Michelle Obama's Kids Cooking Competition Winner's Recipe As Seen in PEOPLE

By Catherine Kast

08/03/2013 at 07:00 PM EDT

Jacob Hirsch's Picky-Eater Pita Pizza Pockets

Joseph De Leo. Inset: Courtesy Hirsch

First Lady Michelle Obama teamed up with food website Epicurious for the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge, asking for easy, health-focused recipes from kids all over the country.

Winners were chosen from each state, all of whom were invited to a Kids' State Dinner at the White House!

Check out a recipe from one of the winners, 8-year-old Jacob Hirsch from Michigan.

Jacob Hirsch's Picky-Eater Pita Pizza Pockets

Makes 4 servings

2 tbsp. olive oil

2 medium onions, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 (28-oz.) can whole tomatoes

2 medium carrots, shredded

1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1 medium zucchini, shredded

1 tsp. dried oregano

¼ cup baby spinach leaves

2 cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes

4 whole wheat pitas

1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 350º. In a medium saucepan over moderate heat, warm the oil. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until they begin to soften, 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, carrots, bell pepper, zucchini, and oregano, and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the spinach, and continue simmering, 1 minute. Let cool. Purée the vegetables with an immersion or regular blender, if desired.

2. Place a quarter of the chicken cubes inside each pita pocket. Add a few tablespoons of sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Arrange the pita pizza pockets on a large baking sheet, and bake until the cheese is melted, 8 to 10 minutes.