We Tried: Root Foods

I don't know if you're like me, but the more the years pass, the more I reflect on what I consume. More specifically on what surrounds food. I scan the nutrition facts grid and the ingredient list all over the place. Without bordering on madness, I think we need to be educated about what is healthy for our bodies and those of our children. Far beyond the impacts on health, a natural diet positively affects the planet.

With the arrival of my son, our family quietly transitioned to what we might call a flexitarian menu. We therefore incorporate a vegan or vegetarian diet into our daily lives. You will understand that I was more than charmed to “sacrifice” myself and try the products offered by Aliments Racine .

Vegan and diversified ingredients

This Montreal-based company offers ready-to-cook foods made from organic legumes and grains . We are therefore moving away from typical products, often offered with soy. A diversity that distinguishes their products from others. They are packed with certified vegan, soy-free and gluten-free plant proteins.

Smoked paprika and white bean pancakes

For my part, I let myself be tempted by the smoked paprika pancakes with white beans, sun-dried tomatoes and maple pecans. I immediately felt reassured by the extensive list of ingredients. We find, among other things, Quinoa, white beans, various vegetables, olive oil, maple syrup and so on. On the nutritional side, I am also pleasantly conquered. We are offered a product that is very low in fat, cholesterol free and contains an adequate source of fiber and protein.

On the box, which, by the way, offers a very interesting visual, there are two cooking methods, either in the oven or in the pan. I opted for the second choice, because I was curious to see the evolution of the cooking. The advice on the box suggests applying a little oil for cooking. I confirm it, NO fat escapes from the cake during the process!

Initially, when I got the product, I wanted to opt for a burger and use it as a replacement for a traditional patty. From the first minutes of cooking, I could smell the exquisite smell emanating from my future supper. From then on, I decided to change my plans and serve the galette simply with vegetables and couscous. From the simple smell, I understood that the dumpling was a gourmet dish in itself. Esthel Racine, founder of Racine Foods, has clearly invested a lot of time in development to create unique flavors.

Sweet potato pancakes

Another contributor to the blog and her family also lent themselves to the game with the other product offered, the sweet potato and garam masala pancakes. For their part, they used them to shape a burger and baked them.

Éveline explained to me: “We much preferred the sweet potato galette. Its taste is sweet and subtle, compared to smoked paprika pancakes which have a more pronounced flavor. Moreover, we are less of a "fan" of the Indian flavors found in the two pancakes. The patty doesn't really replace a "traditional", "ketchup-mustard" burger. Ideally, it should be prepared with a little more creativity. It's a more gourmet burger. It is not made to replace the carnivorous burger!”

Our findings

Smoked paprika and white bean pancakes

+ Search for flavors;

+ Unique food that represents a gourmet dish in itself;

+ Interesting texture that holds well;

– My less carnivorous son enjoyed the first bites, but was held back by the bitter aftertaste of the Indian flavours;

– Very tasty, more suitable for fans of strong flavors.

Sweet potato pancakes

+ Favorite of our collaborator Éveline;

+ Sweet and all-purpose flavors

+/- Sweet side by the presence of apricots (may be less appreciated by others);

– Pasty texture that lends itself less to use in a burger;

– Indian flavors less appreciated by our testers.

In short, the two products offered are completely different from what is currently offered on the market for the gourmets of this world. In my opinion, it is more appropriate and judicious to use it as a main dish, than to camouflage it in a burger. The tasty character of the product does not have to be extinguished between bread and condiments. For lovers of culinary exoticism, I believe that paprika will seduce you. For family evenings, go for the sweet potato pancake if you want unanimity. In any case, you will have the impression of having opted for a catering service.

To obtain Root Foods products, a dozen points of sale are available and for more information, consult their member profile .

Reviewed by Louise