Lidl El Tequito Chipotle Grains

The grains by themselves don't make a meal, they need to have something else with them. We used a Matzo as a base, then sprinkled cheese and spring onions on top. I also added a fried egg just after taking the above photo. The whole thing made for a pleasant lunch. But, to be fair, I wasn't that impressed with the value or quality of these Grains which are mainly bulgur wheat with some flavouring. 

These cost 99p for 250g. Similar products can be bought from Tesco at around the same price and quality. 

Date: April 2021    Score: 5

Lidl El Tequito Mexican Style Beans

 

Lidl have a Spanish/Mexican theme going on currently, and I am not sure if this is part of it - if so these beans may not be around for ever. They are very nice. But not cheap. 99p for 250g puts them in the proper brand price bracket rather than supermarket own brand price bracket. And 250g is not much, so needs extra to make up a lunch. I followed the suggestion on the packet (which, though it does say - in very small letters printed sideways - "serving suggestion" - is still rather misleading as it's not clear if the "serving suggestion" is just for the slices of avocado, or also include the green sprinkles, which could be spring onion or French beans) and added avocado (bought from Lidl), spring onions (bought from Lidl) chopped mint leaves (bought from Lidl) and a slice of bread (bought from Lidl). The bowl on the left is with my added ingredients, bowl on the right is just what you get from the pack. It was nice. We liked it. Not sure it was worth 99p. But we did enjoy it. Mildly spicy. 


Date: April 2021    Score: 7 

Lidl Golden Sun 5 Whole Grains

We've recently been having instant packets of various grains for lunch. It started with the Ainsley Harriott range of cous cous packets, such as Roasted Vegetable, available from Tesco for 80p. We usually have a little protein with them, such as sardines or a fried egg. Makes a quick, tasty, non-fattening, and healthy lunch. 

Lidl do a range as well - various grains. This simple 5 Whole Grains pack is 47p for 220g. They only take a couple of minutes in the microwave (or can be stir fried, which would add some flavour, and give a better texture). Not hugely tasty by itself (not a lot of flavourings, and they taste like damp puffed up microwaved rice, which is essentially what they are) but a satisfying base for a fried egg or sardine. The grains are: 1) wholegrain rice (61%), 2) pearl barley (16%), 3) red quinoa (11%), 4) wild rice (4%), and 5) millet (2%). 

Similar to the Ainsley Harriot range they make a quick, low fat, and healthy lunch when used with a flavoursome protein. Unlike the Ainsley Harriott, they are not so good just by themselves, but make a useful base. 

Made by Estyria who specialise in grains, pulses and seeds. 

Date: April 2021    Score: 5