Convenience food - reviews

[Deleted]

I don't often use convenience foods, but when I eat alone I can't be bothered to mess about in the kitchen

I tried a Tesco's finest Lasagne a few weeks ago - which was dreadful - complained and got my money back though ;D

Any reviews would be good, as they would save me and others wasting money and avoid disappointment.

Tonight I thought I'd give M & S a go - I had "count on us..." Beef Casserole with herb dumplings - it says on the pack "tender pieces of marinated braised beef, carrots, leeks and swede in a beef gravy with herb dumplings". It was a 400g pack, barely enough for one though. I didn't think much to the dumplings and there was very little meat, but what meat there was, was indeed very tender. The dish needed more seasoning IMO. I had M & S carrot and swede potato mash, very nice indeed but just a little too much nutmeg in it for me. The 450g pack serves 2 apparently, but I ate the lot

I washed it all down with half a bottle of Eagle Crest Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot ;D

[Plocket]

We rarely buy convenience food from the supermarket but we have tried M&S's Chinese and Indian stuff and it was ok. Waitrose does a reasonable Indian take-away pack too which is nice. However we prefer to buy from take-away shops rather than supermarkets.

[sweetleaf]

I have tried a fair few brands of frozen ready meals M&S, Tesco`s etc. and found every one a disapointment... as far as I can tell its all rubbish.
I find it much easier to bake a potato and have a cheese salad. The chill cabinet is more satisfying, but again still not up to the standards you expect.
Many companies have up to now covered the lack of flavour by adding loads of salt/sugar...now of course they have to state this on the label, so flavour is again lacking.
GH`s idea, cook an extra portion of whatever you're having and freeze it is the best method for providing good nutritious food when dining alone. The bonus of course, is all the money you save. ;D

[MamIDdau]

I take an ASDA good for you ready meal to work when I'm on a long day and I really enjoy them.

When I lived in Bradford I didn't have a cooker for 10 months so I had to microwave everything and I tried lots of ready meals and found ASDA's were much nicer than any other. Plus they refund with no questions or whining.

[Cheerypeabrain]

Well speaking as a lazy cow I bless the day M&S started making convenience food....last night we had loads of Chinese dishes...and tonight we had one of their Cumberland Pies...tend to have them at least once a fortnight I (I did cabbage and leeks with it)
I like M&S' Lasagna 'al forno' and we like their 'extra chunky cod in breadcrumbs'. In the main I cook things like curry, stew, chilli, spag bol, goulash and roast 'from scratch' but at least 2-3 times a week it's going to be bangers and mash or some other easy to prepare 'dish'

When I'm on-call I usually take something to bung in the microwave....chicken tikka being a favourite...Tescos used to do a lovely one, but Sainsbury's extra spicy one is scrummy! (much better than M&S which surprised me)


I'm all hungry now!