"My Nani (grandmother) cooks healthy and delicious Indian food for us whenever we visit. (I am Indian-American.) She inspires me to try different flavors, spices, and herbs in the food I eat," says Emma. "Many of the ingredients found in Indian cooking are very healthy for our bodies, such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, and cumin. Also, Indian cooking uses a lot of vegetables that are good for you, such as tomatoes, onions, and peppers. I don't like a lot of spice in my food, but I do like a lot of flavor!! My dish is a chicken masala wrap, paired with a refreshing raita and fresh mango slices." - Emma Scielzo, age 10, Maryland

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients: 

• 1 sweet potato, peeled and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 to 3 red, yellow, green, or orange bell peppers, seeded and sliced
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1 sweet onion, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger paste or 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic paste of 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper or paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup water
• 4 medium grilled or cooked, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 cup plain nonfat yogurt
• 1/3 medium cucumber, peeled and grated
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
• 1 cup chopped lettuce
• 4 whole wheat tortillas or flatbread, warmed
• Fresh mango slices

Preparation:

1. In a medium sauté pan over moderate heat, warm the oil. Add the bell peppers, tomato, onion, ginger, garlic, crushed red pepper, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper and cook until slightly tender, about 10 minutes. Add 3 tablespoons water and chicken and continue to cook for several more minutes.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the yogurt, cucumber, and remaining 1 tablespoon water. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
3. To serve: Place lettuce and a scoop of chicken masala mixture in the center of each tortilla or roll. Add a spoonful of the raita to each wrap, or serve it on the inside, along with fresh mango slices.

330 calories; 21g protein; 42g carbohydrates; 8g fat (1g saturated fat); 415mg sodium

More information about the Kids' State Dinner:

• Check out the other winning 2013 Kids' State Dinner Recipes here.
• Learn more about Kids' State Dinner here.