In the busy lives we lead today, finding the time to cook a delicious, home-cooked meal can be a challenge, especially if you’re looking to break away from your usual recipes. This is where SimplyCook has stepped into the culinary scene, promising to transform your dinner routine with its innovative recipe kits. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into what SimplyCook offers, how it stands up to its promises, and whether it’s worth incorporating into your kitchen repertoire.
What is SimplyCook?
SimplyCook is a subscription service based in the UK that delivers compact recipe kits right to your doorstep. Each box contains four recipe cards and the corresponding non-perishable ingredients—mainly unique spice blends, culinary pastes, and stock or herb mixes. These kits are designed to be used alongside 4-6 fresh ingredients that you buy yourself, aiming to simplify the cooking process without sacrificing depth of flavor.
Unboxing the Experience
The excitement begins with unboxing. SimplyCook’s packaging is sleek and compact, easily fitting through a standard mailbox. Each kit’s components are clearly labeled, and the recipe cards provide both the instructions and a visual guide to what the final dish should look like. The minimal packaging is a nod to sustainability, focusing on the essentials without excess.
Ease of Cooking
One of SimplyCook’s biggest selling points is its promise to help you cook restaurant-quality meals in just 20 minutes. The recipes range from familiar favorites like Bolognese and Curry to more exotic dishes like Thai Red Prawn Curry and Jambalaya. For this review, I tried out three dishes: the aforementioned Thai Red Prawn Curry, a Louisiana-style Jambalaya, and a more traditional British Beef Stew.
Each recipe was straightforward. The step-by-step instructions on the cards were easy to follow. The prep work was minimal, largely involving chopping fresh ingredients. Cooking times were accurate, and each dish was ready in about 20-25 minutes.
Flavor and Variety
The true test of any meal kit service is the taste, and SimplyCook delivers impressively in this domain. The Thai Red Prawn Curry had a genuine depth of flavor, thanks to the specialty paste and a well-balanced mix of herbs. The Jambalaya was equally delightful, with a smoky richness that transported me straight to Louisiana. The Beef Stew, while more familiar, was elevated by a rich, aromatic stock that enhanced the natural flavors of the meat and vegetables.
The variety offered by SimplyCook is another significant advantage. The service covers a wide range of cuisines, making it an excellent choice for food enthusiasts eager to explore global flavors without the hassle of finding specialty ingredients.
Value for Money
Priced competitively, SimplyCook positions itself well against other meal kits and takeout options. The cost per meal is reasonable when considering the convenience, variety, and quality of food. While you do need to purchase some ingredients separately, the savings on not having to buy large amounts of specific spices or sauces that would go unused is an advantage.
SimplyCook stands out as a robust option for anyone looking to spice up their dinner routine without spending hours in the kitchen. It offers a perfect blend of convenience, variety, and taste, all while encouraging culinary exploration. Whether you’re a busy professional, a curious foodie, or simply someone looking to break the monotony of daily cooking, SimplyCook might just be the spice your kitchen needs.