“McLean loves to make salsa, and this recipe combines his love of salsa making with the famous green chili cheeseburger New Mexico is known for,” says McLean’s mom, Kristin. “This recipe kept the feel of a green chili cheeseburger, but easier for lunch and healthier. Jicama is a great vegetable that is light and crisp but takes on other flavors, providing a healthy crunch to replace the greasy fries. The salsa is found in the form of a deconstructed guacamole. Our state question is ‘red or green?’ Every New Mexican knows that question refers to your green or red chili preference. This burger has both!”

- McLean Knight, Age 10, is the 2016 Healthy Lunchtime Challenge winner from New Mexico. 

Makes 6 Servings

INGREDIENTS

For Green Chili Cheese Roll:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• ½ onion, peeled and chopped
• 1 tube canned thick crust pizza dough, whole-wheat if available
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder, or to taste
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup shredded low-fat sharp cheddar
• ½ cup Hatch green chili, or more to taste
• ¼ cup diced pickles

For Jicama Fries:

• 1 large jicama, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and cut into cubes
• ½ cup cilantro, stems removed, coarsely chopped
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ cup fresh lime juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

PREPARATION

1. For Green Chili Cheese Roll: In a large nonstick skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and onions and cook for 10 minutes, or until turkey is cooked through and onions are softened. Drain well, add remaining ingredients, and mix well. Cook for 2 minutes more.
2. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Roll out the pizza dough on a large nonstick baking sheet and stretch to make a rectangle. Spread the meat mixture on the dough. On the long side, carefully fold over the dough and roll it similar to a jelly roll. Pinch seam closed and gently put seam-side down onto the sheet. Pinch ends closed. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into six slices.
3. To make the Jicama Fries: In a large bowl, combine the jicama, avocado, and cilantro. In small bowl, whisk the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add to jicama mixture and stir gently.  Serve with the Green Chili Cheese Roll.

425 calories 22g fat 33g carbohydrates 26g protein