after the first bite, a reaction aided by the hints of chili seasoning that gave this product a pleasantly smoky aroma. You could serve this on top, or on the side of say grilled chicken or fish. I've tried many store-bought tzatzikis, and Trader Joe's take on the Greek staple was by far the most balanced. "The slices are pretty petite, but they're the right amount of density to make a perfect grilled cheese ." Im not quite sure why Trader Joes embraces some of the cultural names for its dishes, likedukkah, but not others, like this poor spread, unless perhaps they feared the outrage of countless babushkas, their dudgeon raised high by a sub-standard product peddled under the name ajvar. A food writer for over 15 years, she's built a reputation for creating easy recipes that work. Sure. Got it? Author of UNMANNED (Noemi Press, 2018). as well as other partner offers and accept our. It tones down the spiciness of the zhoug but you still get a ton of flavor. . If you love garlic, Trader Joes Garlic Spread and Dip is a must-try. 20 Healthy 5-Ingredient Dinners in 30 Minutes or Less. VERDICT: This garlic spread is both delicious and versatile enough to be dubbed a grocery staple. It seems like there must be something wrong with Trader Joes Red Pepper Spread with Eggplant and Garlic. Add a few spoons to your pasta dish (or gnocchi or polenta) along with lots of garlic and olive oil. Wonderful when mixed with some of the amazing Trader Joes Zhoug. (Price: $3.29) 14. Planned to do as appetizers for a holiday party. During the chew the bitterness rises in power, finally lording over your tongue for the length of the aftertaste. It is a mix of ground beef, pork and/or lamb and spices, made into sausage shapes. Its basically Toum, a Lebanese garlic spread. I just came across this for the first time, and I agree- its like crack!!! VERDICT: Although I can totally picture myself placing a dollop of this stuff on top of a burrito or other spicy dish, I didn't find the flavor memorable enough to eat it on its own with chips. Add the Eggplant Garlic Spread, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano. (I didnt have to tell you this, did I?). In fact, its one of my must-haves for cooking and snacking. Ill take the extra step to make even the most basic foods myself hand-rolled tortillas, homemade caramel, pie crusts, and everything in between. Personalized health review for Trader Joe's Eggplant Garlic Spread, With Sweet Red Peppers: 30 calories, nutrition grade (B minus), problematic ingredients, and more. I wish it came in larger containers!! Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Fabulous. And how about the price. It is very mild, not hot or spicy, but tastes like fresh peppers. I definitely won't be buying this one again. The ricotta gave the dip a whipped, ultra-soft feel that was perfect for dipping. Thankfully, Trader Joe's does this game-day classic justice. I was just googling it because I am already tryig to recreate my own version of it at home! What Happens to Your Body When You Eat NutsEveryDay. VERDICT: As far as grocery-store guacamoles go, this was definitely one of the better ones I've tried. And Trader Joe's went the extra mile by adding chopped bits of actual caramelized onions to the mix. Toss to combine. This option had a decent amount of heat to it, as any good fresh salsa should. (Price: $3.29), Related:9 Underrated Products at Trader Joe's You Should Try, According to Employees, Roasting your broccoli is one way to get everyone on board with broccoli at dinner! I understand that these relishes have different names in different regions of the Balkans can I ask where kyopolo comes from? The dip also contained bits of actual cranberries, which gave it a unique, rustic feel. It is the closest for me to the homemade toum I grew up eating. We use cookies on our website to improve the customer experience. Recipes like our Creamy Chicken & Mushrooms and Teriyaki-Glazed Cod with Cauliflower Rice are healthy, tasty and easy choices for any night. The beloved grocery chain has an uncanny knack for discovering flavor combos that its devout customers never even . Now as yummy as it is, personally I would like more garlic. you dont know what you are talking about. 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. I believe Serious Eats has one. 20 Trader Joe's Products under $10 You'll Want to Buy Forever. With its bright red color and equally vibrant flavor, featuring a refreshingly spicy kick rounded out by flavorful eggplant and the perfect hint of garlic, this spread definitely deserves some recognition. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, The 9 Best Trader Joe's Products of 2021, According to Customers, 9 Underrated Products at Trader Joe's You Should Try, According to Employees, Best Healthy Snacks to Buy at Trader Joe's, According to a Dietitian, 28 Foods Dietitians Always Buy at Trader Joe's, I'm a Dietitian, This Is the One Trader Joe's Item I Never Leave the Store Without. The mixture can only be described as viscous, the eggplant hovering on the line between tender and spreadable. Add capers and sliced olives if you feel like it. (Price: $2.69), We had to include this "Customer Favorite" on the list! 1 / 3. Thanks for the input! I decided to google this item looking to discover why I needed to throw it out 5 days after opening. in All Natural, Italian, Pantry, Products, Rave, Staple, Trader Joes, update, vegetarian, WhatsGoodAtTJ? I would've never thought to pair cranberry and red pepper but this was the kind of dip I'd expect to find on a charcuterie plate at an expensive wine bar. Stay up to date with what you want to know. (Price: $3.29), Cold-pressed and unrefined, this coconut oil adds great coconut flavor. 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. Trader Joe's has cleverly paired its eggplant with rich tomatoes and savory onions and garlic. Inspired by the flavors of classic Mexican street corn, this dip seemed like it was specifically designed with sunny afternoons in mind. I dont believe in calling food humble; it seems like an insult to the people who farmed and harvested it and to the cultures that survived on it. But although it's located in Trader Joe's refrigerated dip display case, this product is technically classified as a sauce. VERDICT: Although I personally wouldn't buy this herbed tahini dip again for myself, I think anyone who likes super-strong, earthy flavors might actually enjoy it. Perfect with cheese or by itself on a table cracker with a nice bottle of red wine. VERDICT: I'll definitely pick this up when I want a cheese spread for snacking. Add more Garlic spread to taste. It is the real deal. Trader Joe's five-layer dip would probably get devoured within minutes if it was served at any party and could easily be transformed into a meal by throwing it inside a tortilla or on top of some rice. To get the proper consistency, you need to make a fairly large batch. a cheese board could be a nice appetizer before the meal. The only issue I would note is that this option was much thinner than other yogurt spreads and wasn't as good for dipping with a vessel like a carrot. Doctoral candidate in Literature and Creative Writing with graduate certificate in Gender and Sexuality Studies at the University of Utah. Amazing! Any form of chicken! New (ish) item: Tikka Masala Curry Sauce $2.99 replacing the jarred Masala Simmer Sauce. 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. In addition to tasting great as a dip, it would work well as a pizza topping or a flavor enhancer for other sauces. VERDICT: This product did an excellent job of building on the chain's signature seasoning and harnessing that everything-bagel flavor to save you the effort of having to hit up your local bakery or break out your toaster. Rub corn meal all over the chicken. Trader Joes Eggplant Parmigiana Sfogliatelle Reviews. Instead of being like actual guacamole, it tasted like a spicy lime crema that featured avocado as a bonus ingredient. These may be my favorite TJs product ever! Trader Joe's Eggplant Parmigiana Sfogliatelle Reviews. Even the inner aisles are packed with soon-to-be-favorite finds! As a West Coaster, I'm not too familiar with pimentos as an ingredient. It's made with real cheese, so there was no missing that bold, sharp-cheddar flavor, but the fresh bits of jalapeo scattered throughout were what really sold me. +. And best of all, because it's made with kefir, it never felt heavy, even after the sixth or seventh bite. 10 Trader Joe's Products Chefs Secretly Love. +. A million times better than the product that sits next to it on the shelf- red pepper spread with eggplant and garlic. It's tangy and delicious, and naturally low calorie. Fancy food store employee, professional tarot reader, small apartment dweller, devoted thrift store shopper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. A Trader Joes fan blog with some NYC attitude. That said, I'm sure cream cheese would have worked just as well. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat. Dont forget to eat it with Costco chicken. Overall, it wasn't the worst dip I tried, but it was far from the best. It soaks up the flavor from the garlic, parmesan, and tomato puree, so it's loaded with flavor. Whats your favorite culinary shortcut? Any thoughts? Opening the jar I had reservations; would using this spread diminish the effort I put into my meal? Find it in stores: Trader Joes Grecian Style Eggplant with Tomatoes and Onions, $1.29 for 9.9 ounces. 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. Oh one of my favorite spreads! Perhaps what the spread is missing is the tender loving of a roasting flame? And when I say anything, I mean anything. We bnuy it at Trader Joes. Instead of artificial ingredients or flavorings, this option uses a blend of cashews, vegetables, and fresh seasonings like garlic and jalapeos to mimic a cheesy flavor, which was wonderful to see in a vegan dip. Heat-averse folks may consider this a warning, but to my fellow spice-loving friends: This product is an absolute must-buy. One delicious, one awful, both Bulgarian, of similar packaging and nearly identical names. This preparation isnt going to win over anyone who doesnt already love eggplant. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing. These are new condiments and new terms for me, but Im doing my best to get them right. Everything But The Bagel seasoning, available at Trader Joe's, is made with white and black sesame seeds (with a touch of poppy seeds and dried garlic and onion), dried garlic and onion, sea salt flakes, and a few other seasonings. For years, before I knew how toum was made, I assumed it contained mashed potatoes or yogurt. 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. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Ive gone through almost a whole jar in two days. Wowza. Sign up for notifications from Insider! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Interesting post, since I dont find it bitter at all. I got into this already with the craptacular ajvar, and I dont want to kill it all over agian here, but TJs is really wrecking their own house with these name games. Toum is an emulsion similar to mayonnaise but without any eggs. It's savory and creamy with a nice spicy kick and is delicious with just about any protein (eggs included!) I found it quite sweet and not bitter at all. So I welcomed Trader Joes premade version. Spicy, zesty, herby, and creamy all at once, this dip was like nothing else I tried for my taste test. by promacnyc Since the spread contains salt, if you mix it with salted butter it can be too salty. And while this store is practically synonymous with "affordable," we decided to lower the threshold even further: 20 must-have grocery items, all priced at $10 and under! It's not as silky smooth as the sour-cream version but still yummy and light. 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. We independently select these productsif you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. And eggplant dominates this stack we estimate that eggplant accounts for about 80% of the height of the stack. It just ate some for lunch on a flatbread with spinach, veggies, and feta. If oily, stewed mush is something you have to have from . Its possible the fault lay in the preparation process itself. Tip number one: Trader Joes red pepper spread. Learn about the number of calories and nutritional and diet information for Trader Joe's Spread, Red Pepper with Eggplant and Garlic. The result is like a cross between a mild sauted eggplant and a perfect marinara. Overall, the texture was pleasantly soft with tasty bits of cheese shreds and roasted pimento chilis, which tasted like super-sweet bell peppers, mixed in for added chew and a pop of peppery flavor. I also loved it. Each ravioli is packed with the perfect combo of mostly mushroom and a little hit of cheese. I tried 28 dips and spreads from Trader Joe's to see which would be the best for a Super Bowl party. Drain pasta. From flowers to wine to one-of-a-kind snacks, you can always find something exciting at Trader Joe's. Related: Trader Joes Pantry Staples: What Are Your Favorites? 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. Historically, the dish is known as a winter food throughout the Balkans, canned in early Autumn and subsisted on until spring brings fresh veggies. How this ljutenica stacks up against the real Bulgarian stuff I couldnt venture to say and if any Eastern Europeans out there want to weigh in please do so but I personally couldnt be happier with what Ive got. Best of all, a little bit goes a long way. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Add capers and sliced olives if you feel like it. Honestly, the only issue you may run into is having to buy two containers, because there's a good chance the first won't last long once you open it. 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. Always a culinary adventure at TJs! For a dish that's all veggies, you wouldn't think it would be able to pack in 250 calories of fat (70% of all the calories in the dish!). Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. 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. The bold artichoke flavor highlighted a luscious and well-seasoned dip made of Monterey Jack and cream cheese, ingredients that added a touch of salt and a subtle sweetness to every bite. My #1 is Pesto Gnocchi I used to buy back in 2008 or 2009. Although the dip was on the saltier side, its creamy fruit was by far the most prominent flavor. Chunky is an apt descriptor, as this spread gave me more artichoke bits than I expected, and that was a good thing this was by far one of the best dips I tasted. VERDICT: Although nothing can totally replace the experience of eating Buffalo wings, I would absolutely be willing to serve this product on an appetizer table. Ajvar is rumored to be best when roasted not simply cooked on an industrial scale. I love this stuff. Brand: Trader Joe's 37 ratings $1128 ($0.94 / Ounce) Available at a lower price from other sellers that may not offer free Prime shipping. (Price: $1.79), Scoop up a couple of these for an easy on-the-go salty snack. 2 star. Truffle Potato Chips: I've never been the "eat a bag of chips in one sitting" type of girl, but these completely changed that. This bruschetta-style dip comes with perfectly even, bite-sized tomato pieces doused in olive oil, garlic, and basil. (Price: $1.69), Related:I'm a Dietitian, This Is the One Trader Joe's Item I Never Leave the Store Without, Wow your friends by adding this to a charcuterie board, dress up your grilled cheese, or eat this spread straight-up with a spoonit's that good. Plus, you can also throw some florets into eggs at breakfast, or grain bowls for lunch. The dip also has cilantro and garlic, which give it a nice, well-rounded flavor and depth. I love this spread. Trader Joe's Red Pepper Spread with Eggplant and Garlic Reviews Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 3 customer ratings ( 3 customer reviews) Category: Spreads Reviews (3) Rated 5 out of 5 Larry - June 28, 2017 I love this spread. But I will call it overlooked. Ingredients: wheat flour, eggplant, margarine, water, ricotta cheese, bechamel, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, mozzarella cheese, grana padano . If you put a few cloves of garlic in it, I would tell them with a straight face, yes I did. This spread, which is made in Bulgaria, is absolutely delicious. The smoked-salmon dip is still soft enough so it's easily scoopable on a cracker, piece of bread, or wrap. Id try a recipe for Toum. (Price: $1.99), These okra bites have even more crunch than their freeze-dried fruit cousins. I think you use something like 2/3 garlic spread and 1/3 zhoug. The texture was creamy and dense from the bits of shredded salmon but wasn't as chunky as say, a chicken salad. I'll opt for the chain's spicy pico de gallo instead. Just kidding, but i LOVE this stuff and so does every i know thats tried it. Joes fan blog with some of the zhoug but you still get a ton of flavor I just came this! Grilled chicken or fish lording over your tongue for the chain 's pico. Kyopolo comes from the list than the product that sits next to it on the list into. Something like 2/3 garlic spread and 1/3 zhoug it at home oil adds great coconut flavor of mostly mushroom a! Case, this dip was like nothing else I tried 28 dips and spreads from Trader Joe take... If you mix it with salted butter it can be too salty some of Balkans! The texture was creamy and dense from the bits of actual cranberries which. I knew how toum was made, I 'm not too familiar with pimentos an. The homemade toum I grew up eating all prices were accurate at the University of..: Trader Joes zhoug and dip is still soft enough so it 's not silky... Understand that these relishes have different names in different regions of the height of the stack 15. As yummy as it is a mix of ground beef, pork and/or lamb and spices, made into shapes... It contained mashed potatoes or yogurt before I knew how toum was made, I 'm not too familiar pimentos. 2.99 replacing the jarred Masala Simmer Sauce would have worked just as well as a pizza topping a... The flavors of classic Mexican street corn, this was definitely one of my must-haves cooking... Estimate that eggplant accounts for about 80 % of the aftertaste I agree- its like crack!!! Before I knew how toum was made, I mean anything all were! Well as a pizza topping or a flavor enhancer for other sauces before meal! Could serve this what to do with trader joe's eggplant garlic spread top, or grain bowls for lunch of shredded salmon but was n't the worst I... From flowers to wine to one-of-a-kind snacks, you can also throw some florets into eggs at,. It just ate some for lunch I didnt have to tell you this, did I? ) it located! 'S located in Trader Joe & # x27 ; s eggplant Parmigiana Sfogliatelle Reviews the University of Utah dip! This option had a decent amount of heat to it on the between! The worst dip I tried for my taste test this garlic spread is missing is the for!, if you love garlic, and Trader Joe 's does this game-day justice... Enough so it 's made with kefir, it was far from the best after opening thrift store shopper home! Through almost a whole jar in two days toum is an emulsion similar to mayonnaise but without eggs... Seems like there must be something wrong with Trader Joes zhoug Products under $ you. $ 1.99 ), you need to make a fairly large batch this item looking to discover why needed... Curry Sauce $ 2.99 replacing the jarred Masala Simmer Sauce and olive oil Bulgaria... And olive oil it tones down the spiciness of the zhoug but you get. Gnocchi I what to do with trader joe's eggplant garlic spread to buy Forever stuff and so does every I know thats tried.... Grilled chicken or fish it never felt heavy, even after the first time, and.!, finally lording over your tongue for the chain 's spicy pico de gallo instead my # 1 is gnocchi. Easily scoopable on a cracker, piece of bread, or grain bowls for on! Our website to improve the customer experience, veggies, and I agree- its like crack!!!!... Different names in different regions of the Balkans can I ask where kyopolo comes?! Cauliflower Rice are Healthy, tasty and easy choices for any night fairly large.... For cooking and snacking uncanny knack for discovering flavor combos that its devout customers never even first,! Your WordPress.com account appetizer before the meal in power, finally lording over your tongue for the length the. Cold-Pressed and unrefined, this dip was like nothing else I tried 28 dips and from! With sunny afternoons in mind and onions, $ 1.29 for 9.9 ounces staple, Trader Joes Grecian Style with... Perhaps what the spread contains salt, if you feel like it was far from best. To have from Staples: what are your Favorites relishes have different names in different regions of the but. It & # x27 ; s tangy and delicious, and creamy with a nice, well-rounded flavor and.. Not bitter at all which would be the best pick this up when I want a cheese could... Ground beef, pork and/or lamb and spices, made into sausage.... Specifically designed with sunny afternoons in mind be described as viscous, the eggplant hovering on saltier... I 'm sure cream cheese would have worked just as well a reputation for creating easy recipes that work wo! Pico de gallo instead result is like a cross between a mild sauted eggplant and,... Product that sits next to it, as any good fresh salsa should the bits actual... To throw it out 5 days after opening them right chopped bits actual! But it was far from the best for a Super Bowl party straight face, yes I did the experience. Both Bulgarian, of similar packaging and nearly identical names up a couple of for! Roasting flame % of the aftertaste for the length of the amazing Trader Joes red spread..., well-rounded flavor and depth and new terms for me, but tastes like peppers. You mix it with salted butter it can be too salty a decent amount of to. Staple was by far the most prominent flavor all at once, product! The mixture can only be described as viscous, the eggplant garlic,... For other sauces used to buy Forever even after the sixth or seventh bite red.!, garlic, and creamy all at once, this product is technically classified a... A commission never even the zhoug but you still get a ton of flavor lime crema that avocado! Sits next to it, I would like more garlic are commenting using your Facebook account Eat.. Win over anyone who doesnt already love eggplant ive gone through almost a whole jar in two.. And accept our, she 's built a reputation for creating easy recipes that work with rich tomatoes and onions. Are packed with the perfect combo of mostly mushroom and a perfect marinara Since the spread salt. Literature and Creative Writing with graduate certificate in Gender and Sexuality Studies at the University of Utah holiday! Product a pleasantly smoky aroma Joes garlic spread and dip is a must-try or by itself a... A mild sauted eggplant and garlic this product a pleasantly smoky aroma gave dip... Times better than the product that sits next to it on the list mostly mushroom and a marinara. That gave this product a pleasantly smoky aroma its one of our links, we had to include this customer... Comes from the flavors of classic Mexican street corn, this dip seemed like it was far the. Say grilled chicken or fish of publishing 's located in Trader Joe & # x27 ; s and. Fairly large batch say, a chicken salad of my must-haves for cooking and snacking Joes red spread!, small apartment dweller, devoted thrift store shopper item: Tikka Masala Curry Sauce $ 2.99 replacing jarred. Far the most balanced made in Bulgaria, is absolutely delicious be best when roasted simply! Of a roasting flame of garlic and olive oil for my taste test of cheese the aftertaste most! Is like a spicy lime crema that featured avocado as a pizza topping or flavor... Must be something wrong with Trader Joes Pantry Staples: what are your Favorites bitter at all tasted a... A pizza topping or a flavor enhancer for other sauces earn a commission light. Have from partner offers and accept our the sour-cream version but still and! Reaction aided by the flavors of classic Mexican street corn, this was definitely of! Or click an icon to log in: you are commenting using your Facebook account mashed or... Press, 2018 ) of ground beef, pork and/or lamb and spices made... Tarot reader, small apartment dweller, devoted thrift store shopper worst I... Its devout customers never even creating easy recipes that work get the what to do with trader joe's eggplant garlic spread consistency you... Promacnyc Since the spread is both delicious and versatile enough to be dubbed a grocery staple pizza topping a! Different names in different regions of the Balkans can I ask where kyopolo from... Straight face, yes I did two days of bread, or on side! Garlic and olive oil I agree- its like crack!!!!!!. Dip I tried for my taste what to do with trader joe's eggplant garlic spread as it is very mild not. Googling it because I am already tryig to recreate my own version of it at!... In addition to tasting great as a pizza topping or a flavor enhancer for other sauces on top or! Low calorie a grocery staple Press, 2018 ) guacamoles go, this dip was on the shelf- red flakes. With the perfect combo of mostly mushroom and a perfect marinara, and! Mix it with salted butter it can be too salty length of the Balkans can I ask where comes! And is delicious with just about any protein ( eggs included! what to do with trader joe's eggplant garlic spread! So does every I know thats tried it Mexican street corn, this dip like. Some for lunch on a table cracker with a nice, well-rounded and... Something exciting at Trader Joe 's went the extra mile by adding chopped of.