Pinto Pie

This dish was ok. It was very edible...I know that isn't a great way to describe a meal, but it was. I didn't dislike it. I just thought it was a little bland. It is basically a chili with cornbread baked on top. There is nothing wrong with this concept. I followed the recipe exactly the first time, but if I were to make this again I would add some different spices and maybe some other veggies to the chili part. The opportunities for adaptation are high.
It is also a really fast dish to make. Perfect for a busy weeknight.

Pinto Pie - from Vegetarian Times
2 14.5 cans of pinto beans drained, 1 1/2 c of liquid reserved (this was all the liquid in the cans)
3tbs tomato paste
3tbs olive oil
1 large red onion diced
2 1/2tbs chili powder
3 medium plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
6tbs whole grain cornbread muffin mix (I used hogdson mills brand)
1 1/2c plain nonfat Greek yogurt (I used soy sour cream, because I can't eat yogurt)
1 large egg
1 1/2tbs sugar

Preheat oven to 425. Coat 9in pie dish with cooking spray. Whisk reserved bean liquid with tomato paste in small bowl and set aside.
Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Add 2 cups of the onion. Cover and cook 4 min or until onion begins to soften, stirring occasionally. Add chili powder and stir 10 sec to coat onions. Stir in tomato paste mixture, 1 cup tomatoes, and then beans. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, 6 min or until thickened. Season with salt and pepper if desired.

Meanwhile, combine cornbread mix 1/3 c yogurt, egg, sugar and 1tbs water in medium bowl.
Spread chili beans in prepared pie dish. Pour cornbread batter over beans, spreading with back of spoon. Bake 10 min or until cornbread is set and golden.
Meanwhile, finely chop remaining 1/2 c onion. Place in small bowl, mix in remaining 1/2 c tomato and season with salt and pepper if desired. (I also squeezed in a little lime juice)
Serve pie with tomato salsa and remaining yogurt.

You can also serve with any other taco toppings you would like - I used shredded lettuce, limes and shredded cheese.