Casseroles > Vegetarian Casseroles > Southern

Pokeweed and Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound fresh pokeweed leaves, washed and chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 package (8.5 ounces) cornbread mix
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and jalapeño pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the chopped pokeweed leaves to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, chili powder, and dried oregano. Cook until the pokeweed leaves are wilted, about 10 minutes.

4. Stir in the diced tomatoes and corn. Cook for another 5 minutes.

5. In a mixing bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to the package instructions. Beat in the egg and milk.

6. Spread the pokeweed and corn mixture evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.

7. Pour the cornbread batter over the pokeweed and corn mixture.

8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the cornbread batter.

9. Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 6-8 people.

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 9g
- Fiber: 5g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Fresh pokeweed leaves can be substituted with frozen or canned pokeweed.
- Red bell pepper can be substituted with green bell pepper.
- Jalapeño pepper can be substituted with any other hot pepper.
- Shredded cheddar cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese.

Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the pokeweed and corn mixture for a meatier casserole.
- Add chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, to the cornbread batter for extra flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to wash the pokeweed leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- If using canned pokeweed, be sure to drain and rinse it before using.
- To make the cornbread batter more moist, add a tablespoon of sour cream or mayonnaise.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the casserole in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish the casserole with chopped fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro
- Sour cream
- Salsa

Pairings:
- Serve the casserole with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed greens salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Roasted carrots and parsnips
- Garlic mashed potatoes

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cornbread batter is too dry, add a little more milk to the mixture.
- If the casserole is too dry, add a little more diced tomatoes or corn to the pokeweed mixture.

Food safety advice:
- Be sure to wash the pokeweed leaves thoroughly to remove any potential toxins.
- Store any leftover casserole in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.

Food history:
- Pokeweed is a traditional Southern ingredient that has been used in dishes for centuries.

Flavor profiles:
- This casserole has a savory and slightly spicy flavor, with a sweet and moist cornbread topping.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the casserole hot, with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

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Taste: Savory, Earthy, Sweet, Nutty, Herbal