by Ethan Johnson
June 12, 2006

I am trying to flat-out eliminate my use of the microwave, but some days there is no avoiding it. I have been wrapped up in a time-consuming project at work this past week and I knew that I'd have a short time window to heat up something for lunch. Cruising the frozen foods aisle at my local Market Street store, I found a line of microwave-ready meals from Ethnic Gourmet.

I was attracted to this offering for a few reasons. I will note here that the following is completely unsolicited and uncompensated, and that I am in no way affiliated with any of the companies mentioned in this article.

• Price: Under $4 USD
• Selection: Chicken Korma. I like the Lamb Korma at the Chaat Cafe (review coming soon when I can remember to bring the camera), so I wanted to see how this stacked up, korma-style.
• Processing: All natural, "minimal processing", whatever that means. Reading through the ingredient list, I was skeptical about how "all natural" this is, and I have confirmed that yes, all of the ingredients are natural. Good job!

So how was my lunchtime experience?

Buzz: One of my co-workers saw the box and said "ooo, ethnic!" I guess that's good? The packaging is a break from the usual "lean" and "diet" stuff people keep eating around here.

Aroma: Not obnoxious, which is appreciated in an office environment.

Cooking Ease: I didn't poke holes in the top, instead I peeled the wrapper back part-way so I could stir the food easier when the time came. It cooked through in about 5 1/2 minutes on maximum heat.

Taste: Hoo, spicy! That'll re-arrange your sinuses. I'm amazed at how "killer" spicy Indian food is a sinus-clearing brawl while I am eating it, but the effect wears off in about 5 minutes. The rice didn't seem to cook very well, as was expected as rice is a terrible microwave food. The rice was boring and chewy. I mixed fork-fulls of the rice with the korma sauce to jazz it up.

Now for the overall rating. In the spirit of my wine reviews, in the future, I would, and you may:

• Make this a staple item on your shopping list
• Pick a few of these up from time to time
• Buy one if you see it
• Buy one out of desperation if your preference is not available
• Picket/boycott the store until they agree to stop selling this item

Despite my reluctance to eat microwaved foods, I would be interested in trying another selection out the next time I am cornered into going the "fast and easy" route.

If you do give this a try, please let me know how your experience compared with mine. Thanks! <EM>