When Ayesha Curry announced her new family-focused meal kit delivery service, Homemade, I knew I had to try it. There are an abundance of such services these days, but none that have tickled my fancy, even if I do get coupon offers in the mail. Given that I've made so many successful and delicious recipes from Ayesha's cookbook, The Seasoned Life, I figured this would be a great opportunity to start.
Homemade provides several options for everyone, including if you don't eat any red meat or if you're a vegetarian, and whether you're cooking for 1–2 people or a family of four. All ingredients are provided, and most are even pre-measured and semi-prepared, with the exception of the cooking essentials, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Meals typically take about 30 minutes or less to prepare. With all of this delivered right to my doorstep, it was nice to not have to think of what to make for dinner, decide which ingredients I'd have to purchase at the store, drive to and from the store, and use up a good portion of my time just prepping alone.
To further home in on the family focus angle, the first thing you see when opening the box is an adorable coloring book, The Supper Sisters, featuring Ayesha's two daughters, Riley and Ryan, created by her brother, Jaz. It also comes with a pack of markers from Yoobi™, a brand that donates product to a school in need here in the U.S. for every product purchased.
My first box, which is the Classic Box for 1–2 people, included recipes and ingredients for Minted Lamb Burger on Brioche with Parmesan Garlic Fries and Roasted Chicken Quarters with Tri-Color Baby Potatoes, Baby Carrots + Peas.
Minted Lamb Burger on Brioche with Parmesan Garlic Fries
This recipe is very similar to the Fragrant Lamb Burgers in The Seasoned Life, which I actually made not too long ago. The difference with the lamb is that the Homemade version is combined with mint leaves and feta, whereas the Seasoned Life version is combined with shallot, parsley, lemon zest, and Gorgonzola. The zest gives it a pleasant kick, but it is not severely missed when not included. I'm fairly certain these were the first times I've had lamb burgers, and oh my, Ayesha does it absolutely on point.
I also loved the Parmesan Garlic Fries. It was just drizzling oil onto salt-seasoned fresh-cut potatoes and sticking it in the oven, and then tossing it with parmesan and garlic when done. So simple, yet so good.
Roasted Chicken Quarters with Tri-Color Baby Potatoes, Baby Carrots + Peas
This recipe takes a little over an hour, but it spends about 50 minutes in the oven, making it an easy-peasy and yummy meal. The ingredients really come together with the addition of sweet peppers, garlic, thyme, lemon, potatoes, and even carrots and peas — two vegetables that I'm usually picky about, but no problemo in this dish. Quick note that the chicken broth seem to have been accidentally left out in the directions. I ended up throwing in the 1/2 cup before it went in the oven and it worked out. Phew!
Overall, this meal kit delivery service is perfect and convenient for those who are busy and don't have time to grocery shop or plan ahead, but still want to put something healthy on the table at home. I love that the meals are helping me eat just the right portions — I'm not wanting more or less after dinner. It could add up, depending on your budget, as each meal is about equivalent to as if I were to go out for a decently priced meal. However, it just feels almost like magic to be able to easily make yourself such a delicious meal without much effort. And of course, when it comes to taste, these are winners from Ayesha, per usual.
I'm excited to try some more boxes — next week's Classic Box has Mango Chimichurri Steak with Spice Rubbed Roasted Parsnips and Carrots + Smokey Rubbed Salmon with Creamy Kale and Purple Hasselback Potatoes. Can't wait!
To learn more about Homemade and/or subscribe yourself, click here.