The Nibble
November 14, 2007
By Elizabet Travis
Baji’s Rice Meals: Ready-To-Eat, Flavored International
Rice Dishes
CAPSULE REPORT: Baji’s Rice Meals are a very tasty
and convenient line of five international flavors of basmati
rice. Highly seasoned, fully cooked and ready to eat—just
heat for 90 seconds in the microwave—they can be enjoyed
as a vegetarian meal or as a side with everyday grilled meat,
poultry or seafood. Of course, you can incorporate them into
Indian meals, or use them to build a more complex jambalaya
or paella. The rice dishes are all natural, trans fat free,
cholesterol free, wheat free, gluten free, preservative free
and vegetarian. A portion of the company’s profits helps
disadvantaged children throughout the third world.
Baji’s founder, Paul Jaggi, was inspired by his hard-working
mother, who never failed to put fresh, delicious, nutritious
food on the table for Paul and his 11 siblings, slaving away
with a patient smile on her face. He named his company after
her and other dedicated moms (baji, pronounced BAH-jee) is
a term of endearment for “mom” in many parts of
India, and what Paul called his mother. He then created a
line of rice dishes that are very flavorful, nutritious and
ridiculously simple to prepare—just microwave—so
today’s moms will have an easier time of it.
Paul’s baji created wholesome comfort meals day after
day, using authentic spices and natural ingredients; Baji’s
products do the same. The flavorful dishes are also conveniently
packaged in microwaveable pouches so there’s no mess.
What mom (or dad, or single person) wouldn’t love that?
Baji Jaggi was always passionate about those less fortunate.
The company named after her donates a portion of products
sales to a charity that focuses on the education and nutrition
of underprivileged children and women in Delhi, India, providing
education, nutritious meals and job training. Another recipient
is an international charity working with more than 250 organizations
around the globe to help improve the quality of education
for children in third world countries. So, every bite of Baji’s
basmati rice dishes does double duty, feeding you and, indirectly,
someone less fortunate.
About Basmati Rice
Basmati is a deluxe variety of long grain rice that has been
cultivated on the Indian subcontinent for hundreds of years,
at the foot of the Himalayan Mountains. In Hindi, basmati
means “queen of fragrance” or scents. It is an aromatic
rice, so-called because it is not bland but has a flavor and
aroma similar to that of roasted nuts or popcorn. When basmati
rice is cooked, it swells only lengthwise, resulting in long
slender grains that are very dry, light and separate—not
sticky. This helps it to stand-up to convenience cooking,
resulting in perfectly fluffy rice.
Basmati has long been exported to Arab countries, where many
traditional rice dishes are cooked with basmati rice. (To
learn about other types of rice, see our Rice Glossary.)
Varieties
Baji’s rice meals are packaged in 9-ounce pouches, two
adult servings; at 200 to 290 calories per serving, they make
a satisfying side dish. All of the flavors work well as a
base or side for meat, poultry, fish or grilled vegetables.
We even enjoyed them plain, with a dab of chutney. As the
rices are not only vegetarian, but also wheat free and gluten
free, they are friendly for almost any dinner guest—except
for those who eschew spices. It will be tough to trade up
people who don’t enjoy spicy food, but those who enjoy
a little spice may warm up to even the spicier flavors.
An ethnic dish from a different part of the world influenced
each flavor of Baji’s rice. India, Indonesia, Spain,
Thailand and even Creole Louisiana are represented. While
most of the flavors are not as authentic as the original rice
dishes that inspired them, they are fragrant and titillating
with spices, which will surprise the palate without shocking
it too much.
Jambalaya
Jambalaya won’t pass for real in New Orleans, but it
passes for good in your kitchen. Even if you add your own
meat and seafood, this is not your typical hearty Louisiana
rice dish. It is spicy and full of peppers and onions, but
also contains ingredients that we’d never seen in a jambalaya
before, like corn and black-eyed peas. The cayenne pepper
is very pervasive, overpowering the basil and oregano. You
can add some or all of the following: diced ham, shrimp, tomatoes
(we like whole San Marzano tomatoes), smoked sausage, your
favorite chicken parts, bacon and fresh thyme.
Thai Lemongrass and Basil
The spiciest of the five flavors, this Thai rice dish has
a unique crunch from shredded coconut and an added kick from
green curry paste. There were milder hints of basil and lemongrass,
and baby corn and bits of water chestnut noticeable throughout.
Indian Lentil Rice Biryani
An Indian classic with mild flavors of garlic and ginger and
the nutty earthiness of lentils and chickpeas, this rice also
had green beans. We enjoyed pairing it with chicken and vegetable
dishes made with the simmer sauces from Devya.
Indonesian Nasi Goreng
Lightly spicy from the red curry paste, this is a twist on
the Indonesian version of fried rice. Shredded carrots, onions
and water chestnuts mingle with the rice; peanuts provide
a sweet and crunchy note. Again, it paired well with Butter
Chicken and other Devya dishes.
Spanish Paella
You won’t find much saffron in this version of paella,
but it’s still a tasty rice dish, with subtle notes of
garlic, pepper, onions and peas. This particular flavor would
be a great base for added protein—even simple slices
of sausage or a few shrimp or scallops. We’d suggest
integrating them in a pan along with the rice. You can layer
additional paella elements as well—scallops, mussels
and chicken are traditional. We also added slices of roasted
red pepper (pimento), straight from the jar.
If you’re looking to spice up dinner, we can’t
think of a better—or easier—way than Baji’s
Rice Meals.
Jambalaya, Lemongrass and Basil, Lentil Rice Biryani, Nasi
Goreng, Paella
9-Ounce Box
Suggested Retail Price
$2.99
Pack Of 12 Boxes
$28.55
Buy online at Amazon.com. Also available at fine retailers.
For more information visit www.BajisPassion.com.
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