How Long Does Amy's Kitchen Indian Mattar Paneer Last?
Storage Tips and Shelf Life
For those who enjoy convenient and flavorful Indian cuisine, Amy's Kitchen Indian Mattar Paneer stands out as a popular frozen meal option. This dish combines organic peas and soft paneer cheese in a delicately spiced sauce, making it a delicious and easy meal choice. When stored properly in the freezer, Amy's Kitchen Indian Mattar Paneer can last up to 18 months before losing its quality.
Understanding the shelf life of such meals is essential for those stocking up on easy-to-prepare dishes. The robust packaging from Amy's Kitchen ensures the meal maintains its flavor and texture over time. With its gluten-free, soy-free, tree-nut-free, and kosher ingredients, the dish is suitable for a variety of dietary needs, providing both convenience and peace of mind.
Whether you're planning for a busy week or simply love having ready-to-eat meals on hand, knowing the storage guidelines can help you make the most of Amy's Kitchen Indian Mattar Paneer. Enjoy the rich flavors and healthy ingredients without worrying about the dish going bad too quickly.
Product Overview
Amy's Kitchen Indian Mattar Paneer is a convenient vegetarian dish featuring paneer cheese and organic peas in a delicately spiced sauce. It offers a balance of taste and nutrition, crafted with high-quality organic ingredients.
Ingredients Profile
This dish contains an array of organic vegetables and paneer cheese. Key ingredients include:
Organic Peas: These are the primary vegetable, providing texture and a slight sweetness.
Paneer Cheese: This soft, mild Indian-style cheese is integral to the dish.
Organic Onions and Carrots: They add depth to the flavor profile.
Organic Tomato Purée: Creates a rich, flavorful base for the sauce.
The combination of these ingredients ensures a gluten-free, kosher, and vegetarian meal, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional profile is designed to balance flavor with health. Each serving contains:
Calories: Approximately 310
Protein: Around 12 grams, primarily from paneer cheese.
Carbohydrates: Roughly 46 grams, including dietary fiber from organic vegetables.
Sodium: 390 mg for the Light in Sodium version, offering a lower-sodium option compared to the regular version's 780 mg.
This makes it a good option for those monitoring their sodium intake while still enjoying a flavorful meal.
Shelf Life and Storage
Amy's Kitchen Indian Mattar Paneer provides a convenient and delicious meal, but proper storage is essential to maintain freshness and quality. This section explores how long the product lasts unopened or after opening and the best practices for storing it.
Unopened Package
Shelf Life: Amy's Kitchen Indian Mattar Paneer has a shelf life of one year from the manufacture date when stored properly. The manufacture and expiration dates are usually found laser-coded on the side of the product box.
Storage: Store unopened packages in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to maximize their shelf life. It's important to keep them at a consistent room temperature between 35°F (2°C) and 40°F (4°C).
Frozen Peas: The inclusion of frozen peas in the dish helps maintain freshness. Ensure that this dish does not thaw before cooking because consistent freezing preserves its quality.
After Opening
Shelf Life: Once opened, the shelf life of Amy's Kitchen Indian Mattar Paneer significantly decreases. For optimal quality, consume the product within 2–3 days.
Storage: Transfer any unused portions to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. This prevents moisture and odors from affecting the product's taste and texture.
Quick Tip: Clearly label the container with the date it was opened to keep track of its remaining freshness. Ensure the refrigerator temperature stays between 35°F (2°C) and 40°F (4°C) to prevent spoilage.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that Amy's Kitchen Indian Mattar Paneer remains as tasty and fresh as possible.
Preparation Instructions
Cooking Amy's Kitchen Indian Mattar Paneer requires following specific instructions to ensure the meal is both delicious and properly cooked. Whether using a microwave or stove, knowing the prep and cook times is essential.
Microwave Cooking
To cook Amy's Kitchen Indian Mattar Paneer in a microwave, start by removing the overwrap. Place the container in the microwave-safe dish. Covering it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel helps retain moisture during cooking.
Set the microwave to high power and cook for 4-5 minutes. Check if the dish is heated thoroughly by stirring halfway through the cooking time. If needed, add more time in 30-second intervals.
Allow the meal to sit for 1-2 minutes before serving. This rest time ensures even heat distribution and enhances flavor. Be cautious of hot steam when removing the cover.
Stovetop Cooking
For stovetop cooking, first remove the overwrap and transfer contents to a saucepan. Add a small amount of water or oil to prevent sticking and burning.
Heat on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes. The total time might vary based on the heat level and your stovetop. Ensure the sauce and paneer are thoroughly heated.
Serve hot. Using the stovetop method can offer a slightly different texture and flavor experience, as the food heats evenly and can develop a nice, slight crust on the paneer and vegetables. Adjust seasoning if desired.
Dietary Considerations
Amy's Kitchen Indian Mattar Paneer caters to various dietary needs and restrictions, making it a versatile option for many consumers. Below are detailed considerations for allergies and vegetarian certification.
Allergy Information
Amy's Kitchen Indian Mattar Paneer is a convenient meal option, but checking for food allergies is crucial. This dish is:
Gluten-free: Safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Nut-free: Contains no tree nuts, which is beneficial for those with nut allergies.
Soy-free: Free from soy ingredients.
However, the product does contain dairy, given the inclusion of paneer (Indian cheese). Those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies should avoid this dish. Additionally, it does not include fish or shellfish, making it suitable for those avoiding seafood.
Vegetarian Certification
Amy's Kitchen ensures that their Indian Mattar Paneer meets strict vegetarian standards. This meal contains:
Organic ingredients: Including peas, garbanzo beans, and basmati rice.
Paneer: A soft, mild Indian-style cheese, which is crucial for the nutritional profile of the dish.
The absence of meat, fish, and shellfish guarantees it is vegetarian-friendly. The meal also adheres to Kosher certifications, adding another layer of dietary compatibility.
This robust ingredient profile ensures various consumers can enjoy Amy's Kitchen Indian Mattar Paneer while respecting their dietary needs and ethical choices.
Culinary Context
Indian Mattar Paneer by Amy's Kitchen highlights specific elements of Indian cuisine while also offering versatile serving suggestions that can complement various meal settings.
Indian Cuisine
Indian Mattar Paneer is a classic dish in Indian cuisine. It features paneer, a type of fresh, non-melting cheese, paired with green peas. The dish is simmered in a flavorful, spiced tomato-based curry.
Key spices include turmeric, cumin, and coriander, which impart a rich depth of flavor. These spices are essential in many Indian food preparations. Indian cuisine emphasizes balance and variety, often pairing dishes like Mattar Paneer with staples such as basmati rice or roti (Indian flatbread) to create a complete, satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
Indian Mattar Paneer can be served in several appealing ways. One popular method is pairing it with basmati rice. The fluffy, aromatic rice complements the thick, creamy curry perfectly.
Alternatively, the dish can be enjoyed with roti or naan, which are ideal for scooping up the flavorful sauce. For a more varied meal, it can be part of a larger spread including other Indian dishes like chana masala or dal (lentil soup). Combining these elements creates a balanced and nutritious meal experience.
Adding a side salad with fresh cucumbers and tomatoes can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the curry.
Brand Information
Amy's Kitchen is known for its dedication to producing high-quality, organic meals. With a long-standing history and adherence to stringent quality standards, it has carved a niche in the frozen food market.
Company History
Amy's Kitchen was founded in 1987 by Andy and Rachel Berliner. They started the company in Petaluma, California, with a focus on providing convenient, organic, and vegetarian meals. The company was named after their daughter, Amy.
The Berliners were committed to using organic ingredients even before it became a widespread trend. Over the years, Amy's Kitchen has grown from a small, home-based operation to a large-scale producer of over 250 products, including entrees, soups, and snacks. Today, Amy's Kitchen remains a family-owned and privately-held company, continually emphasizing sustainability and quality.
Quality and Standards
Amy's Kitchen adheres to rigorous quality standards to ensure the safety and taste of its products. They use organic ingredients, such as organic basmati rice and organic garbanzo beans in their Indian Mattar Paneer. The meals are also free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and many of their products are gluten-free, kosher, and tree nut-free.
Moreover, the company emphasizes minimal processing and avoids artificial additives and preservatives. Their facilities are certified by reputable organizations, and they ensure their suppliers meet stringent organic and quality guidelines. With consistent quality checks and a commitment to organic practices, Amy's Kitchen maintains its reputation for delivering premium, health-conscious meals.
