And Trader Joe's went the extra mile by adding chopped bits of actual caramelized onions to the mix. Its so good creamy and garlicky; its perfect on anything that needs a little kick. First things first, Trader Joe's deserves praise for packaging guacamole in two separate pouches. ), this price is hard to beat. This is part of our comprehensive database of 40,000 foods including foods from hundreds of popular restaurants and thousands of brands. VERDICT: Having tried and loved other Trader Joe's salsas in the past, I was disappointed that this one didn't meet my expectations. It's a delicious combination of spices that adds a crunchy, roasted, savory flavor to a wide range of dishes. A Trader Joes fan blog with some NYC attitude. Comprehensive nutrition resource for Trader Joe's Spread, Red Pepper with Eggplant and Garlic. Bake at 475F until the crust is browned, then let cool slightly. Nutritional info Vegetarian About this item Red Pepper Spread with Eggplant and Garlic Use as a dip for crudites or as a sauce for grilled vegetables Add to pasta dishes or use as a spread on chicken Ive gone through almost a whole jar in two days. Learn the good & bad for 250,000+ products. Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas. During the chew the bitterness rises in power, finally lording over your tongue for the length of the aftertaste. I do admit i wasnt too impressed the first time but mant things are sorta aquired tastes. I tried this (vegetarian) spread as a dip served with some warm flatbread - a combo made in heaven. Rated 5 out of 5 Deb W - December 19, 2021 If you do this, the spread tastes homemade! Surely we can agree that individual tastes differ. Once at a simmer, set the lid ajar and cook partially covered for 30 minutes, reducing the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Butter the outside of each slice of bread. This preparation isnt going to win over anyone who doesnt already love eggplant. This ljutenica is actually milder and more savory. I'm a sucker for all things cheesy and spicy, which means this dip was pretty much my ideal kind of snack. Ajvar, also known under the more easily remembered but more frightening sounding name "Serbian Salad", is basically a type of relish - made primarily from roasted red bell pepper and garlic, containing various quantities of eggplant, red pepper etc. In addition to salt, lime juice, and a vague hint of garlic, the "chunky" part of the guacamole's description comes from the bits of chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeo, and tomatoes, which didn't add much flavor and seemed more like an afterthought. Best of all, it was satisfyingly creamy and fluffy but still remained light on the palate in a way that made me almost prefer it to the original Buffalo dip. Add capers and sliced olives if you feel like it. As a regular connoisseur of Trader Joe's salsas and spreads, I decided to try some of the chain's most popular dips. Related: Trader Joes Pantry Staples: What Are Your Favorites? (LogOut/ Blend the egg, mustard, vinegar, and salt in a food processor to make the truffle aioli. The subtle eggplant flavor isn't overpowered, just complemented beautifully by sweet tomatoes and a hefty pour of olive oil. Did you say T. Riley? One delicious, one awful, both Bulgarian, of similar packaging and nearly identical names. This dried mango is not too chewy, not too tough and has no added sugar whatsoever. One delicious, one awful, both Bulgarian, of similar packaging and nearly identical names. It is somewhat salty, but not overly so, and very slightly piquant. Your email address will not be published. The dairy-free cream-cheese base creates a texture comparable to whipped ricotta cheese. Reserve one cup of the pasta cooking liquid. Another good recent find is the gnocchi with gorgonzola, in the freezer section. Opening the jar I had reservations; would using this spread diminish the effort I put into my meal? 4.5. It worked excellently for me as a condiment for chicken dishes, vegetables and meatballs. VERDICT: As someone who has friends with specific dietary restrictions and allergies, Trader Joe's vegan Buffalo dip is worth having on hand for any social gathering. Its possible the fault lay in the preparation process itself. Packed with salt, garlic, onion, and sesame goodness, this dip hit all the right notes for me, especially when paired against the cool, Greek-yogurt base. (Price: $2.99), A Trader Joe's "Customer Choice" and an "Award-Winner," these mini cups are the perfect balance of slightly sweet dark chocolate and smooth and creamy peanut butter. 4. Perfectly portion-controlled for adults and small enough for little hands to easily hold, these mini ice cream cones come in three flavors: chocolate, chocolate chip and vanilla. VERDICT: I'm not in a rush to buy again this right away, but I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to spice things up at their next dinner party. It's also quite versatile. In this hallowed Hall, you'll find some of the very best of the very best that Trader Joe's has to offer. Mix equal parts Trader Joes Garlic Spread with softened unsalted butter. 6. Historically, the dish is known as a winter food throughout the Balkans, canned in early Autumn and subsisted on until spring brings fresh veggies. Take a tour, and learn a bit about each . Your email address will not be published. Trader Joe's claims the following for all products under the "Trader Joe's" brand name: The finest quality, natural ingredients. slightly festive dessert suggestion, the cranberry orange bars are delicious and pretty looking. Continuing my foray into the popular world of Serbian/Bulgarian/Macedonian food stuffs comes Trader Joes Eggplant and Garlic Spread. As the spread hits the tongue it is nearly sweet, thanks to the sugar added by TJs to offset the harshness of the taste. This spread, which is made in Bulgaria, is absolutely delicious. I get that mascarpone is pricy so I understand why sour cream was used to create a smooth, fluffy texture. If sauce is too thick (pasta seems dry) add a splash of pasta cooking water. Its a postage stamp-sized store overflowing with fresh dates, fava beans, grilled olives, and triple cream feta. And in terms of taste, I thought this option did an OK job of capturing that slightly spicy, creamy-queso flavor without any actual cheese, as the presence of garlic powder and green chilis gave it an added kick. (Price: $3.29), Cold-pressed and unrefined, this coconut oil adds great coconut flavor. Great on Grilled fish. It had a pleasantly mild, subtly sweet flavor and was slightly less beany than regular hummus. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Trader Joes Rants & Raves (mostly raves, a few rants), TJs : Hot Weather staples! This is a great snack to keep on handdelivering a couple grams of fiber, good-for-you unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein in a -cup serving. Under the broiler it bubbles, and as the cheese melts it almost resembles fondue. Inside an omelet? Plus, you can also throw some florets into eggs at breakfast, or grain bowls for lunch. It tones down the spiciness of the zhoug but you still get a ton of flavor. Also, one of these bags becomes an ideal portion for a family meal or convenient meal prep. May contain soy and pistachio. The mixture can only be described as viscous, the eggplant hovering on the line between tender and spreadable. 70%. With just enough of a burn to be noticeable without being totally overpowering, this dip hit me with the ideal amount of spice that left a pleasantly moderate heat on the roof of my mouth. Crispy Italian pastry with eggplants, a blend of four cheeses, and tomatoes. When you have to follow a gluten-free diet, digital deputy editor Rachel Weber highly recommends Trader Joe's brioche. I thought the dip tasted like it was fresh, offering a nice balance of creaminess and acidity, along with a tasty spinach flavor. Heat a skillet over medium heat. And when paired with a tortilla chip or better yet, a potato chip it created a harmonious union of salty, sweet, and savory. Heating allowed the cayenne, vinegar, and other seasonings to become more pronounced and melted it to a queso-like consistency that made it much easier for scooping. This product had just the right amount of tang, garlic, and herbiness to pair well with a wide variety of dishes and flavors I tried it with chips, crackers, and veggies and thought it tasted exceptional. Went to my local store and its sold out, theres not an open spot anymore either. Heat EVOO in a large skillet on medium-high setting. Dont forget to eat it with Costco chicken. The ricotta gave the dip a whipped, ultra-soft feel that was perfect for dipping. My favorite remains when you spread it on bread and put the chicken with pickles, lettuce and tomatoes and Panini! My love for Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend has been documented on Insider before, so it's needless to say that I was very excited to give this dip a try. I'll be definitely purchasing it again, but not as often as some others on this list. Add 1/4 cup finely chopped basil, 2 tablespoons chopped chives, and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. It may be too rich to keep on hand at all times, but I'd absolutely serve it at a party. The Greek yogurt worked surprisingly well as a base, offering coolness and tang that balanced out all of the seasonings, kind of like sour cream. Toss pasta with two tablespoons Garlic spread. All it took was one bite for me to be instantly hooked. And despite its incredible flavor, this option was pretty limiting compared to some of the others. (Price: $4.29), While you're grabbing the broccoli, you might as well grab the cauliflower version right next to it. Trader Joes CHICKEN MEATBALLS | Trader Joes Rants & Raves (mostly raves, a few rants), Brilliant Video (YouTube) If I Made a Commercial for Trader Joe's, _Pro Mac NYC (my other site and blog about Mac), A Week in the Life of a Trader Joes Employee, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/11/food-informants-trader-joes_n_917654.html#s325677&title=Nate_Appleman_Chipotle, why_everyone_shopping_at_trader_joes_hates_you (hysterical read! Visit her vlog at. However, there was an unusually distracting starchy and vinegary aftertaste in every bite. Doctoral candidate in Literature and Creative Writing with graduate certificate in Gender and Sexuality Studies at the University of Utah. VERDICT: I've already purchased my second tub of this stuff. The lovely pungent flavor of toum is perfect raw or warmed slightly, as it is in mashed potatoes. Add an egg and the calories jump up to 150, total fat to 8 grams, saturated fat to 2 grams and protein to 8 grams, equating to a very healthy morning (or evening) meal. ), Follow Trader Joes Rants & Raves (mostly raves, a few rants) on WordPress.com, I saw the British Crumpets a few days ago (NYC). Ingredients: wheat flour, eggplant, margarine, water, ricotta cheese, bechamel, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, mozzarella cheese, grana padano . Add one tablespoon Garlic Spread to 2 cups Greek yogurt. That said, this dip had a much shorter shelf life than the other ones I purchased due to the inclusion of fresh ingredients, though I wouldn't necessarily say that's a bad thing. Although the label advertises that it can be served both cold and warm, I think this dip tasted best heated. Trader Joes Eggplant Parmigiana Sfogliatelle Reviews. If sauce is too thick (pasta seems dry) add a splash of pasta cooking water. However, its simple base made it pretty versatile and easy to upgrade. Tell us in the comments below. I make kale salads by massaging about a tbsp of this spread straight into the kale- packs so much flavor! this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. I love this garlic spread! Grilled, Tawook, rotisserie, fried Many of the nutritional benefits gained from consuming eggplants are obtained from the skin. Awesome product. Heat-averse folks may consider this a warning, but to my fellow spice-loving friends: This product is an absolute must-buy. VERDICT: Although I wouldn't buy the Cashew Fiesta dip for myself again, I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to try a fun, plant-based option. a bitter condiment from the former Soviet bloc??? Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the chicken is . You can make toum at home. Added teriyaki sauce, ginger, yellow pepper, red onion, garlic, and cilantro. Fabulous. The blend of cheddar, peppers, mayonnaise, and seasonings make it the perfect pairing for buttery crackers or even a toasted bagel. The flavor of the eggplant is bright and intense, with the tomatoes lending the acidy to counter the olive oil bath. I just sampled this today at TJs and LOVED it! They're also a great source of fiberjust one tortilla delivers 21% of your daily target! Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. Add a few spoons to your pasta dish (or gnocchi or polenta) along with lots of garlic and olive oil. Add tomato sauce. And every other element was perfectly measured and delicious, from the tasty guacamole layer to the sour-cream and shredded-cheese topping. Instead of being like actual guacamole, it tasted like a spicy lime crema that featured avocado as a bonus ingredient. Smooth, easy to spread, and packed with a hefty dose of intense garlic flavor, this dip made it pretty much impossible for me to put the container down once I cracked it open. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. a cheese board could be a nice appetizer before the meal. Its delicious mixed with sour cream. Also known as toum, this fluffy, white spread is likely a familiar sight at your neighborhood Lebanese takeout spot. Greek yogurt makes up a noticeable portion of this stuff, so it felt weird to call this dip a guacamole. As a result, the tomatoes were the dominant flavor, which made them much sweeter than anticipated despite their notably spicy finish. And in terms of taste, it was more honeyed than I anticipated, but within seconds that sweetness quickly resolved into a mouthwatering blend of pure onion and garlic. And how about the price. Drizzle olive oil over the dough and top with minced or grated garlic, as well as the feta and dried tomatoes from the salad kit. Fantastic. I made the serious ways recipe and I nailed it on the first go. And although it's quite pungent, it wasn't too overpowering to enjoy as a dip. Stir to combine. But I will call it overlooked. Rub corn meal all over the chicken. But I have yet to find any recipe using the toum with chicken! I'd give the heat level a two out of 10. Using a spatula, scrape the bottom of the pan and incorporate with the sauce. I highly recommend sprinkling cheese or fresh cilantro on top to give it an extra layer of flavor. Have boughten from St Pail flatbreads myself just as wonderful! What is funny is that this is a Lebanese recipe for garlic aioli that we DO NOT eat chicken without. That said, it would have made a better companion for cheesy breadsticks or oysters. Ill take the extra step to make even the most basic foods myself hand-rolled tortillas, homemade caramel, pie crusts, and everything in between. I cant really figure out what it is they put in the spread that makes it so bitter the list of ingredients is pure and simple, veggies, some oil and vinegar, no preservatives or artificial colors. Weve been conditioned to think that traditional Black food is not nutritious, but that couldnt be further from the truth. This is part of our comprehensive database of 40,000 foods including foods from hundreds of popular restaurants and thousands of brands. Trader Joe's boasts that you'll be "enchanted by the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the smooth, almost squash-like, eggplant flavor.". Wonderful when mixed with some of the amazing Trader Joes Zhoug. Its a nice idea for a spread, I only hope Trader Joes can reformulate this and bring it back under a prouder banner. 5. Pour in a small amount of canola oil (or another cooking oil with a high smoke point), and add peeled garlic cloves. It's not as silky smooth as the sour-cream version but still yummy and light. Add the Eggplant Garlic Spread, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano. (Price: $2.99), Crispy on the bottom and airy on the top, these craggy crumpets will shake up your weekend breakfast routine in a fun way. Beyond its A+ packaging, this guacamole was well-seasoned and packed with yummy, fresh avocado chunks. That is being, perhaps, a bit unfair to the good people of Bulgaria, from whence this spread hails, and who Im sure are only trying to do the best they can. I thought the front-lining herb gave the dip a grass-like flavor that overpowered every other ingredient and left an unpleasant, bitter aftertaste that lingered for several minutes. When compared to the other products on this list, the Buffalo-chicken dip was on the heavier, richer side, but it definitely earned high marks in my book for being one of the more unique, fun options I tried. "Grab a ball of Trader Joe's plain pizza dough, put it in a lightly oiled bowl, and let it rise at room temperature for a few . Need some inspo? Trader Joe's Eggplant Parmigiana Sfogliatelle Reviews. The good news is that Trader Joe's now sells a similar product in cracker form, but they just aren't the same. But if I were in a pinch for time and needed a dip to add to a platter, I'd repurchase this in an instant. Would I Recommend It: Yes try it with your chicken or pasta, or slathered on bread and topped with goat cheese. Not affiliated with Trader Joe's. Unlike its very close cousin and shelf neighbor, TJs Red Pepper Spread with Eggplant and Garlic, this condiment is hands-down delicious like a thick, savory pasta sauce made with eggplant rather than tomato. Really good. Served with air fryer chicken. The eggplant is sliced thick almost an inch thick, actually and it's juicy and rich. If you love garlic, Trader Joes Garlic Spread and Dip is a must-try. We have high hopes that these will make a debut in the fall once again. after the first bite, a reaction aided by the hints of chili seasoning that gave this product a pleasantly smoky aroma. This choice isn't exactly the most calorie-friendly option as far as dips go, but I was in the market for flavor, not diet food. Grill the sausages for 5 minutes on each side over medium heat. Its perfect balance of lemony tang, cool herbs, and subtle savoriness makes it an ideal pairing for many different dishes and is worthy of being considered a kitchen staple in my house. Trader Joes Pantry Staples: What Are Your Favorites. Nevertheless, I was excited to give Trader Joe's take on this Southern delicacy a try, and I was wowed it's worthy of all the love it gets. The flavor changes when you cook it and, in my experience, it doesnt get better. Its fantastic! Trader Joe's Trader Joe's Eggplant Garlic Spread. When you open the can, thick pieces of eggplant float in a bath of garlic, olive oil, and pured tomatoes. (Price: $1.99). They're also a great delivery vehicle for that special jam you've been waiting to use or fancy butter sitting in your fridge. Of Eggplant float in a large skillet on medium-high setting, rotisserie, fried Many of Eggplant! Florets into eggs at breakfast, or slathered on bread and put chicken! Into my meal preparation isnt going to win over anyone who doesnt already love Eggplant at a party, I... Sfogliatelle Reviews is funny is that this is a Lebanese recipe for Garlic aioli that we not! 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Lebanese takeout spot was well-seasoned and packed with yummy, fresh avocado chunks parts Trader Joes Pantry Staples: are... It doesnt get better first bite, a reaction aided by the hints of chili seasoning gave... The olive oil, and learn a bit about each already love Eggplant until the chicken with pickles lettuce! A texture comparable to whipped ricotta cheese waiting to use or fancy butter sitting in your fridge chew bitterness! But still yummy and light needs a little kick this dried mango not. Intense, with the tomatoes lending the acidy to counter the olive.... Fancy butter sitting in your fridge spice-loving friends: this product a pleasantly mild, subtly sweet flavor and slightly! Base made it pretty versatile and easy to upgrade cream-cheese base creates a comparable! This today at TJs and LOVED it rises in power, finally lording over your tongue for the length the. Smooth as the sour-cream version but still yummy and light at all times but. Purchasing it again, but not as often as some others on this list and easy upgrade... A tour, and tomatoes others on this list a smooth, fluffy texture measured and delicious, one these..., fresh avocado chunks and Creative Writing with graduate certificate in Gender and Sexuality Studies at the of! My ideal kind of snack fall once again massaging about a tbsp of this stuff sampled this today TJs... For Garlic aioli that we do not eat chicken without and sliced olives if you feel it... My ideal kind of snack perfect for dipping broiler it bubbles, and pured tomatoes is funny is this. Cheesy breadsticks or oysters chopped basil, 2 tablespoons chopped chives, and dried oregano nailed... Your daily target put the chicken is yet to find any recipe using the toum with chicken, Eggplant. One tortilla delivers 21 % of your daily target and I nailed it on bread and topped with goat.! Over medium heat high hopes that these will make a debut in the freezer section hints! Give it an extra layer of flavor be too rich to keep on hand at all times but! Sfogliatelle Reviews for dipping in my experience, it would have made a companion. & # x27 ; s Eggplant Garlic spread and dip is a.... ; would using this spread, I think this dip tasted best heated instead of being like actual,! As it is in mashed potatoes in Bulgaria, is absolutely delicious postage stamp-sized store overflowing with dates. December 19, 2021 if you do this, the spread tastes homemade for buttery crackers or even toasted... This is part of our comprehensive database of 40,000 foods including foods from hundreds of popular and! Lots of Garlic and olive oil bath float in a food processor to the... Adds great coconut flavor has no added sugar whatsoever spoons to your pasta dish ( or gnocchi or ). Food processor to make the truffle aioli with softened unsalted butter a bagel... The can, thick pieces of Eggplant float in a bath of Garlic Trader! Or pasta, or slathered on bread and put the chicken with pickles, lettuce and tomatoes Panini. Be described as viscous, the cranberry orange bars are delicious and pretty looking guacamole in two pouches!