“My grandma told me about this contest and I thought it would be fun to create a recipe and to have the opportunity to dine with the First Lady at the Kids' "State Dinner,” says Colton. “I read a story about the Native American “Three Sisters.” I liked how the boy in the story came and picked the “Three Sisters” and how the corn supports the beans, and the squash helps support and protect the corn and beans, just like a family. We altered this recipe to match My Plate requirements. I first made this recipe with my grandma at my grandparents’ house.” - Colton Kuka, Age 9, Montana

Makes 8 Servings  

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, peeled and chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
• 1 (28-ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 ½ cups fresh or frozen corn
• 32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (4-ounce) can green chile peppers
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, for garnish

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds. Fill a large shallow baking pan with 2 inches of water. Place squash halves, cut sides up, in the pan and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork. Let the squash cool, then cut into cubes.
2. In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, except the squash, quinoa and cilantro, and bring to simmer. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 20 minutes. Add the cooked squash and quinoa and cook for 5 minutes more. Spoon into bowls, top with cilantro, and serve. 

402 calories; 8g fat; 71g carbohydrates; 18g protein

Learn more:

• Check out highlights from the each Kids’ “State Dinner”
• View the 2015 Healthy Lunchtime Challenge & Kids’ “State Dinner” Cookbook