A Mexican Fiesta in a pot (Innocent Sweet Potato Chilli Veg Pot)

Member Name: duskmaiden

Product:	Innocent Sweet Potato Chilli Veg Pot
Date:	10/09/09 (128 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: filling, high in fibre, low in fat, tasty

Disadvantages: A bit expensive

Variety is the spice of life especially when it comes to lunch time. I'm always on the look out for something quick, healthy and tasty for the most important hour of the working day. Yesterday i had something very different courtesy of Innocent the smoothie manufactures.

Innocent have diversified fr4om smoothies, thickeis and juices into the ready meal market with their veg pots. These are little pots full of fresh vegetables, herbs spices and grains for a guilt free lunch. I chose the Mexican sweet potato chilli . I had little choice , as that was the only one lurking in Tescos reduced cabinet. I had seen them many a time before but i was unwilling to pay the full price of £3.49. Instead I got mine half price as it was on its sell by date.

The veg pot comes in a resealable plastic container , which would be useful for freezing stuff or using as a pack lunch container for left overs. Inside is a rainbow of rice and vegetables inlccuddng sweet potatoes, peppers,, onions, kidney and pinto beans, spinach , potatoes and carrots. All mixed together and nicely spiced with smoked paprika, jalapeño peppers and Cajun spices. I like the idea of these ready meals , as there are no weird and wonderful artificial ingredients added just pure vegetables, spices and rice. It looks attractive but does it taste just as good?

The veg pot is very easy to cook. Remove the lid and shove in the microwave for two minutes, remove lid and stir then shove in for another two minutes. You can also heat them on the stove or a cam p fire if you really want!

The microwave pinged and I took the little plastic pot out of the microwave did not notice too much of an aroma but it looked , as good cooked as raw. The first thing that I noticed when digging my fork into the pot was the consistency. My home-made chilli is very much tomato based and quite saucy whilst this was more of a chunky firm stew. It was easy to identify all he vegetables which were cooked nicety and melt in your mouth with a bit of bite form the onions and peppers. I really liked the brown basamati rice, as it was nutty and chewy giving the pot a good combination of textures. The jalapenos and Cajun spices gave the chilli a kick without being too overpowering. I noticed the heat lingered in my moth for quite a while after finishing lunch.

I was very pleased with my little pot of delight Weighing in at 400 grams they does not look much at all and perhaps too small for a lunch. However their size is very deceptive because I found the combination of brown rice and veggies very filling compared to the tuna pate rolls I had for lunch toady. The result of this was I was less tempted to hit the vending machine at break time to eat a lot of junk food. . The good news is they are suitable for vegans and vegetarians (and the odd brave carnivore) and they are very good for you. Each pot consists of 3 of your portions of fruit and veg. They also contain less than 3% fat with almost no evil saturated fat and 62% of your recommended fibre for the day.the pot contains 368 calories which seems about the right amount for a filling lunch. Due to the beans and rice they are also a good source of protein for vegetarians and the spinach will help with your iron levels. The only thing you may have to watch is the sodium levels as each pot contains 25% of your recommended salt intake.

The only real downside to these lovely little meals is the price. £3.49 is an awful lot for some veggies, rice and beans I could understand it if there was a bit of meat or fish in there. I would love to sample all the flavours in the range. The coconut curry sounds particular tempting , however unless they are on special offer or reduced to clear these will be an a very occasional treat when I'm feeling extravagant.

Summary: tasty fresh ready meal