In the crowded market of meal kit services, SimplyCook offers a distinctive approach by delivering spice blends and recipe cards that promise to transform your everyday meals into gourmet experiences. Intrigued by this promise, I decided to put SimplyCook to the test by trying out some of their most popular recipes. Here’s a detailed account of my culinary journey from box to plate, evaluating everything from ease of preparation to the authenticity of flavors.
Unboxing the SimplyCook Experience
The SimplyCook box is compact, designed to fit through a standard mailbox, which is a convenient start. Each box contains four different recipe kits. For this review, I chose a diverse selection: Chicken Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken), Shrimp Pad Thai, Beef Ragu, and Moroccan Lamb Tagine. Each kit includes a recipe card, along with three pots containing various blends of herbs, spices, and stocks.
Preparation Process
The first thing I appreciated was the simplicity of the instructions. Each recipe card detailed the additional ingredients needed, most of which were easy to find in a local supermarket. The preparation process for each dish was straightforward, with clear, step-by-step instructions that were easy to follow. The estimated cooking time ranged from 20 to 45 minutes, which is quite reasonable for preparing a wholesome meal.
Cooking and Flavor Profiles
- Chicken Makhani – The spice blend for the Chicken Makhani included garam masala, dried fenugreek, and a special Makhani paste. The cooking process was simple, involving sautéing onions, adding the chicken, and the spices, followed by cream and tomatoes. The result was a rich and creamy dish with a perfect balance of tanginess and spice.
- Shrimp Pad Thai – The Pad Thai kit came with a tamarind paste, fish sauce blend, and a dry spice packet. This recipe required a bit of multitasking to get the noodles, shrimp, and sauce cooked correctly, but the effort was worth it. The final dish was vibrant, with a wonderful mix of sweet, salty, and sour flavors typical of Thai cuisine.
- Beef Ragu – This Italian classic was made with a ragu herb blend, a rich tomato paste, and a red wine reduction stock. The slow-cooked beef simmered in these spices resulted in a deeply flavorful sauce that paired beautifully with pasta. This dish was particularly comforting and robust in flavor.
- Moroccan Lamb Tagine – The tagine recipe included a cinnamon and cumin stock blend, a garlic and herb paste, and a sachet of dried fruits. The spices and the sweetness from the fruits infused the lamb with traditional Moroccan flavors, creating a deliciously aromatic and hearty dish.
Value and Versatility
What stands out about SimplyCook is the value it offers. The cost per meal is significantly lower compared to full ingredient meal kits, primarily because you provide the fresh ingredients yourself. This approach not only reduces costs but also increases the versatility of the kits, as you can easily adapt the recipes to cater to dietary preferences or to use ingredients you already have at hand.
From box to plate, SimplyCook delivers on its promise to make gourmet cooking accessible and enjoyable. The recipes are diverse, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making this service a great addition to any cook’s repertoire, especially those looking to spice up their meal routines without extensive preparation or shopping. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, SimplyCook provides an excellent way to explore global cuisines from the comfort of your home.