Trader Joe's Indian Fare Tikka Vegetables is different from the frozen entrees. But this is a step up from the boxed variety and uses less packaging
Taste and review
In the early days of this blog, I pretty much did a straight run through the frozen Indian entrees at Trader Joe's. And it wasn't because I had eaten Indian food on a regular basis. It was through a conversation with my then physical therapist.
Before I started this blog, I intended on this being a full cooking blog. I fell down a partial flight of stairs and in doing so sprained not one, but both ankles badly.
I'm not sure why the female body can create a human being in nine months, but if you wreck your ankles you are never quite 100% again.
So over the course of physical therapy, I got to know the guy who got me walking again quite well. He was Indian and it was almost lunch time.
Naturally, the conversation headed towards what we were planning for lunch. I brought it up that I had never had Indian food. He recommended chicken tikka masala as a starting point.
Since grocery shopping was my big weekly outing (not to mention walking with a shopping cart was incredibly therapeutic when learning how to walk correctly) Trader Joe's Chicken and Paneer Tikka Masala ended up in my cart.
I was in love. I was also bummed out that I had been missing out for so long.
Needless to say, I've consumed quite a few of those over the last two years.
I did eventually venture in the canned and boxed Indian foods, but never found them quite as good.
This on the other hand was pretty good for something out of a pouch.
It is mild to medium in heat. I looked at the bag and was instantly unsure as to whether this would be a full serving. With the addition of rice, you'll have 2 satisfying meals.
Within the deeply spiced tomato sauce you have chunks of potatoes, corn, peas, and carrots. The heat is enough to slow you down from devouring this meal (unless you are a spicy junky). Beyond the pretty good flavor here, it only takes 60 seconds in the microwave until it is done.
What to serve with this
The picture on the back of this pouch makes it even more carb heavy with the addition of naan. Naan would make a good side to this was well.
But I do think you can make this a touch better with one single addition: cilantro. It's pictured on the front and the back, but is omitted in the ingredient list. I added some to mine (after taking these pictures) and felt it truly made a difference.
Overall
This is a different tikka recipe than the chicken, paneer, or vegan tikkas found in the freezer aisle. Those are also complete meals that cost twice as much. Both new Indian Fare pouches are priced at $1.99. It's a reasonable price for a filling an inexpensive lunch. If you get two servings out of it, then it is better than anything you can reach for on a dollar menu.
Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Indian Fare Tikka Vegetables again.
Product photos
The package of Trader Joe's Indian Fare Tikka Vegetables:
The nutritional information:
The ingredients:
How to prepare:
After being cooked you get:
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The Bottom Line
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Trader Joe's Indian Fare Tikka Vegetables
Product Name: Trader Joe's Indian Fare Tikka Vegetables
Product Description: Trader Joe's Indian Fare Tikka Vegetables is update from the ones that were once available in a box. This product is shelf-stable.
Price: $1.99
Currency: USD
Availability: InStoreOnly
Summary
Trader Joe's Indian Fare Tikka Vegetables is an updated variety that is in a pouch.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Trader Joe's Indian Fare Tikka Vegetables is one of two new pouches of Indian food to hit shelves.
- While this package looks small, the portion size is just right.
Cons
- Not quite as good as the frozen entrees, but not bad either.
- If you were hoping for this to be vegan, sorry to disappoint but it does contain milk.
Ttrockwood Ttrockwood says
Too bad is has much dairy it sounds so promising! I do love the frozen vegan tikka masala, I actually like to put the hot portion over a bowl of baby spinach which gets a bit wilty and catches the extra sauce 🙂
becomebetty says
Hey Ttrockwood! I know. I was hoping this would be a vegan option. Bad news too is that the other pouch also contains dairy as well. Your idea of using spinach sounds fantastic. I'll have to do that next time instead of rice. Way less carbs. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by!
Michael Carper says
I have a question. Since this product contains milk and cream, if one doesn't use a microwave, is it absolutely essential to boil it in the pouch for 5 minutes? If you don't, will you get sick?? Usually, I just pour the contents of these Indian Fare pouches over some rice. Thanks for your response!
Sincerely,
Michael Carper
mtcarper64@gmail.com
Dag says
I bought pouch of this as well as a pouch of the Dahl but I haven't tried them yet. I want to get some really good rice or naan. PS did you check out the rankings of all Trader Joe's frozen entrees on delish.com? Pretty interesting.
becomebetty says
It was pretty interesting and a pretty good list. They missed a few items from the freezer section like cauliflower gnocchi and a handful of other items. I haven't tried the mushroom and black truffle flat bread. I think one day I'll have to put together a list like this, I have just over 900 posts on this blog so I think I have enough info to pull one together. Thanks for the article and the inspiration!
Dag says
Oh my gosh 900 posts that is awesome! Congrats! I didn't agree with all the rankings on that list. Like the Shrimp Sriracha Bowl. I finally got that, it was average and not enough shrimp. But they were on point with the Indian fare and that spinach basmati rice should be sold on its own. And yes I couldn't believe they left off the cauliflower gnocci or especially the chicken soup dumplings! Those soup dumplings are definitely in my top 3.
becomebetty says
Thanks! I know. Those lists should be broken down much further into cuisines. It's really hard to say an Indian dish is better than say a Chinese food dish or some TJs concoction. I'll see if I can throw a best of list together at some point. Besides, I can't say I've had it all either. Thanks for sharing this with me!
Alek says
I make Shakshuka style with this! I just add some water to thin it down a bit when it boils I crack an egg in there. When the egg is cooked the sauce just becomes this amazing filling side. Pretty tasty.
becomebetty says
Hey Alek! That sounds delicious. Glad you liked this one too. Great suggestion as always. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing!
Mark says
Tikka veggies are fantastic. Don't over analyze. Good and easy!
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing Mark!