Peak Refuel Butternut Dal Bhat Freeze-Dried Backpacking Meal, 23g Protein

Quite frankly the most delicious freeze dried meal I have ever eaten. Typically I purchase Mountain House meals because of the consistency of their flavors year over year, but their menu is pretty bland and basic with a few exceptions. I ventured out to other manufacturers to see what else was available and stumbled on PEAK meals. My first two meals were White Chicken Chili, and Chicken Alfredo. Between the two the Chicken Chili was my favorite due to the flavors and variety of ingredients, but both were excellent. Not every meal is a winner but so far the White Chicken Chili, Chicken Alfredo, and Beef Pasta Marinara were the stand out choices….until now. The Butternut Dal Bhat is now my absolute favorite. If you like squash with a hint of spice and a delicious buttery flavor mixed with rice and lentils, this is for you. The smell is sweet and savory, but there is no sweetness to the dish. The flavors balance together beautifully and it is a dish you want to savor instead of scarf down. It’s the perfect bookend to a long day hiking or walking through the woods. PEAK Refuel does a great job with their meals. For me the most important test is rehydration. I typically add boiling water above the dried contents, initially making a little soup, then seal the bag and let it sit for 3-7 minutes. PEAK is one of the few companies whose meals absorb water correctly so that I get even consistency meal to meal (not too dense after rehydration, or conversely not too soupy). I love opening the packet and seeing everything nicely fluffed up and ready to eat. The last thing I will say is these meals are filling. They will satisfy your hunger and have the right balance of carbs, vegetables, protein to make sure you have the energy you need for whatever you are doing. If you like vegetables and rice, you’re going to love this meal.

I'm normally not the biggest fan of backpacking meals, often finding them bland. This one on the other hand is LEGIT. By far the tastiest backpacking meal I've ever had. Full of flavor. Just the right amount of spice. Peak found themselves a winner with this meal.

This was nice to have hiking. Gave a different meal than the usual. Flavor and texture were good. Not grainy or chewy. Was a lot of food for me. Shared with husband.

This was a big hit at backpacking camp while everyone was disappointed over there soggy and untasty backpacking meals. I shared bites and even my 11 year old loved it.

I took these backpacking. It was a long day and this hit the spot at the end of the day. Serving size was for two people and this was more than sufficient for one person but it would not be enough for two as the only meal. The sodium level is frightening but on a hot hiking day, its not really an issue.

Peak does such an amazing job with their foods. I love them. This one surprised the heck out of me it is so good. Just remember to follow the instructions exactly and with hot hot water. No peaking lol

This was the first time I have ever purchased a dehydrated meal and I was skeptical. Ok it was delicious and so easy I got 2 meals from mine. So flavorful not bland I never expected it by just adding water.I am a vegetarian so my meal choices are limited but I will be buying this one again along with any vegetarian options.

Great texture and flavor, even though I don’t have access to a way to measure (no kitchen access) and added a little too much water. Tastes like a nice risotto, and it was a very filling portion size. I’m camped out at the hospital for a week, caregiving for a family member, and smuggled in a contraband 300W hot pot to allow me to boil water during my stay. Been relying on Peak Refuel for easy off-hours meals, and they do not disappoint. The texture and flavor is actually way better than what shows up on the patient trays, and there are good options for people with dietary restrictions 🙂 A few weeks ago, I’d also given some Peak Refuel meals to a friend who was moving cross country, and she alternated between using a car kettle and an indoor electric kettle to make them. She particularly loved the butternut dal baht. It’s just good stuff! 🙂