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper.
How long do you cook the vegetables on the stove?
They should be cooked over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes until softened.
What provides the fat content in this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of margarine, resulting in 3.3g of fat per serving.
What type of dried fruit can be included?
You can add 1/2 cup of either raisins or craisins.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
It provides a moderate amount of fiber, with 2g per serving.
What kind of baking dish should be used?
A large round shallow baking dish or an 8 x 8 inch baking dish is ideal.
How can I improve the color of the meat or fish?
Sprinkling paprika and chili powder over the meat or fish as it cooks will help it brown beautifully.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 2g of protein.
Are there specific apple varieties recommended?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for a Granny Smith apple for its tartness.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is versatile and can be prepared in advance.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of lemon juice.
What is the sugar content?
Each serving contains 5g of sugar.
When should the red currant jelly be applied?
If using meat or fish, melt the jelly and spoon it over them during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Is salt substitute allowed?
Yes, the recipe mentions you can use 1 teaspoon of salt or a salt substitute.
Does the bake need to be covered?
No, the instructions state to bake it uncovered.
What are common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include cornbread, dressing, savory, appetizer, side dish, and healthy.