I was intrigued by this new entree given the interesting combination of ingredients and the fact that it’s “West African inspired”. On a positive note the couscous is perfect – moist, yet fluffy. Unfortunately, the topping is an unappealing brown color and the flavors aren’t very pleasant. In particular the combination of peanuts and tomatoes […]
Trader Joe’s Vegetable Panang Curry (vegan)
This is a really tasty curry dish due mostly to delicious sauce. Extra points for being vegan and low cost. The rice is packaged in a separate compartment in the tray and cooks up nice and fluffy. The vegetables aren’t readily identifiable. I wouldn’t have known there are asparagus and kale in the mix unless […]
Trader Joe’s Stir Fry Vegetables (vegan)
This frozen stir fry mix has a nice selection of vegetables, but suffers the fate of all frozen stir fry mixes. The vegetables just don’t have the fresh taste and crisp texture that are the crucial characteristic of a good stir fry. Even though TJ’s wisely sliced the mushroom and carrots very thin so they […]
Trader Joe’s Spinach Lasagna
I usually buy the garden vegetable or roasted vegetable lasagna, but decided to revisit this spinach lasagna for comparison. Spinach is the key word here! The filling is primarily spinach and ricotta and there isn’t a lot of sauce. Enough, but no excess sauce. This lasagna seems a little healthier and more grown-up than the […]
Trader Joe’s Spinach & Kale Pie
Trader Joe’s describes this as a “modern take on spanakopita”. I guess the kale is what makes it modern. This looks and tastes like spanakopita, except that the smell and flavor of feta is stronger than what I’m used to. Not unpleasant, just different. There are no quick cooking instructions and it requires a full […]
Trader Joe’s Sai Tung Green Curry (vegan)
The photo on the box didn’t look very appetizing to me so I put off trying this for several weeks. However, I’m happy to report that this is a very interesting and tasty dish. The “vegetables” are morning glory, coconut shoots and banana flowers so I had no idea what to expect. The morning glory […]
Trader Joe’s Shells with Brie & Asparagus
This is mac and cheese for grownups! Rich, creamy and full of fat. The asparagus is plentiful, attractive and tasty, although a few pieces may need to be left uneaten due to a woody texture. I’d like to say that I eat half the box (the recommended serving) with a nice salad. However, I usually […]
Trader Joe’s Confetti Rice (vegan)
This rice dish has a rich taste and colorful appearance. The rice is fluffy with dominant flavors of lemon grass, ginger and thai lime. Tiny pieces of baby corn and tomato add nice color and texture. Not a nutritional power house since this is white rice. Location: frozen foods case Quantity: 20 oz box, two […]
Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer – frozen
The taste, appearance and texture of this frozen Palak Paneer is so much better than the shelf stable pouch version (also available at Trader Joe’s). The spinach is bright green and the spices stand out in a good way. This is really good with Garlic Naan or Vegetable Biryani. Location: frozen food case with other […]
Trader Joe’s Country Potatoes (vegan)
A flavorful side dish for dinner or Sunday brunch. The potatoes are thin enough that they cook quickly. The green beans and herbs provide some nice color and the mushrooms and onions add to the savoriness of this dish. Location: frozen food case near rice and vegetable side dishes Quantity: 16 oz bag, 4 servings […]