... use instant gravy!!
BISTO
I am of that age that remembers the days before gravy granules, the days when Bisto, came in a small box and was a meat flavoured gravy powder,. named 'Bisto as it "Browns, Seasons and Thickens in One"
Bisto has been used in Britain since 1908 and invented ... Read review
Advantages: Easy and convenient Disadvantages: Will never equal 'proper' gravy
== BISTO GRAVY GRANULES ==
As I write this review, I am writing it with a paper bag over my head!!
If any of my ex catering trainees could see me advocating gravy granules I would be called all the names under the sun.
The first thing that I shoved down their throats when I was training them was that they make 'proper' gravy by using a roux and stock, and that they NEVER..... EVER .... use instant ... ...Thickens in One"
Bisto has been used in Britain since 1908 and invented by Roberts & Patterson.
It was advertised from1919 by the 'Bisto Kids', there have been hundreds of advertisements over the years featuring different, 'Bisto Kids' and the famous 'AHHH Bisto !!'
As a child we never used Bisto, my mum made 'proper' gravy - I remember the bottles of gravt browning well - but my auntie used it and I found ... more
BISTO GRAVY GRANULES
As I write this review, I am writing it with a paper bag over my head!! If any of my ex catering trainees could see me advocating gravy granules I would be called all the names under the sun.
The first thing that I shoved down their throats when I was training them was that they make 'proper' gravy by using a roux and stock, and that they NEVER..... EVER .... use instant gravy!!
BISTO
I am of that age that remembers the days before gravy granules, the days when Bisto, came in a small box and was a meat flavoured gravy powder,. named 'Bisto as it "Browns, Seasons and Thickens in One" Bisto has been used in Britain since 1908 and invented by Roberts & Patterson.
It was advertised from1919 by the 'Bisto Kids', there have been hundreds of advertisements over the years featuring different, 'Bisto Kids' and the famous 'AHHH Bisto !!'
As a child we never used Bisto, my mum made 'proper' gravy - I remember the bottles of gravt browning well - but my auntie used it and I found the Bisto gravy very thin with no substance.
THE INTRODUCTION OF GRANULES
Bisto Granules were introduced in 1979. and they nowdominate the British market, with a share in excess of 70%. The famous red packets are the traditional flavour, they are classed as beef flavour (although it contains no beef). Bisto also comes in varieties to accompany chicken, turkey and lamb.
This review will be about the traditional 'Beef' granules.
INGREDIENTS AND NUTRITIONAL VALUES
Bisto gravy granules are quite good for diets as they are very low fat; in fact if you are following the Core plan on Weight Watchers it is free with meals.
50ml serving made up Per 100g Energy 63kJ 1672kJ 15kcal 398kcal Protein 0.1g 2.2g Carbohydrate 2.3g 60.7g of which sugars 0.5g 14.6g Fat 0.6g 16.3g of which saturates 0.4g 11.2g Fibre Trace 1.3g Sodium 0.21g 5.56g
Amazingly these 'beef' granules are suitable for vegetarians.
Not suitable for anyone with a Soya or wheat allergy.
THE GRANULES
The granules themselves always remind me of instant coffee granules, but without the smell. There is instead a very strong, savoury smell of beef.
The granules come in cardboard tubs with a resealable lid and come in 170g or 360g tubs.
TO MAKE THE GRAVY
To make gravy for 3 - 4 people simply put 4-heaped tablespoons of Bisto granules into a measuring jug, add 1/2 pint of boiling water and then keep stirring until the gravy is the consistency that you want.
Alternatively, and my preferred way, add the granules to a saucepan of vegetable water and simmer the gently on the hob. Either way the gravy is virtually 'instant' to make, you can either add more granules to make it thicker or add water to dilute; you can also add juices from the roast to add to the flavour. gravy mixture.
TASTE
The resulting gravy is a beefy,tasty, gravy with plenty of body, it really is very good. .
USES
Where I find Bisto granules the most useful is actually adding them to dishes. For example, in the making of Cottage Pie or any other mince dish, just cook your mince and vegetables as normal and when cooked simply sprinkle the granules over the top, and stir. The same in casseroles, also in the slow cooker, they certainly make life easier.
To make a good' chippy type onion gravy', I fry some onions and mushrooms cover with water and then sprinkle on the granules - yummy!!
PRICE
300g containers of Bisto Gravy Granules cost £2 and 170g containers cost around £1 The original Bisto Original Gravy Powder is also around £1 for 227g.
There is very often offers on in different supermarkets so it is well worth shopping around.
'PROPER' GRAVY'
I have to admit to still preferring making 'proper' gravy with a roast dinner. Here is how I make it, my old Mum's way
Save any meat juices from the roast. About 2 tbsp (liquid) meat fat or dripping 1oz plain flour 1pint stock Gravy browning or gravy powder if wanted Seasoning as needed
Collect all the juices and the fat from the roast, allow to stand for a few minutes so that the fat will rise to the surface. Skim off the fat. Put the roasting tin that you used to cook the meat on the hob on a medium heat and add the fat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the meat juices and gradually stir in the stock until you get a smooth gravy. Use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan and get all the bits of meat off. Bring to the boil and allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Season to taste and add a little gravy browning or powder if needed.
CONCLUSION
If you're reading ex-trainees - I WILL allow you to use the granules but please NEVER forget what 'Mrs Wynne' taught you, and don't lose your 'real' gravy making skills.
Bisto gravy granules certainly are convenient, economical, quick easy and healthier, one of the better convenience foods.
Advantages: Excellent quality, in Vegetarian form. Disadvantages: Small tubs in this variety.
Aah! Bisto ®, the nations favourite gravy and a source of many an advertising campaign bringing laughter into every home. I bet there are few people who can't say they remember the adverts as well as the product? Bisto® has been around for years providing us with a superior alternative to home made gravy with a number of varieties and a choice of granules or powder. Much as I enjoy making homemade gravy, living on my own I prefer to use the granules ... ...of green with the distinctive Bisto logo on the front of the tub. The picture of an appetising vegetarian bake and the words" Gravy Granules for vegetarian dishes " are enough to show this is the correct product as well as the "V" symbol on the back of the tub. (Vegetarian symbol). There are the usual ingredient list and nutrition information and I've just noticed this is ideal for slimmers and those of us on a low-fat diet with only 14 calories ...
Elffriend 23.07.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Bisto Gravy Granules
Advantages: Quick,convinient and tasty Disadvantages: None
...happened upon a tub of bisto gravy granules and remembering the many, often humorous adverts that have graced our screens over the years I decided to take a chance.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Preparation.
The best part about bisto gravy granules has to be the instant and easy preparation. Simply boil your kettle, put 8 teaspoons of granules into a jug and pour in a pint of the boiled water, stirring continuously until fully mixed (about 30 ... ...at least 20 minutes, so bisto you’re already scoring points with me.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Results.
The aroma meets you as you first open the container, and has a strong beefy overtone with very delicate hints of onion. When mixed into liquid form the aroma continues to have a similar hue, but mellows into a more even and less pungent smell.
Tasting it for the first time I was very pleasantly surprised. Firstly I was struck by how much ...
babajane32 17.06.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Bisto Gravy Granules
Advantages: Great taste, good price, handy to use Disadvantages: None
...to haunt me and tried Bisto Gravy Granules. The Packaging
The gravy granules come in a cardboard tub, about the size and shape of a standard soup tin, with a plastic lid. The unmistakable Bisto logo is reassuringly printed across the front of the tub.
They are also available in glass jars with the same colour labels and lids as the tubs.
The colour of the packaging depends on the variety that you pick. I usually use Bisto Gravy Granules for every ... ...colours available at Tesco’s
Bisto Roast Beef Gravy Granules (red)
Bisto Roast Pork Gravy Granules (blue)
Bisto Roast Chicken Gravy Granules (orange)
Bisto Turkey Gravy Granules (purple)
Bisto Vegetarian Gravy Granules (green)
Bisto Roast Onion Gravy Granules (brown)
Bisto Gravy Granules (red)
The side of the tub has the usual list of ingredients and the nutritional information together with a paragraph telling you just how good this product ...
SusanLesley 12.12.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Bisto Gravy Granules
Advantages: Excellent flavour, the new gravy granules do not go lumpy Disadvantages: Bisto has gone up in price recently
...intrigued me is how the Bisto name come about in the first place. So I set about doing some research and this is I found. Bisto was originally invented in 1908 by Messrs Roberts & Patterson. It was a meat flavoured gravy powder and was named "Bisto" because it "Browns, Seasons and Thickens in One"! Over the years, the Bisto brand became ever more dominant, and in 2005 it was estimated that Bisto had a market share of well over 70%. FLAVOURS
If you ... ...with the Bisto brand, they would most likely say 'beef'. The synonymous red container has become somewhat of a shopper's 'favourite' and by far the most popular flavour of gravy. But let's not forget that Bisto do a range of other flavours too, including 'chicken', 'turkey', 'lamb' and a few other meat varieties. Today, I shall be reviewing my favourite flavour of Bisto gravy - yep, you've guessed it, it's 'beef'! SUITABILITY FOR VEGETARIANS ETC...
...
rowei 09.04.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Bisto Gravy Granules
Advantages: Tastes very nice, essentail to a lot of popular meals, Bisto is a firm family favourite and it's the original and best Disadvantages: None
...something about the taste of Bisto beef gravy that really makes it stand out from the other brands that you can buy. It seems that much more layered in its flavour, your taste buds are tested that much more. It is very hard to describe the taste to people who haven’t had this before, so I won’t try and describe it as it will be terribly boring to read. The smell of the gravy fills the room that you are in, often taking over from the smell of the ... ...Hardy, if there was no Bisto beef gravy with it.
~Making Gravy~
It is obviously very simple to make gravy, but some people that I know make it very difficult for themselves. There are a few basic things to remember when making gravy, to ensure that it is the correct thickness and that it’s not lumpy. The first thing to do is have a kettle on the boil, whilst you pour some granules into a bowl and get a wooden or big stainless steel spoon in hand. ...
thespurs 10.12.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Bisto Gravy Granules
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