Review of Purple Carrot's Tempeh Tikka Masala Tacos with Yogurt Cucumbers and Mango Chutney

Review Summary

I recently tried the Tempeh Tikki Masala tacos from Purple Carrot - the meal kit provider who's meals are 100% plant based. But before getting into my experience with said tacos, in the interest of full disclosure, I'm a committed omnivore and enjoy a piece of meat as much as anyone. I'm sure that, even if just subconsciously, influences my opinions...

I really like the idea of "exotic" tacos, and so the notion of Indian flavors in a taco really appealed to me. And the flavors here did not disappoint. The Tikki Marsala sauce made with onion, ginger, garlic, tomato pasta and garam masala was quite rich & tasty. For me, I could have used a bit more heat in the sauce, but that could easily be added with a bit of chili pepper.

The vegetable garnish, yogurt marinated cucumbers, and chopped red cabbage, provided a nice texture and flavor contrast to the tacos.

The only thing I didn't really care for was the Tempeh itself. Admittedly, this is where being a meat eater comes into play. The Tempeh (a soy product) didn't taste like much of anything - not bad at all, but also not good. It provided the "bulk" of the taco as a meat replacement, but honestly with every bite, a little voice in my head called out...."chicken would be better".

If you have had tempeh, and you like it, then I'd think you're going to love these tacos - as everything else provided was really good. Newbies to tempeh, take note, it's quite a bit different than chicken.

Making the dish was really quite simple. The recipe card was written well and the directions where clear. I think even a novice is going to have a pretty easy time making it. It took me about 35 minutes (while also filming) to make the tacos.

There was just enough filling for eight tacos, and I think the average set of eaters will have plenty of food.

Dedicated vegetarians (used to tempeh) are really going to like this dish, and I'd give it an enthusiastic thumbs up. The meat eaters really gotta understand what they are getting with the tempeh. The flavor of the sauce and garnish are great - but if you're used to meat, this is going to be a significant change.

Ingredients

Purple Carrot's box of ingredients arrived on my doorstep looking clean and pristine. The box was packed with ingredients for three recipes, most of which were bagged together for easy separation. There were a few, like bulb of garlic, that were meant to be used across recipes, and there packaged individually.

Everything for the Tempeh tacos looked fresh, clean and of high quality. All of the fresh produce looked good, and tasted good - at least as good as anything I'd normally get in the grocery store. There were a couple ingredients, like the tempeh, and vegan yogurt, that I had not had before. It's therefore tough to say they were better or worse than "normal" - but I had no issues with any of the ingredients.

Included for the tacos was:

  • 1 package of tempeh
  • 1 onion
  • A knob of fresh ginger
  • 1 cucumber
  • 1/4 cup of vegan yogurt
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp Indian spice blend
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 tbsp mango chutney
  • 8 whole wheat tortillas
  • 2 oz red cabbage

Making the dish

Purple Carrot suggests that these tacos, should take about 30 minutes to make. And I think that's about right. I may have taken a bit longer, but I was also filming while I was cooking. The biggest time suck is browning the tempeh. With the pan I had, I had to work in batches (3) when ended up taking about 15 minutes. If you can do it all at once, the recipe will go a bit faster.

The recipe is broken down into 6 steps:

  1. Prepare the tempeh & vegetables: Set the oven to pre-heat (for the tortillas) and wash and chop all the vegetables. The tempeh is also julienned (french fry cuts) in prep for browning.
  2. Marinate the cucumber: The cucumber you sliced in step one (you can peel it if you'd like), is marinated in the yogurt, the garam masala and a pinch of salt. The directions do not say, but I'd suggest adding, some fresh ground black pepper.
  3. Crisp the Tempeh: This is the step that took me the most time, as I worked in batches. If you have a large enough pan, you can quickly brown the tempeh in a bit of vegetable oil; getting all the sides nicely browned and adding a bit of texture to tempeh
  4. Cook the aromatics: Here you gently saute the onions, ginger and garlic. After just a few minutes, you add the spice blends to allow them to toast and bring out their flavor.
  5. Make the Masala Sauce: To the sauteed vegetables, you add the remaining yogurt, tomato paste, some of them chutney and a cup of water. This creates the masala sauce, which you cook for a few minutes to bring the flavors together before adding back the crisped tempeh. The directions advise you to taste and add salt if needed; I'd suggest you also add some black pepper as well.
  6. Serve: In the final few minutes you warm the tortillas in the oven, and then fill them. I found there was enough for about two "sticks" of tempeh per taco. I'd suggest you go heavy on the sauce, and then you garnish with the marinated cucumber, red cabbage, and a drizzle of the remaining chutney.

The directions in the recipe card were clear and concise. And none of the techniques were very complicated. I think most novice cooks won't have much of a problem with this dish.

You do need to make sure you don't burn the aromatics (particularly the garlic), as they can brown and then burn very quickly.

One "nit picky" thing, which I don't understand, is the lack of direction to use any black pepper. There's none in this recipe. And I think it could have used some.

Taste

The short story on the taste, is I loved the flavors, but was so-so on the tempeh.

As I mentioned above, I'm a meat eater. And I understand the tempeh was intended to fulfill the role of meat (most likely chicken in this case). But for a meat eater, its not a great substitute. It didn't taste bad really. It didn't taste like much of anything. And the texture was both a bit drier and more crumbly than meat. So with every bite, the little voice in head reminded me that it would be a better dish with chicken.

That said, I really liked the flavor of the masala sauce, which was plenty rich. And the cucumbers and cabbage provided a great texture contrast for the tacos. I drizzle of mango chutney was a very nice finishing touch, and absolutely shone through the rest of the dish. I could have used a bit more of it.

And I also would have been happy to have gotten a bit more heat with the sauce. A bit of spicy chili pepper would have added another dimension to the recipe - and the heat would have gone very nicely with the sweet from the chutney.

Certainly, if you're not a meat eater, I think you'll really like these tacos. If you are a meat eater, but committed to have a few meatless meals, I think the tempeh is fine; but chicken does taste better.

Doing this recipe again, I'd certainly put some fresh ground black pepper in a few spots, and probably add some heat with some chili pepper.

Purple Carrot's Tempeh Tikka Masala Tacos with Yogurt Cucumbers and Mango Chutney

Review of Purple Carrot's Tempeh Tikka Masala Tacos with Yogurt Cucumbers and Mango Chutney

Overall

My overall take on this is that non-meat eaters are really going to like it. There's a nice diversity of flavor & textures, and "Indian Tacos" is a nice fusion recipe that will excite most people.

Importantly, the non-meat eaters probably have a very good expectation, acceptance and perhaps appreciation for the Tempeh - the only part of the dish I didn't really like. If you're good with it, I think you'll really like this recipe.

I myself (like many meat eaters I suspect), will like the dish, but ultimately question the the use of tempeh. Committed to a meatless recipe, it'll do, but knowing there's a more tasty option (chicken) is a bit tough. So you'll have to make your own call.

Making the taco's was simple, and had no surprises. Give it a try and let me know how it goes.

Comments (237 )

Reply
cococ
June 1st, 2023 - 2:32am

La montre est un accessoire important dans la vie de tous les jours. Il n’est pas surprenant que la plupart des gens recherchent des montres qui sont à la fois pratiques et élégantes. Les montre replique sont l’option parfaite pour ces personnes. Montre replique sont des répliques exactes des montres classiques et sont faites avec des matériaux de haute qualité. Elles sont également très abordables et offrent une grande variété de styles. replique montre meilleure replique montre rolex pas cher

Reply
Anonymous
June 10th, 2023 - 1:16am

Spend some time playing. I'm interested in finding out more because I have strong views about it. Would you please provide more details to your blog post? We will all actually gain from it. nytimes crossword

Reply
Anonymous
June 14th, 2023 - 8:24pm

The player's task in the Geometry Dash Scratch game is to make moves to avoid obstacles at the right time to survive and constantly move towards the finish line. Obstacles are of different types and they can appear both on the floor and in the air. They can be motionless (walls, hedges, wormholes) or move like waves or spikes, sometimes also moving, causing a lot of difficulties for players. So the character must behave carefully and try to win the level without encountering any such obstacles.

Reply
Anonymous
June 14th, 2023 - 8:25pm

I have never encountered this problem. it sounds very troublesome. You should seek help from the experts!
Geometry Dash Scratch

Reply
vofig14553
June 14th, 2023 - 8:25pm

I have never encountered this problem. it sounds very troublesome. You should seek help from the experts!
Geometry Dash Scratch

Reply
foxete
June 14th, 2023 - 8:26pm

That's great and useful information. Minesweeper Thank you very much! good luck to you!

Reply
Anonymous
June 14th, 2023 - 8:28pm

Spend some time playing. I'm interested in finding out more because I have strong views about it. Would you please provide more details to your blog post? We will all actually gain from it. nytimes crossword

Reply
Anonymous
June 14th, 2023 - 8:28pm

e really going to like it. There's a nice diversity of flavor & textures, and "Indian Tacos" is a nice fusion recipe that will excite most people.

Reply
Anonymous
June 21st, 2023 - 8:46pm

Nice article that taught me something. This post is the best one on this important subject quordle

 

Reply
ufabet1688
June 30th, 2023 - 12:06pm

When I read your article on this topic, the first thought seems profound and difficult. There is also a bulletin board for discussion of articles and photos similar to this topic on my site, but I would like to visit once when I have time to discuss this topic. ufabet1688

Reply
Anonymous
July 12th, 2023 - 1:51am

I like the helpful information you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly. I’m quite certain I will learn lots of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!    <a href="https://reportglobalscam.com/">Report Scam and get your money bac</a>

 

Reply
Anonymous
July 12th, 2023 - 5:01am

It’s difficult to acquire knowledgeable men and women within this topic, and you could be seen as you know what you are dealing with! Thanks wukong138

Reply
shanshaikh
July 13th, 2023 - 2:27am

The most comprehensive and very well thought out write up I have found on this subject on the net. Keep on writing, I will keep on coming by to read your new content. This is my fourth time coming by your blog. jili777 free 100

Reply
Anonymous
July 15th, 2023 - 4:01am

The thing i like about your blog is that you always post direct to the point info.”–”, situs slot gacor

Reply
Hamza shaikh
July 16th, 2023 - 1:00am

This site can be a walk-through rather than the details you wished relating to this and didn’t know who must. Glimpse here, and you’ll absolutely discover it. acim

Reply
Hamza shaikh
July 17th, 2023 - 1:29am

fantastic points altogether, you simply gained a new reader. What would you recommend in regards to your post that you made some days ago? Any positive? acim podcast

Reply
Hamza shaikh
July 17th, 2023 - 11:51pm

It’s any shame you don’t use a donate button! I’d most certainly donate to this unpaid blog! My partner and i suppose right now i’ll settle for bookmarking and also attaching the Rss feed to be able to my own Yahoo consideration. My partner and i seem forward to be able to innovative updates and definately will share this kind of blog page together with my own Fb group: ) Review Scam warnings

Reply
Anonymous
July 18th, 2023 - 1:44am

this is something i have never ever read. very detailed analysis. wukong138

Reply
Hamza shaikh
July 18th, 2023 - 3:54am

Businesses need to delegate to people who have expertise in areas the founder doesn't.. And no, the DIY tools that are available don't cut the mustard. Just because I know how to use a calculator, doesn't make me a mathematician. Beretta 92X PERFORMANCE 9MM 4.9 10RD ITALY Pistol

Reply
Hamza shaikh
July 20th, 2023 - 12:01am

In fact, the lawyer allowed tens of thousands of dollars of arrears to accumulate. Meanwhile, the lawyer asked for and got a court award of $10,000 of attorney's fees from the absconded husband. When the lawyer realized that the husband had spent the money and the attorney fee award would not be easily collected, he began to demand money from the client. Being disabled and not having received a penny of the support award, she was unable to pay the lawyer and he withdrew from her case at the final hearing. Needless to say all of this left the woman with a bad taste in her mouth when it comes to lawyers. judi bola

Reply
Hamza shaikh
July 20th, 2023 - 1:41am

The next time I read a weblog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I imply, I know it was my option to read, however I actually thought youd have one thing interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could possibly fix in the event you werent too busy searching for attention. judi bola online

Reply
Anonymous
July 23rd, 2023 - 5:46am

The most comprehensive and very well thought out write up I have found on this subject on the net. Keep on writing, I will keep on coming by to read your new content. This is my fourth time coming by your blog. farmland near bangalore

Reply
Anonymous
July 24th, 2023 - 5:09am

The most comprehensive and very well thought out write up I have found on this subject on the net. Keep on writing, I will keep on coming by to read your new content. This is my fourth time coming by your blog. ucdm

Reply
shanshaikh
July 25th, 2023 - 6:55am

The most comprehensive and very well thought out write up I have found on this subject on the net. Keep on writing, I will keep on coming by to read your new content. This is my fourth time coming by your blog. ucdm

Reply
Anonymous
July 26th, 2023 - 2:07am

The most comprehensive and very well thought out write up I have found on this subject on the net. Keep on writing, I will keep on coming by to read your new content. This is my fourth time coming by your blog. wukong138

Reply
Anonymous
July 26th, 2023 - 2:07am

I like the helpful information you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly. I’m quite certain I will learn lots of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next! wukong138

Reply
shanshaikh
July 26th, 2023 - 4:51am

Great stuff, a really interesting read – added to favourites so will visit back for new content and to read other people’s comments. Thanks again. MUSHROOM CHOCOLATE BARS

Reply
Anonymous
July 26th, 2023 - 5:02am

My brother recommended I would possibly like this blog. He was totally right. This publish truly made my day. You can not believe just how a lot time I had spent for this info! Thanks! slot88

Reply
Anonymous
July 27th, 2023 - 4:56am

The most comprehensive and very well thought out write up I have found on this subject on the net. Keep on writing, I will keep on coming by to read your new content. This is my fourth time coming by your blog. latest scam reviews

Reply
Anonymous
July 27th, 2023 - 6:53am

The most comprehensive and very well thought out write up I have found on this subject on the net. Keep on writing, I will keep on coming by to read your new content. This is my fourth time coming by your blog. link slot gacor thailand

Reply
Anonymous
July 30th, 2023 - 7:05am

I love this info presented and possesses given me some type of resolve forpersistance to succeed i really enjoy seeing, so sustain the excellent work. where to buy trenbolone

Reply
Anonymous
July 31st, 2023 - 5:26am

Thanks for this blog post, I enjoyed it’s content and style. I came across this blog on the internet and today have additional it to my personal favourites list. I’ll be certain to arrive again quickly. kingslot96

Reply
Anonymous
August 2nd, 2023 - 12:46am

Thanks for giving me this information. What you've written on your blog is great. You wrote a very helpful and fun blog post that you let people read. capybara clicker

Reply
Hamza shaikh
August 2nd, 2023 - 2:20am

i like the role of Anthony Hopkins in the movie Silence of The Lambs. this guy is simply amazing., un curso de milagros

Reply
Anonymous
August 5th, 2023 - 4:48am

The most comprehensive and very well thought out write up I have found on this subject on the net. Keep on writing, I will keep on coming by to read your new content. This is my fourth time coming by your blog. ucdm

Reply
shanshaikh
August 5th, 2023 - 6:47am

I enjoy you because of your own labor on this site. My daughter really likes going through internet research and it’s easy to understand why. I learn all of the dynamic mode you provide efficient information on the blog and therefore boost participation from other ones on the subject while our daughter is undoubtedly discovering a lot of things. Have fun with the rest of the new year. You are carrying out a pretty cool job. MPO777

Reply
Anonymous
August 7th, 2023 - 1:21am

You have some real insight into the things you write about. Do you still feel this way? suara4d

Reply
Hamza shaikh
August 9th, 2023 - 12:09am

Special educators teach students who have physical, cognitive, language, learning, sensory, and/or emotional abilities that deviate from those of the general population. Special educators provide instruction specifically tailored to meet individualized needs. These teachers basically make education more available and accessible to students who otherwise would have limited access to education due to whatever disability they are struggling with. dofollow 블로그 댓글

Leave a comment