Those of you who watched my New PC Blue Line Products video know that I was very worried about product testing President’s Choice 3-Bean Chipotle Chili meal because I am scared of cooking in the microwave. I especially am wary of using anything but glass and ceramic in my microwave because I do not want anything leaching into my food. But I am doing this for you and I want to be fearless!
Product Testing
First, you take off the metallic lid which I could do no problem. Then you need to stir everything up with a spoon.
You put the plastic (oy) lid on the top. It has air vents which is interesting. Then you nuke it for two minutes.
I may have had to cook the chili in its container but I was not going to eat out of it! Instead I warmed up some rice and peas and poured some of the chili on top. We always have chili on top of rice.
Foodie Results
Um… very under seasoned and kind of boring. I will say that the beans are absolutely cooked perfectly. There is slight heat and flavour from the chipotle but it was very underwhelming. This really was my lunch so I went back to my kitchen…
Oh yeah… Add a tiny bit of shredded cheese, salt, pepper and low fat sour cream? Much better! In fact I would have this for lunch on a regular basis. BTW, two minutes in my microwave is not long enough. I personally would heat the beans on the stove next time and eat it like this.
On its own though? I would not pay $2.59 to eat this from its container out of a microwave. Made their way, I give this product two and a half out of five wooden spoons.
Golden & Black Quinoa
I personally am not a fan of rice so I am always looking for an easy substitute that is actually tasty. I thought President’s Choice Organics Golden and Black Quinoa would be a great substitute to go with the chili.
I would provide a link but according to their site, this product has been discontinued. Which is weird because according to their Insider’s Report it is “new” and only $2.49.
Product Testing
Like the packaging on the original PC Organics Quinoa box, you only get instructions for making the entire contents of the box which ended up being 1 1/3 cup of quinoa. But I ration everything and I was only making enough for my lunch!
I decided to use 1/3 cup of the quinoa for a single serving and see what happens. The hard parts was figuring out how much water to use.
For 1 1/3 cup of quinoa you are supposed to bring 2 cups of water to a boil and then add the quinoa. Then cook on low, covered and let simmer for 12-15 minutes. Just to be safe, I used 2/3 of a cup of water. Better to have too much than too little.
I was left with too much water but that was fine. I just took off the lid and let it evaporate.
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I removed it from heat and let stand for 5 minutes while covered. Then I fluffed with a fork.
Foodie Results
It was a pretty good rice substitute! I actually really like the crunchy texture very much and it good with this chili. Very different but impressive. I even used it as a rice substitute for our regular dinner Rice, Beef & Beans but I think I have been making that dish long enough that it just is tradition to have it with rice.
Still, I loved this. It kind of reminded me of crunchy miniature barley. I did not bother to test this on Reg, he would hate the texture of it and last time he had quinoa was a bit traumatic for him. He loves rice and wants it with every meal he can get which is fine. It is nice to finally find a substitute for me when I can not have yet another dish with rice. As a result, I will definitely be buying this product again.
I give this product four out of five wooden spoons.
What is it with husbands and quinoa? My hubby really dislikes the texture as well, but can’t get enough rice. Oh well more quinoa for me lol…Too bad it’s no longer available, I would’ve like to try this version.
There’s something about those “convenience” containers I’ve never liked, not just because they’re overpriced but portions are never satisfying, and they do tend to be bland and mushy.