In my quest to learn more about products and gadgets that help us to eat better, I decided to test out the new Ingenio range from Tefal*. I believe in using non-stick cookware that allows you to pan-fry in the minimum of oil, and being a busy mum, I’m always attracted to pots and pans that don’t need much effort in the washing up department…
What I made
My starter was one of my favourites – chicken samosas. I wanted to make them without added fat, and to bake them in place of deep-frying. So I started to use one of the pans and create the spicy low fat filling.
Verdict:
It was easy to use, and nothing stuck to the bottom.I filled my samosas and had some filling leftover. I liked how I could just remove the handle, pop the plastic lid onto the pan and store the leftovers in the fridge –nifty!
Time for the main course – pan-fried salmon fillets. A dash of olive oil and enough fat in the salmon to give this a nice crispy skin, just how I like it. Gotta eat the skin, as it’s rich in heart-healthy omega 3 fats. I believe we need to eat good fats and I’d rather get them from oily fish, nuts, avocados and healthy oils.
Verdict:
It was easy to wash the pan afterwards, and I could remove the handle and pop it under the grill skin side up, for even more crispiness.
While the rice was cooking in the microwave, I thought I’d steam some carrot ribbons and green beans – nothing like getting lots of colour from fresh veg to give you a nutrient boost.
I’d never used this type of steamer before and was a bit unsure to start with. I put the green beans in first for a couple of minutes (as they would take longer to cook than the slim and trim carrot ribbons). The transparent, stackable, glass lid meant I didn’t need to keep opening it up to check how it was cooking; hence reducing the chances of losing the hot steam. (Ok, the lid’s off now for a nice picture!).
Verdict:
Much easier to use than I expected. The veg cooked beautifully and it still had the vivid colours, which are often lost during boiling or stir-frying.
So, I have enjoyed using the Ingenio cookware and did find it quite inventive; I’ve never seen anything like it before. As an improvement, I do think a couple more handles would be useful. Now, time for dinner….
*My thanks to Tefal for sending me the Ingenio set to test out and give my honest opinion. This blog has not been influenced by Tefal.
