Exploration of LSS Retort Pouch Meals from Jordan at IDEX Expo

The article discusses the recent sampling of LSS retort pouch meals from Jordan, highlighting their Halal-certified options and flavorful dishes. The author reviews Mandi Rice With Chicken and Kufta Meat With Tahini, emphasizing their quality and convenience. The article also notes upcoming reviews of additional military ration packs.

Last month at the IDEX expo in Abu Dhabi, I had the opportunity to sample several retort pouch main meals from Loyalty Support Services (LSS) of Jordan. Previously, I had noted the varied military ration pack options offered by LSS, but samples had not been available at earlier expos. At IDEX 2025, I selected LSS Kufta Meat With Tahini, a dish I relish, which I had only previously enjoyed in a self-heating version.

The meals from LSS are Halal-certified and are designed to cater to humanitarian needs in regions with Muslim populations while reflecting a blend of Middle Eastern and international cuisines. I have a fondness for Middle Eastern food and, during my stay in Abu Dhabi, visited an Iranian restaurant, as my usual dining choice in London had closed due to the COVID crisis.

The LSS ration pack meals, weighing 250 grams, offer various flavors, providing 320 to 450 kcal each, depending on the specific dish. I received three main meal pouch options: Mandi Rice With Chicken, Freekeh With Chicken, and Kabseh Rice With Chicken. LSS also offers lamb, veal, fish, and vegetarian alternatives, including pasta and bean-based dishes.

For this review, I prepared the Mandi Rice With Chicken by simmering the pouch for eight minutes before serving it in a Wildo CAMP-A-BOX bowl. The dish was enriched with flavor, showcasing Mandi’s traditional Yemeni roots, where it is typically slow-cooked with meat and rice using spices and steam.

The Kufta Meat With Tahini tray meal, heated by boiling, provided another delightful main dish. This meal’s elements included veal Kufta, infused with the distinctive flavor of tahini, alongside boiled potatoes. The dish weighed 200 grams and offered 590 kcal according to the packaging.

Currently, I have not scheduled any trips to the Middle East until the end of the year. However, I may take a trip to Jordan in early summer, so I have reserved the Freekeh and Kabseh retort pouches as treats for future enjoyment.

In upcoming articles, I plan to review German and Estonian freeze-dried meal pouches from Tactical Foodpack, along with Norwegian Arctic, German EPa, and American MRE packs that my colleague, Carl Schulze, acquired during recent exercises.

In summary, the LSS retort pouch meals represent a flavorful and convenient option for individuals seeking authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. With variants that cater to diverse dietary requirements, including Halal certifications, they serve both military and humanitarian purposes effectively. The positive review of dishes such as Mandi Rice With Chicken and Kufta Meat With Tahini highlights their overall quality, flavor, and suitability for various contexts, reinforcing the growing appeal of internationally inspired meal options.

Original Source: www.joint-forces.com