I’ve written about Tesco food lots in the past, some I like and some, like any other supermarket, is just not my cup of tea. One thing they rally do know how to do well though is extensive and specialised ranges. And one of those ranges is the Free From one. Free from dairy, gluten or wheat and with over 350 products in the range it has become the go-to solution for food allergies and intolerances.

I have two friends and one of Florence’s pals also who can’t have dairy and although that sounds rather limiting, with this range they are pretty happy! From cup cakes and chocolate bars to cookies, melt in the middle fish cakes and even party selection packs of canapes. I particularly liked the frozen cup cakes which tasted so good with their gooey and moist texture to make them even more special!

Their range even extends to Christmas products like Christmas tree shaped crumpets. Gosh wouldn’t life be dull without crumpets and now it doesn’t have to be, even if you’re allergic to the ingredients! There is also a rather special chocolate advent calendar especially for dairy and egg intolerances. At £3.25 for the calendar and £2.00 for the crumpets they are a little pricey but oh so worth it don’t you think, especially as you really and truly can’t tell the difference in any of the food I tried from the range today!

And then, of course, Tesco also sell the ingredients to make your own free from food and they’ve come up with some delicious recipes too! I LOVED the Thai Fish Cakes With Sweet And Sour Tomato Chutney served in Tesco’s Gluten Free Fresh White Rolls!

Salmon Fish Cakes:

2 Boneless, Skinless, Tesco salmon fillets, 1tbsp Tesco Thai Red Curry Paste, 1tsp Fresh Root Ginger (finely grated), 1tsp Tamari Soy Sauce, 1tbsp Fresh Coriander Leaves, 1 Egg (beaten), 115g Tesco Free From Fresh Wholemeal Bread (to use for breadcrumbs) and 1tbsp Oilive Oil for frying.

For The Sweet and Sour Tomato Chutney

1tbsp Oilve Oil, 1 Garlic Clove (crushed), 2tsp Fresh Root Ginger (grated), 1 Shallot (finely chopped), 4tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 x 400g can Tesco Chopped Tomatoes, Pinch of Cinnamon, 2tbsp Xylitol and to serve: Tesco Gluten Free Fresh White Rolls and Lettuce Leaves.

Method:

To make the chutney heat the oil in a saucepan and add the garlic, ginger, and shallot. Stir for 1 minute over a low heat until the onion has softened. Add all the other ingredients. Bring to the boil, stir then lower the heat and simmer for about 20-30 minutes until the mixture is thick. Stir occasionally to prevent it burning. Turn off the heat and allow it to cool.

To make the fish cakes place the salmon with the rest of the ingredients in a food processor and process or pulse until roughly mined. Tip out the mixture into a bowl. Take a golf ball size piece and flatten into little burgers. Chill for 30 minutes. Place the beaten egg in a shallow bowl and place the bread crumbs on a separate plate. Dip the fish cakes in the egg then coat in the breadcrumbs. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan. Fry the fish cakes for 4-5 minutes on each side util crisp and cooked through. Serve in the gluten free rolls with the lettuce and chutney.

I was pretty impressed with the range, recipes and even came away with a gorgeous hamper full of more things to try, so thanks Tesco and I shall be passing on the knowledge to my friends!

I went to a Tesco Free From event.

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