Never go out for Indian food again

I love Trader Joe's as much as anyone, but I've found their convenience foods to be kind of hit-or-miss. However, I've now tried two of their prepackaged Indian dishes, and I still can't get over how good--not to mention easy to make--they were. Tonight I had Jaipur Vegetables (green peas and beans, carrots, Paneer cheese cubes, cashews and spices) over Trader Joe's white basmati rice. This is all you have to do to make the Jaipur Vegetables or any other Trader Joe's Indian Fare dishes: 1. Cut pouch and empty contents into a microwave-safe bowl. 2. Cover and heat on high for 1-2 minutes. 3. Stir and serve. Seriously, this stuff tastes about as good or better than anything at your average Indian restaurant, and for a whole lot less (I can't remember exactly how much I paid, but it couldn't have been more than a couple of bucks). Each 10-ounce package (which you just keep in the pantry, not the freezer) serves about two. I've also tried Trader Joe's Pav Bhaji (with potatoes, tomatoes and veggies in a super spicy sauce) which is also excellent.

I'm especially happy about this find after a disappointing experience at the new, supposedly improved Cumin restaurant in East Hyde Park about a week ago. Cumin used to be one of my favorite Cincinnati restaurants because of its extensive menu, which included plenty of vegetarian dishes, and its simple, modern, cozy interior. But they've now swankified the inside, cut the menu at least in half and raised the prices of seemingly almost everything. I still enjoyed my meal there, but sadly, I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon.