This is a review of the German EPA TYP I.
Let's just start with me saying this ration intimidated me. German food is a somewhat new experience to me. While Cincinnati is predominantly of German heritage, my knowledge of German food stops at Sauerbraten and potato cakes. Now German beer is a whole 'nother story entirely!
Before Netboy541 and I would attempt to tackle this ration, we opted to translate the entire box. Some of these I am sure are wrong, and I hope our German speaking friends will correct any errors we made.
streichholzbrief = matches
GrieBspeise mit fruchten = sweet thickened gelatin semolina with Fruit
Schmelzkasezubereitung= prepared cheese spread
Rindfleischschinkenwurst
mit Pflanzenol = Beef ham sausage with vegetable oil
Bierwurst = Beer sausage
Stimorol Gum = Caffeinated gum
Getrankepulver zur
herstellung eines
hypotonischen kaltgetranks= Drink Powder for hypotonic Cold drink
Ravioli mit Champignonsauce= Ravioli with mushroom sauce
Indische reispfanne mit
Geflugelhacksteaks = Indian rice with chicken hamburger
Hartkeks = Hard cracker
Roggenschrotbrot geschnitten= Rye flour bread cut
Here is a shot of the outside of the box:
Opening the Ravioli mit Champignonsauce (Ravioli with Mushroom Sauce):
Roggenschrotbrot, geschnitten
Portion: Inside the can there were approximately 6 slices. The first slice was a thicker cut than the rest.
Texture: Netboy541 and I disagreed about the moistness of the bread. He said it was dry and crumbly. I personally thought it was moist, it just had a tendency to crack / split because of all the ingredients in it. Big chunks of grain/rye were obvious.
Taste: Let me start it off by saying I hate rye bread. I have utter distain for it. Always have and always will. Regardless of this I was honor bound to try it. The first bite, and immediate sensation was that it was not too bad. A little grainy but mild flavor. The longer it sat on the palate, the more prevailent the rye taste became. All in all, I am not a fan.
Rindfleischschinkenwurst mit Pflanzenol (Beef ham sausage with vegetable oil) and Bierwurst
Portion: Both were in a small aluminum cup, similar in size to a condiment cup. I felt they were appropriately sized to be enjoyed as an appetizer to the main entrees.
Texture: I cannot avoid using the words Vienna Sausage. Essentially upon opening they both looked like a stumpy Vienna Sausage (with the exception of the Rindfleischschinkenwurst mit Pflanzenol having green flakes). The Bierwurst was softer, and you could spread it across the bread. There was no spreading the Rindfleischschinkenwurst mit Pflanzenol. It had a little more solid meat texture, while the Bierwurst was more of a potted meat spread consistency.
Taste: Bierwurst was far superior. It not only looks like a Vienna Sausage, but it tastes like one too. I consider myself a Vienna Sausage aficianado, so this was quite welcomed. It had the same saltiness of Vienna sausages, and even took some sting off the rye bread.
The Rindfleischschinkenwurst mit Pflanzenol was much more mild than the Bierwurst. The texture was more enjoyable, but the mild flavor was not.
Ravioli mit Champignonsauce
Portion: This seemed much larger than a US MRE. When opened there were 8 raviolis, and a number of very recognizable mushroom pieces.
Texture: The sauce was rich and creamy. The ravioli were a bit on the mushy side. The meat inside was extremely tender and resembled the Bierwurst.
Taste: Wow! The sauce was the stand out winner, but it was all quite good. The mushrooms were not at all earthy, and added some nice flavor. The meat in the ravioli was a bit dulled, but overall a suberp meal.
Indische reispfanne mit Geflugelhacksteaks (Indian Rice with Chicken Hamburger):
Portion: I found this to be a very filling dish. With splitting half with Netboy 541, I still found there to be plenty.
Texture: The rice was somewhat sticky. Stirring it with a spoon broke it up nicely. The Geflugelhacksteaks were the crispiest part of the meal (aside from the Hartkeks). The outside had a nice crispness like a crab cake. The inside had a consistency of a meatball.
Taste: Wow! That rice was off the charts good. I remember asking just before we dug in, "What do Germans know about Indian food?" Germany, you truly made me eat my words! That was the best rice I have ever had in my life. The seasoning, tenderness, moistness, it was all perfect! The Geflugelhacksteaks were an amazing contrast to the tender Indian Rice. Perfect dish!
TO BE CONTINUED....
but I *love* them.
