Writer Vita Molyneux, who grew up in a household where everything was made from scratch, has tried Tesco's new Chef's Finest Collection meals. The range, priced between £17.50 and £20, promises a 'restaurant quality' experience and is available year-round for the first time. The meals are chef-crafted, slow cooked, and inspired by British, Italian and Indian cuisine, but currently do not cater to vegetarians or vegans.
Molyneux tested three dishes: pork belly with apple sauce, chicken tikka masala, and a third meal. The pork belly came in its own roasting tray with clearly labelled sauces, but she struggled to identify which side was 'fat side up' due to heavy seasoning. After cooking, the pork was succulent and tasty, with the tarragon enhancing the flavour, but it was slightly too salty for her palate. She noted that the portion might not be enough for two people without sides.
The chicken tikka masala required a more intricate cooking process, including removing it to slather yoghurt on it. Molyneux was disappointed by the lack of accompanying rice, so she prepared her own. The chicken was succulent and tender, and the masala butter sauce was creamy and smoky, but again, it was too salty. She also cooked it upside down, causing seasoning to clump on one side.
The third meal required 55 minutes to prepare, which Molyneux found hardly swift for a ready meal. Overall, while the meals looked picture-perfect and were satisfying, the excess salt and lack of included sides like rice were drawbacks. Molyneux concluded that the meals were decent but not ones she would necessarily eat again.
