Wednesday, 21 September 2011

Levi Roots Rasta Pasta sauce review


There's just no stopping the man ! Multi-talented Jamaican reggae musician, chef, entrepreneur and multi-millionaire Levi Roots has added a new product to his range of Caribbean-inspired sauces and relishes - Rasta Pasta sauce. I reviewed his Mango & Chilli and Reggae Reggae Relishes (here) last year so when we were sent some Rasta Pasta sauce for review, we were keen to give it a try.

Staying close to his Jamaican roots, Levi delivers a sauce that is described on the label as "a rich sauce with sun ripened tomatoes and Caribbean fruits, fab with pasta". As well as tomatoes, it contains pineapple and guava mixed with a selection of herbs, to create a slightly spicy but not overly hot pasta sauce that makes a nice change from the usual spaghetti bolognese. I could detect ginger and a blend of warming spices that don't deliver the fierce kick of chilli heat so I scoured the ingredients list to see what spices are used - there is actually red Scotch bonnet chilli, but also garlic puree, ginger puree, all spice, coriander, paprika, nutmeg, cinnamon, basil, thyme, ... wow, you get the idea ! Not surprising I couldn't pick out the individual spice tastes !

The sauce contains visible flakes of herbs and spices and tiny pieces of what could be tomato or pineapple but no big chunks which I thought was a shame. The sauce is made using Pineapples in Syrup and Pineapple and Guava Concentrate which is probably why there are no big juicy, chewy pieces in the sauce.

It's a nicely flavoured sauce that works well on its own stirred through hot pasta (in which case it's suitable for vegetarians and vegans) or added to cooked chicken - I also added chunks of onion, mushroom and red and green peppers - before serving over pasta. There was a bit left in the jar which I used as in place of relish, which also worked well.

100g of sauce contains a very reasonable 106 calories so it's great as a light option if you're watching your weight and need something quick.

star rating : 4/5

RRP : £1.89 for 350g


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3 comments:

  1. Levi Roots is from my area: Brixton! I remember seeing him on TV for his pitch at the Dragon's Den, and Peter Jone saying "he's any publicist's dream!"
    I've tried some Levi Roots products and so far I like them (chargirlled chicken, ketchup and the famous Reggae Reggae sauce).

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  2. look the levi roots products i have tasted - the sauce and juice - i havent seen this yet - sure it will be nice though !

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  3. Didn't realise the calorie count was as low as that. Will try it now. Thanks for review.

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