Three Sisters Casserole

From Vegetarian Times - "A Native American expression, “three sisters” refers to the practice of growing beans, corn and squash together. This filling casserole can be frozen for an upcoming party or made fresh for dinner."

ingredient list

Serves 6

• Polenta Topping
• 1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
• 1 Tbs. chili powder
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 
  
• Filling
• 3 Tbs. olive oil, divided
• 1 small onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 large red or yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch dice (about 1 cup)
• 1 lb. kabocha squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 2 cups)
• 1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes with chiles
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tsp.)
• 1 tsp. ground coriander
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed

Directions

1. To make Polenta Topping: Whisk together cornmeal, chili powder, salt and 4 1/2 cups water in double boiler, or in large metal bowl over barely simmering water. Cook 40 minutes, or until polenta is thick and stiff, stirring 3 or 4 times. Remove from heat.
2. To make Filling: Preheat oven to 375F. Heat 2 Tbs. oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, and cook 7 minutes, or until softened, stirring often. Add bell pepper, and cook 5 minutes more, stirring often.
3. Stir in squash, tomatoes, garlic, coriander and cumin. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in 1/2 cup water and salt. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low, and simmer, partially covered, 10 to 15 minutes, or until squash is tender. Stir in beans and corn, and cook 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
4. Coat 8x11-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread 2 cups polenta over bottom of prepared dish. Spoon squash mixture over polenta. Smooth remaining polenta (about 2 1/2 cups) over top.
5. Score casserole into 6 squares with knife. Brush top with remaining 1 Tbs. oil. Bake 30 minutes, or until heated through and top is lightly browned. Serve with Pumpkin Seed Pesto.

Nutritional Information

Per SERVING:

Calories	304
Protein	8g
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	1g
Carbs	52g
Sodium	830mg
Fiber	9g
Sugar	5g