Happy Unboxing Day, foodies! ? Just like the excitement of unboxing a long-awaited package, there’s something truly special about the anticipation of trying out new convenience foods. As we unwrap each dish, it’s like revealing a delightful surprise waiting to be savored. Today, I’m euphoric to embark on a culinary tasting with you as we explore 7 Indian convenience delights from Coop – Karma Products. So, grab a comfy seat, a piping hot cup of chai, and join me as I unbox, taste, and share my honest thoughts on these flavourful Indian delights! ?
Don’t forget to explore my other blog posts: Kola Kenda – a Vegan Porridge ?, deeply ingrained in Sri Lanka’s Buddhist culture, and Aromatic Biryani ?, crucial for inducing a feeling of tranquility! You’ll find the link to the previous blog post at the end of this post. ?
◊ STARTERS ◊
Karma Onion Bhajis with Chutney Sauce (Vegan)
?️Price: CHF 6.50
Cook Time: 10 min
Serving: 5 pieces
Instructions: Put the bhajis in the oven for 10 min by 200º degree middle heat
Description: The pre-fried onion chickpea balls, known as bhajis, offer a delightful fusion of onions and chickpea flour, enriched with a medley of spices including coriander, ginger, red chili powder, and a touch of cinnamon. The pastry is golden brown and crunchy. Originating from the UK the bhajis can be enjoyed as an addition or appetizer to any meal.
Experience: I enjoyed the crispy texture and the harmony of flavours. However, I found that they could use more seasoning to elevate the taste. Pairing them with the mango curry chutney included in the package offered a pleasant mix of fruity sweetness and gentle spiciness, enhancing the overall taste.
Recommendation: For those eager to try similar convenience foods, I recommend experimenting with different dipping sauces to find the perfect accompaniment to the bhajis. Additionally, adjusting the seasoning to personal taste preferences can further enhance the dining experience.
Rating: 4/5
Karma Samosas (Vegan)
?️Price: CHF 6.95
Cook Time: 12 min
Serving: 4 pieces
Instructions: Put the samosas in the oven for 12 min by 200º degree middle heat
Description: These pastry pockets boast a golden-brown hue with a satisfying crunch upon every bite. Filled with a hearty mixture of potatoes, wheat flour, carrots, onions, peas, and an array of spices including coriander, cumin, mango powder, turmeric, and chili, they offer a delightful blend of textures and flavours.
Experience: Upon tasting, I found these pastry pockets to be adequately portioned. While the filling provided a satisfying and substantial taste, I couldn’t help but notice a mild flavour due to the under-seasoning. In terms of meeting my preferences and expectations, these pastry pockets fell slightly short.
Recommendation: I would highly recommend these pastry pockets as a satisfying snack or appetiser. However, to enhance their flavor, consider adding additional seasoning or pairing them with a flavorful dipping sauce.
Rating: 3/5
◊ CURRY’S ◊
Golden Dal (Vegan)
?️Price: CHF 6.75
Cook Time: 7 min
Serving: 275g à 4 servings
Instructions: Cook the golden dal in a pot by medium heat
Description: The golden dal presents itself as a hearty mixture of pulses, including mung beans and lentils, combined with onions, coconut milk, carrots, sweet potatoes, and a variety of spices. Its texture is solid, due to the addition of ginger puree and garlic. The incorporation of mustard and celery adds depth to its flavour profile, creating a nutritious dish.
Experience: Upon tasting, I found the golden dal to be ok and healthy, with its blend of spices and solid texture. However, there is certainly potential for enhancement, particularly in achieving a better balance of spices and enhancing its texture for creaminess and a more satisfying meal.
Recommendation: Combining it with a squeeze of lime and warm naan bread provided a delightful balance of flavours. Additionally, while the portion size is adequate, I found that adding extras like tofu or extra vegetables could enhance its overall satisfaction.
Rating: 2/5
Chana Masala (Vegan)
?️Price: CHF 6.75
Cook Time: 7 min
Serving: 275g à 4 servings
Instructions: Cook the chana masala in a pot by medium heat
Description: The chickpea dish from the Netherlands stands out among the 7 Indian convenience dishes I sampled, offering an authentic and flavorful experience. It features a rich appearance with chickpeas prominently featured in a vibrant tomato sauce and a comforting aroma of coconut milk.
Experience: The flavour and authenticity of the dish made it a memorable culinary experience. I was pleasantly surprised by its well-balanced and delicious nature, exceeding my expectations without any significant disappointments.
Recommendation: For readers interested in trying similar convenience foods from Coop, I highly recommend giving the chickpea dish a try. Its authentic flavours and satisfying texture make it an excellent choice for a quick and delicious meal.
Rating: 5/5
◊ SUBSTITUTE ◊
Plain Paneer (Vegetarian)
?️Price: CHF 3.50
Cook Time: 10-20 min (depends on the dish)
Serving: 200g à 2 servings
Instructions: fry the paneer in a pan (panner thikka recipe will follow on a later blog post)
Description: The plain paneer is a versatile and flavourful option that can be enjoyed for up to three days after purchase. Made from Swiss milk and salt, this three-quarter-fat fresh cheese offers a delicious addition to various dishes. It has a creamy white appearance and a firm yet slightly crumbly texture.
Experience: As I tasted the plain paneer, I found it to be a delightful addition to my dishes. Its subtle milky aroma complemented its creamy texture and mild taste. While its appearance may be unassuming, its adaptability in various dishes surprised me in a pleasant way.
Recommendation: Its creamy texture and mild taste make it a substitute ingredient for various dishes, especially Indian cuisine like palak paneer or paneer tikka. While its taste and texture were enjoyable, I found its placement in the vegan section a bit misleading, as it contains milk. However, this did not detract from its overall quality and usefulness in cooking.
Rating: 5/5
◊ TEE ◊
Organic Masala Chai Tea (Vegan)
?️Price: CHF 9.60
Cook Time: 10 min
Serving: 100g à 10 servings
Instructions: Boil halve a cup water and milk. Add the chai and let it sit for 5 min. Sieve and add some sugar. Use a separate cup to flip the tea several times until slight foam builds. Enjoy.
Description: The organic masala chai tea from Switzerland is a delightful blend of flavours sourced from various regions, including India, Sri Lanka, and Guatemala. This Masala Chai Tea presents a deep amber hue when brewed, with a captivating aroma that fills the air with notes of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper.
Experience: Sipping on this masala chai tea was a delightful experience for me. The richness of the spices and the depth of the black tea created a comforting sensation that left me feeling warm and content. The balance of flavours was just right for me, offering a perfect blend of spice and tea. It’s texture is smooth and comforting, making each sip a cozy indulgence.
Recommendation: I highly recommend trying the organic masala chai tea, its organic ingredients, rich flavour, and reasonable price make it a standout choice for tea enthusiasts seeking both quality and sustainability. Remember to store it properly to preserve its freshness and aroma.
Rating: 5/5
◊ MASALA MIX ◊
Organic Tikka Masala Sauce (Vegetarian)
?️Price: CHF 3.25
Cook Time: 10 min
Serving: 100g à 5 servings
Instructions: Heat the masala mix, add paneer and serve.
Description: The tikka masala offers a rich and flavourful addition to your meals, crafted with organic ingredients like Swiss cream, yogurt, tomato pulp, and a blend of spices. The aroma is inviting, with hints of tomato, garlic, and onions enticing the senses while the texture is smooth and velvety, coating each ingredient evenly.
Experience: Its versatility allowed me to create a variety of dishes, from classic tikka masala to innovative culinary creations. However, its seasoning may not suit everyone’s taste, so adjusting the falvour according to personal preference is a must.
Recommendation: While some may find the sauce a bit salty, I found that diluting it with coconut milk and adding sautéed garlic, onions, and ginger helped balance the flavors perfectly. The resulting dish was a hit with my family, showcasing the sauce’s versatility and ability to elevate simple ingredients.
Rating: 5/5
? Overall, I’m thrilled to report that my exploration into the world of convenience foods has been a resounding success! I trust that sharing my experiences with these delectable dishes will serve as a helpful compass on your own culinary journey. Have you had the pleasure of sampling any of these delights? Perhaps you have some personal favorites you’d like to share? Your feedback is invaluable! ? Be sure not to overlook my upcoming blog post, where I’ll be presenting the recipe to home made paneer thikka masala or easy dealightful appetizers for every occasion! ??
And if you’re feeling a bit lost in the sea of options, don’t fret! My recent blog post on A (amla) B (beetroot) C (carrot)-shots offer an energizing post-yoga boost to help steer you in the right direction. ??♀️?
Catch up on my previous posts!
Chana Masala – so yummy! Thanks for your recommendations! ?
I buy Karma products fron time to time, but never tried Chana Masala and Tikka Masala Sauce from them. Will definetly give them a chance since you rate them so high 🙂