“The Lion’s Den”
Quick dishes by Hans Ranke in a taste test
© RTL / Bernd-Michael Maurer
The finished meals by Hans Ranke from “The Lion’s Den” should not only taste good, but also be healthy. We tested the 3-minute meals.
Eating tasty and balanced despite lack of time? That should be possible with Hans Ranke’s 3-minute dishes. The product from “The Lion’s Den” is 100% organic and vegan and also shines because it does not contain any artificial additives or flavor enhancers. But how good do the three flavors of lentil and chickpea couscous taste?
That’s what Hans Ranke promises from “The Lion’s Den”
What tastes good and what doesn’t taste good? Everyone feels that differently, which the founder of the healthy quick meals, Torsten Schuh, knows. That’s why Hans Ranke’s 3-minute meals come in three flavors: Porcini Chili, Mediterranean and mango curry. All three dishes are made with the same basic ingredients, namely couscous, lentils and chickpeas and have filling fiber and enough protein. Sounds good, tastes good? We, BRIGITTE editors Natalja and Pia, have each other three products looked at and did the taste test.
Editor Natalja tests the quick meals
The first impression
At first glance, the three fast dishes look very appealing. The packaging lists exactly which ingredients are contained in the respective dish and these are all of natural origin. When I open the first dish, I have my doubts as to whether this dry mix can really replace a lunch – there is so little in it?!
The preparation
As directed, I pour 8 ounces of boiling water directly into the bowl of dry mix and allow to soak for three minutes. The liquid is completely absorbed after a short time. The swelling has doubled the size of the dish and it looks pretty tasty too!
The taste experience
The first thing I try is the Mediterranean couscous. In addition to the lentil and chickpea couscous, it also contains dried carrots, tomatoes, pumpkin, zucchini and organic herbs such as thyme, oregano and rosemary. The dish tastes really good. The dried vegetables are of course less intense compared to freshly fried vegetables, but the herbs contained compensate for this well. In addition, the dish is filling.
I’m also trying the varieties “Ceplet Mushroom Chili” and “Mango Curry”. The mango chunks are a little tough, but the spice combo hits the mark. The version with porcini is tasty but quite spicy! My favorite remains the Mediterranean couscous.
My conclusion
Hans Ranke’s dishes are quick and easy to prepare. They taste good, fill you up and are healthy too. Of course, Hans Ranke doesn’t taste like a freshly fried vegetable pan, but these practical dishes are just the thing for a quick lunch break in the home office. I have a clear recommendation to try it!
That’s what editor Pia’s taste test says
The first impression
When the three dishes are delivered, I am pleasantly surprised. The packaging is recyclable, space-saving and practical because the meals are prepared in the bowls in which the food is delivered. You have all the information you need at a glance: preparation and ingredients. Unfortunately, the mango curry packaging was no longer completely sealed, which is important to me when it comes to food. The porcini and chili mixture, on the other hand, was sealed so well that it couldn’t even be opened.
© private
The preparation
The preparation is simple and practical – especially for people like me who don’t have a microwave. You fill the bowls with the ready meals with 220 milliliters of hot water, stir the whole thing, wait three minutes and you can already eat. And it actually works very easily and quickly!
© private
The taste experience
When preparing, the smells were promising and the consistency looked like a freshly prepared dish. Unfortunately, the taste test didn’t quite convince me. While the couscous was good on all three dishes and the spices added the right flavor, the rest didn’t impress me. The veggies were just too chewy and had something gummy like dried fruit. I didn’t notice much of their taste either, so I was a little disappointed, but not surprised.
My conclusion
Anyone who has no problem with the consistency of food and is under time pressure is well served with Hans Ranke’s healthy dishes. The couscous fills you up and the spices ensure a good taste. In addition, neither the mango curry nor the porcini mushroom chili are too spicy, so they go well with the lunch break.
Did you miss an episode or want an overview? All further information about “The Lion’s Den” can be found here.
Sources used: The Lion’s Den, Vox, Hans Ranke