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Stories of Passion – Chef Harris

  • by jordan

Today we had Chef Hardette Harris join us today to teach us a healthier version of a tortilla-less enchilada dinner (spoiler alert:  it was Ah-MA-zing).

Chef Harris has a special passion for North Louisiana cuisine. In fact, she worked with the State Legislature to pass a resolution to recognize the Official North Louisiana Meal. When people think of Louisiana cuisine, they usually think of south Louisiana cuisine.  And that’s not a bad thing! South Louisiana cuisine has unique flavors that we know and love. However, south Louisiana cuisine isn’t characteristic of the entire state. North Louisiana has unique dishes and flavors all of its own that deserve being celebrated too.

Chef Harris is on a mission to put north Louisiana cuisine on the map, to encourage pride around our official meal, and to teach us how to prepare traditional dishes in a healthier way.

“North Louisiana cuisine is primarily made up of fresh vegetables and that easily grow in our region. Some of the ways we prepare our food, just like any other cuisine, can be unhealthy at times. They key is to not consume those on a daily basis. You don’t have to stop eating food that you grew up on, but just in moderation. There’s absolutely no need to abandon our foodways to be healthy. Learn how to prepare what you’re already eating and cut out consuming large amounts of sugar, salt and fat on a daily basis.”

Giving us practical tools on how to celebrate our local flavors and dishes, she taught us how to cook an enchilada dinner that we can be proud of!

Healthier Version of a Tortilla-less Enchilada Dinner

  • ½ lb Ground Turkey
  • ½ lb Ground Beef
  • ½ c fat free cheese
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 1 can black beans
  • Zucchini
  • Onions
  • Cilantro
  • Chili Powder
  • Cumin
  • Garlic Powder
  • Salt and Pepper

Blanched Vegetables
Use as a snack instead of chips or sweet treats.

In a pot of boiling water add about a teaspoon of salt. Place washed fresh vegetables
such as green beans, broccoli, squash or sugar snap peas into the water and boil for
about 2-3 minutes, until tender but still firm. Remove and immediately place vegetables in
a bowl of ice water (ice bath). Remove as soon as they are cool and drain. Sprinkle with
a bit salt and store.

Check out more healthy eating tips from Chef Harris by clicking HERE!

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