Review of Amy's Black Bean Enchilada (with Spanish Rice and Beans)

Amy's -- Black Bean Enchilada (with Spanish Rice and Beans) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: Wow -- incredible spice blend! The beans were perfectly cooked and creamy -- my favourite part! I did, however, find the rice to be slightly over-cooked for my liking and I would have liked a stronger tomato presence in it (perhaps a hint of tartness). I found the enchilada wasn't as tasty as the beans, but it was still very good!

Where to buy: Fortinos



Ingredients: organic white rice, organic pinto beans, organic tomatoes, filtered water, organic corn, organic corn tortillas (organic white corn cooked in water with a trace of lime), organic onions, organic bell peppers, organic zucchini, organic tofu (filtered water, organic soybeans, nigari [magnesium chloride, a natural firming agent]), organic black beans, expeller pressed high oleic safflower and/or sunflower oil, organic sweet rice flour, spices, sea salt, organic tapioca starch, olives, organic garlic, organic green chiles.  

Contains soy. Gluten-free, dairy free, lactose free, tree-nut free, kosher.
93% organic.

Nutritional Facts:
Serving size: 1 container
Calories: 330
     Calories from fat: 70
Total fat: 8g
     Saturated fat: 1g
     Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 740mg
Carbs: 53g
     Fiber: 9g
     Sugars: 4g
Protein: 9g
Vitamin A: 20%
Vitamin C: 30%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 15%

Mama mia! These awesome ingredients (93% organic!) make for a great  nutritional profile. This was my post-workout meal today. I have no complaints other than the high sodium content. But I rarely have frozen meals and I consume very little salt on a daily basis, so it's not too much of an issue for me.

My favourite parts of this profile is the 9g of fiber and protein, and the nice vitamin A and C boost (I always need a good vitamin A boost). I do take Quest Her Daily One™ for Women (it's dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, shellfish-free, and sulphite-free) but I do prefer to get my nutrients from my food, rather than pill form.

I was really looking forward to trying this Spanish Rice, but bummed that it was so soft. I also anticipated a strong tomato flavour with a bit of tartness, but I didn't quite get that. I liked the bits of corn in the rice for texture as well. I have absolutely no complaints about the beans. They are insanely creamy and I'd eat an entire meal of them!  The enchilada wasn't stuffed evenly, but it was good! I would change the mini chunks of tofu in favour of larger chunks because it would have added a richer texture and flavour combination.

I'd definitely buy this meal again!!

Other Amy's 'Whole Meal' dishes:

• Black Bean Tamale Verde (vegan)
• Cheese Enchilada
• Cheese Tamale Verde
• Chili & Cornbread
• Enchilada Verde
• Light in Sodium - Veggie Loaf
• Roasted Vegetable Tamale (vegan)
• Southern Dinner
• Veggie Loaf
• Veggie Steak & Gravy

Brand (quoted from amys.com):

• Family business since 1987
• "We purchase high quality pastas, grains, beans and hormone free dairy from cows that are pasture raised."
• Local, organic ingredients
• Made from scratch
• "We do not purchase or use any genetically modified or engineered ingredients..."
• No BPA in cans
• No MSG added