I don't often have ready meals these days, but with the ingredients for the couple that I bought in my online order from Waitrose last week being pretty good I decided to have a little splurge.
This Chickpea Tikka Masala from Pollen + Grace was the first one I decided to try, mostly because it was the shortest dated of them all.
My first thought on sliding it out of the cardboard sleeve was that they were being a bit stingy with the cauliflower, and perhaps even with the rice.
But after cooking to the instructions in the microwave I had to admit that the cauliflower had been buried deep in the sauce and they were nice big chunky bits that needed cutting into smaller pieces to eat ... and the rice was the perfect amount once I had added the water as instructed and it was cooked.
Although there were lots of ingredients, to my mind they are virtually all good ingredients and most of which I have in my cupboard and spice drawer. I guess if I was to make something like this from scratch myself the spice list would be a lot smaller and the flavour profile a lot less complex.
So what is my honest opinion?
I really enjoyed it, the flavour was really good, complex but not overly spicy or disappointingly mild. The amount of food was actually perfect for me, if I had been serving Alan he would have needed a naan bread or something to make him satisfied, but I liked the portion size.
Would I buy it again was the question I asked myself immediately on finishing ... yes I think I would if I needed a ready meal, but I think I would actually rather try to recreate it for myself next time. Though it's handy to know that this is a good meal to have in my back pocket, one that is flavourful, quick to cook and healthy to boot.
A processed meal but in my opinion not an ultra processed one.
For anyone that's interested in UPF and their effects on us, and that can get BBC2 on television or iPlayer, Dr Chris van Tulleken is on BBC2 at 9pm tonight in what sounds to be a very interesting programme. Lots of us have read his book Ultra Processed People, so this could be a good refresher. He's also doing the Royal Institutes Christmas Lectures this year, which will be broadcast on BBC4 and iPlayer in late December and which I am really looking forward to.
Sue xx
The meal does look a little small but tasty and it's always good to have a couple of these quick dinners in the freezer as a standby isn't it.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
It was actually quite a good size, it's in one of my large pasta bowls in the photo. They would be great to have as a stand by. 🙂
DeleteThe curry looks delicious and would be plenty for me. It's healthy too by the look of the ingredients list and with 16.7g fibre it would be a perfect addition to my meals. We don't have a local Waitrose so I can't get my hands on any, sadly, I wonder if anyone else does them?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up on Dr Chris van Tulleken tonight. I'll set the recorder so I don't forget.
Angie x
Click on the link to Pollen + Grace, their website says that the meals are in quite a few supermarkets. 😀
DeleteI’ve had that meal and agree that it is tasty. I was thinking it would be good to make a batch split into portions for nights when DH is having meat. I love chick peas and have been making them as a snack in the airfare with just a tiny amount of oil. Then I hide the airtight box as DH will happily chomp through the lot! Wet and windy today here so am catching up on lots of paperwork. Catriona
ReplyDeleteIt would be a good batch cook. 🙂 Yes, it's wet, windy and getting colder here too. 🫤
DeleteDr. Chris van Tulleken's book is on my table. Such a very important and interesting read (over and over again), forever on my shelf.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Jeanneke from Dokkum in The Netherlands.
As you say, processed rather than ultra processed. There wouldn't be anything on that ingredient list that would worry me. Thanks for mentioning the Chris Van Tulleken programme tonight. I'll makes sure I add it to my watch list. Found the book fascinating and frightening in equal measure. For those who would rather listen than read I can thoroughly recommend the BBC Sounds podcast that the Van Tulleken brothers do called 'A Thorough Examination' the first series is all about food and UPF. They are very personable guys to listen to.
ReplyDeleteI think both the van Tullekens are really good guys, they've done so much together over the years. I'll look out for that podcast, thanks. 🙂
DeleteHi, I had never heard of this make until you mentioned it, so looked it up on my Yuka App & it scored 90% - with no risky additives! I tend to make everything from scratch ( so much cheaper when cooking for 4 or sometimes 6) but if I am pushed for time (& only feeding myself) then I’ll have a look at their range - thank you. Glenda x
ReplyDeleteThat's weird, I had never heard of the Yuka app until yesterday and then I see it mentioned in three totally different places. 😀
DeleteThat meal looks very good. Thanks for your review. I don't think we have this in Canada, but I will keep my eyes open for it.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
You will most likely have something similar, but I bet it's more expensive. :-(
DeleteWhat could be not to like with a Waitrose meal, it looked delicious.
ReplyDeleteHaha ... yes, Waitrose, Booths and M&S pretty much guarantee you a half decent ready meal don't they. Although I have to admit to liking the Asda basic line chips and curry sauce ready meal. I don't know how much they are these days but they used to be £1 each or 6 for £5. They were a standard in my freezer when we lived for two years without a cooker. :-)
DeleteThat looks interesting and like you, if I were to try to recreate it there's no way I would use every single herb & spice so it would have far less of a full flavour profile.
ReplyDeleteI am always on the lookout for things which would be quick to heat up in the campervan and there are a couple of motorway service stations I pass occasionally which have Waitrose as the food provider . . . might have a look next time I am passing Gretna Services.
They would make a very tasty van dinner for sure, quick to cook, pretty healthy and very satisfying. :-)
DeleteIt looks pretty good and I'm glad you found it both tasty and satisfying.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely one of the best ready meals that I've had. 😀
Delete