Three Sisters Casserole with Corn Bread Topping

Over the summer I admired the hydrangeas, specifically the pink ones, which are rare and not too common. Many people don't realize that the color that is give to the hydrangea flower comes from the Ph in the soil. 

While admiring many dresses at an estate sale (mind you this woman's house was chocked full of old dresses), this folk dress caught my eye and my attention. The exact origins is unknown, but most likely a mid-century dress that comes from a Latin or South American country. 

The hand embroidery work is amazing and the dress inspired me to think of a more native recipe. Corn was a significant food that nourished countless native tribes throughout the Americas. Still to this day, scientists do not know how corn was created, but the natives believe there is spiritual significance of the creation of corn.  

The natives were wise, earth people. They gave praise and thanks to the earth, but understood agriculture on a deeper level. The natives had a planting technique where they would grow corn, beans and squash crops close to each other. 

The corn stalk provided the beans a structure to climb up, the bean stalks gave nitrogen to the soil, and the squash grew and spread along the ground to prevent weeds from growing. Together, growing in harmony, these three crops were known as The Three Sisters. 

Three sisters is not only hearty and nutritious, but provides a foundation in basic understanding of the wisdom of the earth. Together, I hope this meal brings warmth and hearth into your home. I adapted the Simply Recipes casserole slightly. 

"My brother the star, my mother the earth. My father the sun, my sister the moon...to my life give beauty, to my body give strength, to my corn give goodness, to my house give peace, to my spirit give truth, to my elders give wisdom."
-One Who Gathers Tribe- 

This folk dress + many other vintage items available for purchase on my Etsy shop, The Elizabethan Closet.

Three Sisters Casserole with Corn Bread Topping
Serves 4-6
Cooking Time: 60 minutes

Filling Ingredients:
3 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 small butternut squash, diced (approved. 2 cups)
1 15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 10 oz bag corn (used multi colored corn)
2 cups kale or chard, thinly sliced
1 15oz. can fire roasted dice tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
3/4 cup vegetable broth
1 tsp coriander seeds
1.5 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp paprika
pinch of chili powder

Topping Ingredients
1 1/4 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup nondairy milk
2 tbsp vegan butter, melted

Directions
​Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 

In a deep pan, or pot, cook the onions and garlic in olive oil until the onions are translucent. Next, add the squash, tomato paste, diced tomatoes and the spices and mix until well combined. Add the broth and bring to a simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the squash is edible. 

While simmering work on the corn bread topping. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. Using a wooden spoon, slowly stir in the butter, milk, and water; mix only until just combined. Set aside and let it sit for ten minutes  or until the squash is edible.

Once the squash is edible, mix in the kale, corn and beans until well combined. Cook for 3-5 minutes.

Once done, spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray and pour the filling into the pan evenly. Next pour the corn bread topping on top, either in rustic chunks (like cobblestones), or spread as a topping. Leave some space around the edges so the filling has pockets to release steam. 

Bake in the oven for approx. 20 minutes or until the topping is fragrant and golden brown around the edges. Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. If completely cooled the casserole will better form. 

Recipe adapted from Simply Recipes

Let's Connect! Check out my other corn / squash recipes listed below! 

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Vegan Fresh Corn & Herb Soup

The Sunset Cookbook Acorn Squash with Blueberries + Orange Rice

Corn on the Cob Chowder