How to Heat a Ready-to-Eat Pouch: Two Easy Ways (and What Not to Do)

In short: There are two easy ways to heat a ready-to-eat pouch: drop the sealed pouch into boiling water for 3–4 minutes, or cut it open and heat the contents in a pan for 2–3 minutes on a medium flame. Never microwave the foil pouch itself; empty it into a microwave-safe bowl first.

Method 1: boil in the bag (3–4 minutes)

1. Bring a pan of water to the boil. Use enough to cover the pouch.
2. Put the sealed pouch in, unopened. Do not pierce it.
3. Let it heat for 3–4 minutes.
4. Lift it out with tongs, holding it by the top edge. It will be hot.
5. Cut along the top, pour it into a bowl, and eat.

Best for: rice, khichdi, dal and anything you want to keep exactly as it is. No pan to wash.

Method 2: in a pan (2–3 minutes)

1. Cut the pouch open along the top.
2. Empty it into a pan or kadai.
3. Heat on a medium flame for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until it bubbles gently.
4. Add a spoon of water if it is thicker than you like.

Best for: curries and dishes you want to finish your way, with a knob of butter on Pav Bhaji, fresh coriander on Dal Tadka, or a little cream on Paneer Butter Masala.

Can I use a microwave?

Yes, but not with the pouch: it has a layer of aluminium foil, which must not go in a microwave. Empty the contents into a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat for about a minute at a time, stirring in between, until it is hot all the way through.

What should I never do?

• Never microwave the foil pouch.
• Never pierce the pouch before boiling it.
• Never put a pouch inside an electric kettle.
• Never eat from a pouch that is swollen, leaking or damaged; contact us instead.
• Once a pouch is open, eat it straight away rather than keeping it.

Tips for the best result

• Knead the pouch gently before opening, to loosen the gravy.
• Heat rice and curry in the same pan of water, side by side.
• Finish with something fresh: coriander, a squeeze of lemon, sliced onion, a spoon of ghee.

Curious why the pouch keeps without a fridge in the first place? Read what retort food is.

Questions people ask

How long do I boil a ready-to-eat pouch?

3–4 minutes in boiling water, sealed and unopened.

Can I microwave a retort pouch?

Not in the pouch, which contains aluminium foil. Empty it into a microwave-safe bowl, cover and heat, stirring once or twice.

Do I need to add water?

No. Add a spoon of water in the pan only if you like the gravy thinner.

How long can I keep an opened pouch?

Eat it straight away once opened. Unopened pouches keep 12 months at room temperature.