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LACA partner members McCain Foods, Mars Food UK and Hobart have pooled their foodservice expertise to create a series of new meal ideas for school caterers and each one can be prepared in just one pot.

The One Pot Heroes concept has been developed following market research that identified a growing requirement for dishes that pupils will enjoy and can be quickly and simply prepared and served by a mixed skills workforce, helping to ease pressure on equipment and time.

The meals have been inspired by popular dishes and developed in consultation with a dietitian to ensure they are compliant with nutrition regulations.

There are eight One Pot Heroes recipes - Chicken Balti, Ranch Pie, Chilli Wedge Bake, Sausage Hot Pot, Mediterranean Fish Pie, Layered Italian Bake, Mousakka and a Smokey BBQ Casserole.

All dishes are prepared using the McCain Simply Potato range, Mars Uncle Ben’s and Dolmio Ready to Use Sauces, and cooked using the fast and energy-efficient Hobart Convection Steamer.

“Our experience of the education sector and our respective product ranges are all complementary so it made sense to get together and discuss potential projects,” says Jo Simmons, McCain Foods’ senior brand manager

“Once we started talking we realised very quickly that we could create something that would benefit school caterers and help make their day-to-day life much easier.

Sarah Gray, national account manager - foodservice division Mars Food UK comments: “The One Pot Heroes recipes really live up to their name.

“They tick all the boxes in terms of menu compliance and provide a nutrition-packed hot meal that delivers slow release energy for pupils and a portion of vegetables towards their five-a-day.

“At the same time, they instantly streamline the lunch service, delivering much needed breathing space for time pressured school caterers.”

And Roger Kellow, government account manager for Hobart UK, adds: “Using the convection steamer to cook the One Pot Heroes not only saves time, it enables caterers to deliver great tasting food from an energy efficient and environmentally friendly kitchen operation.

“All Hobart equipment comes with a full training package at no additional cost so you can get the best outcome on time, every time.”

Georgina Ayin, the dietitian who helped to develop the recipes, says: “There is no need to worry about the goodness of Heroes, they are packed full of comforting, tasty, filling and nutrient-dense food.

“Heroic proportions of carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and vitamins will help children to concentrate, to be active and generally healthy. And with just one pot to wash, they’re also heroes for chefs.”