Southwest Fiesta Pie: Cooking with Chef Michael Christopher

Southwest Fiesta Pie
Total preparation time: Less than 30 minutes, Serves 6

This is great unique little recipe that you can serve any time of the year and will wow your family and friends.

Ingredients:
1 pkg of two pie shells
1 cup chopped red onions
1 cup chopped red or yellow bell peppers
1 cup chopped New Mexico green chile
1 8oz can cooked black beans
½ lb grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup cooked shoepeg corn
½ cup chives
½ cup sour cream
½ to ¾ lb diced meat (beef, chicken or shrimp)
3 cloves chopped garlic
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp black pepper
1 dash cayenne pepper
2 tbsp butter or margarine
1 avocado
1 cup med-hot tomato salsa

Preheat oven to 375. Once oven is heated bake 1 of the pie shells for approximately 10 minutes or until light brown and flaky then remove and set aside. While pie shell is cooking place butter, black and cayenne pepper, garlic, and chili powder, in large skillet and heat on low until butter is melted. Stir butter and spice mixture till blended then add meat, bell peppers and red onions. Turn heat to medium. While meat mixture is cooking take cooked pie shell and add one layer of black beans followed by a thin layer of cheese. Next add a layer of New Mexico green chile followed by another thin layer of cheese. Add a layer of shoepeg corn and another layer of cheese. Once meat mixture is fully cooked and while still piping hot
Add to the pie followed by another generous layer of salsa and cheese. Next take the second uncooked pie shell and place upside down on top of pie. Crimp edges either by hand or with fork. Cut a few small slices into the top of the pie shell then sprinkle ½ of the paprika over the top of the pie. Place pie back into oven and cook until pie shell is golden brown. Remove pie and cut into servings. When served add a dollop of sour cream to top along with a few avocado slices and a pinch of chives. Sprinkle the top of each serving with a pinch of paprika. Bon Appetite! This is an excellent meal to serve with a salad, slaw or even fresh fruit.