The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre RGV: Savory Layered Dip

The Brownsville Wellness Coalition hosts a program titled “The Happy Kitchen” or “La Cocina Alegre” where community members can learn the importance and benefits of eating healthy foods, with hands-on experience cooking nutritious, low-cost meals with locally sourced ingredients.

The interactive, six week series of classes emphasizes the selection and preparation of fresh, seasonal foods that are nutritious, economical, and delicious. Classes are held at various locations across Brownsville, and participants receive printed recipe books in English and Spanish. They also receive the ingredients for recipes learned in class!

This type of community work for a healthier outcome is truly what It’s Time Texas is all about. We search, support, and connect organizations who are truly in the field, doing the work. We’re proud to share this healthy recipe from La Cocina Alegre with our audience, and hope you enjoy!

Savory Layered Dip

Ingredients:

⦁ 1 lb. of ground turkey

⦁ 1 tsp of cinnamon

⦁ 1 tsp turmeric

⦁ 1 tsp of cumin

⦁ 1 tsp of chili powder

⦁ 1/2 tsp ground pepper

⦁ Salt to taste (the less, the healthier!)

⦁ 1/4 cups of water

⦁ 2 limes

⦁ 1 cucumber

⦁ 2 avocados

⦁ 1 large tomato

⦁ 1 cup low fat Greek yogurt

⦁ 1/2 cup shredded cheese

⦁ 15 oz. can of black beans

⦁ 2.25 oz. can of sliced black olives

Instructions:

Heat pan with 1/4 cup of water. Add all spices, salt, and pepper. Then add the ground turkey.
Once cooked, set aside.

Mash the avocados in a bowl and add lime juice. Chop the tomato and cucumber into small cubes. Chop 1/2 cup of cilantro. Drain the beans and olives.

Begin to layer your dip in a large dish, starting with the ground turkey, then beans, cheese, cucumber, Greek yogurt, more ground turkey, then avocado.

Top your dish with olives, cilantro, tomato, and some of the cucumber.

Serve immediately or chill for an hour before serving!

For more summertime, healthy recipes and tips, visit our blog page and check out our social media platforms!

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