Freezer sections at supermarkets and I do not usually get on, save for some frozen prawns or ice cream perhaps. But when it comes to pre-prepared and packaged foods I would usually run a mile. These Indian snacks, however, caught my eye in Apolónia recently. I expect they can also be found in some other supermarkets and they are well worth looking out for.
The brand is Fuisiné (in a black box), a British company that manufactures in China but any guilt over the carbon footprint can be offset by the fact that they are 100% vegetarian.
A box of 16 pieces contains four each of onion bhajis, vegetable pakoras, vegetable samosas and aloo tikki (spiced potato patties).
They are ready to deep fry from frozen and are every bit as good, or better, than any such Indian snacks I have tried at Indian restaurants here in the Algarve. What’s more, they are 100% natural, with the ingredients clearly labelled and no nasty chemicals or artificial emulsifiers.
They are not cheap, at around €6 for a box, but as a quick, easy and delicious canapé for parties over the festive season, they will go down a storm, and they look so authentic that you could easily get away with fibbing and say you made them yourself.
The same company also makes duck spring rolls, with which I was not so impressed.
By Patrick Stuart [email protected]
