Maya Kaimal Madras Potato Curry Review
Author’s note: These are my own odd little opinions. I have no affiliation with Maya Kaimal or Costco. This is not a paid or sponsored review, as always.
Suspenseful and complicated, like the plot of a great film.
The heat in this curry builds like the suspense in a great cliffhanger movie. It starts out entirely benign. But each mouthful gets more and more thrilling. Until you are suddenly grabbing your glass of water and wondering what happened to you.
Flavors and textures
It begins with the bright flavors of tomato. And a little tang of lemon juice. Smoothed by gentle creaminess of coconut milk. But the ginger lurks with gangs of sneaky cardamon, jalapeno, and cayenne. I loved these spicy fiends!
I wouldn’t describe this as “sweet” curry. There’s no added sugar. But it does have the “sweet” spices of cinnamon and clove. A stern kind of sweetness. It’s well-rounded with the balanced, savory flavors of cumin, coriander, and even spicy-sweet fennel.
Chickpeas and potatoes
There are chickpeas and potato lumps. And not much else. I couldn’t discern the “sweet potatoes” separate from the rest of the sauce. The chickpeas have a pert firmness that tastes fresh and wholesome.
The potatoes are OK. They are soft and have a very slight “canned” texture. (I had a similar experience with the potatoes in this Lamb Vindaloo Curry; here’s my review.) The spices have permeated thoroughly, so that each starchy bite is a shout of flavor.
Low in protein
The bad news is, this meal is extremely low in protein. It’s kind of low in everything. 120 calories? Come on, Maya Kaimal! Surely you jest! The label says there are 2.5 servings per pouch. Ain’t no way. I am “size small,” and even my wee hobbit stomach needed more.
Even with rice, an entire package was only marginally filling. It needs waaaay more protein! Fortunately, there’s a decent bit of fiber. But only if you gobble the entire pouch. More about the Nutrition Facts later.
Ingredients in Maya Kaimal Organic Madras Potato Curry
Here are the ingredients from the label:
Water, Chickpeas (Chickpeas, Water), White Potato, Sweet Potato, Onion, Coconut Cream (Extracted Coconut, Water), Tomato Paste, Sunflower Oil, Tapioca Starch, Garlic, Ginger, Sea Salt, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Green Jalapeno, Coriander, Fennel, Black Pepper, Cumin, Cayenne, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Clove, Cardamom.
Excellent list. I have no complaints. Write this day down in your diary.
More information from the label:
- USDA Organic
- Vegan
- Kosher
- BPA Free
Nutrition Facts
A serving is (allegedly) 1/2 cup and contains a miserly 120 calories. You get 6 grams of fat (2 grams saturated fat) and a tragic 3 grams of protein. There are 16 grams total carbohydrates, of which 2 grams are fiber and 0 grams are sugars. You get 12% your daily value sodium, and 0mg cholesterol. There’s a whimper of iron, with 6% your daily value.
Price and Servings
The 10 ounce pouch has 2.5 servings, according to the label. I bought mine on sale as a 6-pack at Costco for $9.99. But the regular price is $13.99. Or, $2.33 per pouch. If you truly squeezed 2.5 servings per pouch (for whom is that extra half a serving? whooooom?), each serving would cost 93 cents.
Shelf Life
Similar to the Tasty Bite Indian Madras Lentils (check out my review), this is a shelf-stable product that is not refrigerated or frozen. The “best by” date on my package allowed approximately 1.25 years to consume.
Heating Instructions
The label offers two ways to prepare this:
- Microwave: Tear open 1-inch slit. Heat for 90 seconds. Let stand 1 minute.
- Stove Top: Heat in small skillet on low for 3-5 minutes until hot.
Dramatic Conclusion
I loved the layered flavors and complex spiciness of this meal. The textures are between good and great. But it’s not as filling as I’d prefer. And you really need to consume the whole pouch to approach meal-level calories.
The Awesome-o-Meter rates Maya Kaimal’s Madras Potato Curry a “Yaaaas.” But, with the caveat that you might still be hungry!
The End.
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