learning, it also allows the district to be locally sustainable and give back to the community.
MUST TRY RECIPE! Chicken & Chickpea Tikka Masala
“To make these diverse dishes, we are supporting local businesses for these fresh ingredients,” Smith said. “These family businesses might be a student’s mom, dad, uncle or aunt.” Currently, new cuisines are rotated through schools in the district’s five regions with the goal of growing the program and continuing to customize it based on student feedback.
1 tbsp
vegetable oil onion, diced ginger, minced garlic, minced tomato paste
½
1 tsp 1 tsp
Pacific NW Salmon Video
1 tbsp
1
14.5oz can diced tomato
1 tsp 1 cup
garam masala
cooked chicken diced or shredded
1
15.5oz can of chickpea
¼ cup
unsweetened coconut milk
9
4 cups water ¼ cup
cilantro, chopped
Black pepper, to taste Salt, to taste
Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until they begin to soften and become translucent. Add ginger and garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes. to other cultures through food can create a conversation among peers and help create an environment that ensures all students feel welcome in the cafeteria and at school.
“While students still can choose from a base menu, we continue to add a second option that might be Asian, Somali, or a dish from another country,” Smith said. “Ultimately, we want students to feel welcomed.”
Creating a safe welcoming environment is a key initiative for the district. Exposing students
When I immigrated to Seattle with my family and started attending the local school, one of my biggest adjustments was getting used to the typical American cafeteria lunch. This was so different from the homemade lunches I had back home. Most days, I would not eat lunch and go hungry all day at school. In 2019, my experience with SPS school lunch came full circle when I was hired as District Chef. Since joining SPS’s Culinary Services, I have made a great effort to bring more culturally relevant dishes to our diverse student body. One of the many dishes I created for our menu is this vegan-friendly, chickpea masala. This hearty stew is enjoyed by our students over steamed rice. www.chefemme.com www.soulandspicewa.com Emme Ribeiro Collins District Executive Chef at Seattle Public Schools
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