A family favourite, packed full of hidden veggies, has been awarded the top prize in the
Queensland Association of School Tuckshops’ annual Tuckshop Recipe of the Year contest.
The panel of judges simply couldn’t look past Southport State School Tuckshop Convener, Angelique Scarpignato’s homemade Butter Chicken, awarding it the coveted title.
Since starting in the role of Tuckshop Convenor at Southport State School in mid-2022, Angelique has fast become a pillar of the school community, ramping up the menu with homemade classics that the kids are going crazy for.
Her competition entry was a hit with the judges, who all commented that it was easy, simple, cheap and delicious, and loved the fact that the vegetables could be hidden.
So, what makes this recipe so special?
“One, it’s made with love. And two, we use a butter chicken paste, rather than a pre-made sauce… I wanted to make something that had lots of flavour and a bit of punch,” Angelique said.
“Our aim is to make it as healthy as possible and to give the children as much nutrition as we can, so I add 6 to 7 veggies in, hiding them in the butter chicken.
“I start cooking in the morning and people come up to the tuckshop and say it smells so lovely, and the kids walk past and say “oh, it’s butter chicken day, yay!”
Competition for this year’s contest was extremely fierce, but QAST Senior Projects Manager, Deanne Wooden says Angelique’s entry was a standout.
“Butter chicken is a firm favourite in many Australian households, with adults and kids alike, so it’s always going to be a popular item on tuckshop menus,” Deanne said.
“Angelique has taken her version of this classic to another level, packing it full of veggies, to ensure it is both delicious and nutritious.”
The competition, which is supported by Health and Wellbeing Queensland, is delivered by the Queensland Association of School Tuckshops (QAST) and attracts entrants from school tuckshops across Queensland.
This year saw the competition attract 31 entries with a high level of creativity and innovation shining through.
Health and Wellbeing Queensland Chief Executive, Dr Robyn Littlewood, said she was once again impressed with the quality of entries and the range of healthy options tuckshops are offering students across Queensland.
“We know tuckshops play an important role in providing nutritious, affordable and convenient food and drink options for Queensland families, and I congratulate this year’s winner,” Dr Littlewood said.
2023 finalists:
- Mexican Beef and Rice – Bay View State School (Thornlands)
- Rainbow Chicken Stir-Fry – Bay View State School (Thornlands)
- Super Easy Burrito – Currajong State School (Townsville)
- Butter Chicken – Southport State School (Gold Coast)
- Mexican Mince Mini Cob – Highfields State School (Darling Downs)
- Ferny Nourish Bowl – Ferny Grove State High School (Brisbane)
