Instant Pasta (with picture!)

[Natt]

I went looking for the freeze dried rice tonight - no luck

What does seem to be new is instant pasta - as in pour boiling water, wait for 3-4 minutes and eat

This is different from the others I have seen as they need boiling for at least 3 mins

I just tested the a Creamy Macaroni and Cheese - its tolerable

I know a lot of people mention they bulk a gourmet freeze dried meal with pasta. If fuel were an issue this might be an option.

It also lends itself to this practice as you could boil up your water for your instant meal + the 250ml - take off what you need and then mix the pasta in.

It was 100g dry weight, needed 250 ml of water. I boiled the water up in a saucepan and then mixed in the pasta - left it off heat for 4 mins.

It was a little chewy and on its own bland at best a 2/10. A little bit of extra boiling sees it bit better textured. As a side dish it would be ok.

Given the convenience I would defintely use it.

I would probably fry up some salami and mix it in, possibly vegetables etc.

Oh the 100g dry weight = 1464 kJ of energy, 11.6g protein, 8.2g fat (4.4g saturated), 56.8g Carbohydrate (8.8 being sugar) & 1017mg sodium - according to the packet.

I am not sure if I can say the brand - so I won't

Also is this the type of post you want here - or is it too much detail?

[tasadam]

I am not sure if I can say the brand - so I won't
Also is this the type of post you want here - or is it too much detail?

Firstly, thanks for this info.
You can mention brands in posts like these, for example I have used the Continental pasta packs and I have seen the "Alfredo" flavour of these Continental packs mentioned elsewhere in the forum - it's not a problem in this context as it's not advertising unless you work for the company or something. Basically, good info that others can use and relevant to the post = no problem... But check the rules and ask if unsure.

As for the length of post - no problem either. More detail could mean less follow-up questions to answer.

The Continental instant pasta packs are far from instant and require 10 minutes or so of simmering to cook properly - I for one would ne interested to learn more of the pasta packs you speak of. Less cooking time = less fuel = less weight = great!

[Natt]

Cool

in that case it was "fantasic" - cup of pasta - it was about $1.20 (seemed to be in Woolworths & Coles)

I did end up trying it with some meat in it - that helped.

It did have other flavours too - chicken being one.

Serving size - hmm a small bowl - I did actually take a picture of it

So heres the not so fantastic - but quick pasta!

[Dave Bremers]

Does anyone else have a problem with this type of packet foods and so called 'hollow energy' - eg massive energy slump afterwards? My understanding is these are very high in MSG and salt. I find they are not very satisfying. (Though it could be a psychosomatic consequence of reading too many RayJ books )

[Ent]

Hi

Never had an issue but then again I am not exactly energy short. I get the feeling though the fresher the ingredients the better I feel so would not want to live on such stuff but for a walk is not too bad.

Cheers Brett

[corvus]

Is food is OK is pasta must give some nourishment to your body so it would keep you going and it would sustain you ( with a few Glucose Tablets)
If that is what you want to do so be it .
corvus

[tasadam]

One thing I would be looking for in any food like that is MSG. It makes me dry, and I have a lot of trouble sleeping afterwards. One thing your body needs especially on an extended walk is a good rest, so tossing and turning, or worse still being wide awake at midnight, is so not desirable.
Salt, well I figure my body needs a bit more than usual when I walk (I add salt to nothing when at home). But that makes you thirsty too, which makes you drink more, which makes you get up for a pit stop more during the night too.
The Continental meals I used to eat were OK for instant pasta, but were a bit salty for regular meals. They needed extras too, like dried vegies or smoked chicken.