Ainsley Harriott World Kitchen Chilli & Lime Flavoured Quinoa & Basmati Rice review

I decided that I'd forego the roast potatoes with my Sunday roast this week and opt for a healthier alternative. Scanning the cupboards for inspiration, I decided to try out another of the Ainsley Harriott World Kitchen packs and selected the Chilli & Lime Flavoured Quinoa & Basmati Rice.

Having never tried quinoa before, I was intrigued to discover the contents of the sachet. Well, at first glance, it looks a bit like bird seed, mixed in with rice !

The instructions tell you to add the contents of both sachets to the pan before pouring over cold water and mixing, so I tipped on the slightly more interesting sachet, containing a variety of colourful bits (presumably chilli and lime) and flavourings. As I mentioned when I reviewed Ainsley's Lentil Dahl, I am slightly irritated by the excess packaging - it's a waste of time and resources having two sachets when you need to empty both in the same pan at the same time. Come on Ainsley, let's reduce excess packaging and just put it all in the same sachet, which then wouldn't need the outer cardboard box either !

Preparing the dish couldn't be simpler. You need to bring the water to the boil and leave it to cook for 15-20 minutes until most of the water has been absorbed and the quinoa grains have become transparent. I served it up with some chicken and vegetables.

Tastewise, it's very similar to couscous, with a lovely zesty flavour of lime and a distinct chilli kick (nothing too eye-watering though, just a nice small amount of heat). It makes a change to the usual rice or pasta and is very versatile - it would be ideal with chicken or fish (especially salmon) but would go with pretty much anything.

Each pack contains two servings and a serving contains 255 calories, 50.1g of carbohydrates (of which 3.9g of sugars), 2.2g of fat (of which 0.2g saturates) and 5.9g of fibre. It's dead easy to cook, is really quick to prepare and is ideal for keeping in the cupboard for when you need to rustle up a fuss-free meal in a hurry.

star rating : 4.5/5

RRP : £1.39 for 150g

for more information : http://www.ainsley-harriott.com/products/ranges/amazing-grains

Disclosure : I received a selection of Ainsley Harriott World Kitchen products in order to write honest reviews.

Other reviews you may be interested in :

Ainsley Harriott World Kitchen Couscous review 

Ainsley Harriott World Kitchen Lentil Dahl review 

The English Provender Co Caramelised Red Onion Chutney review