Abstract: A hydratable granular food product which can be used to make soups and sauces and which does not require stirring before or during cooking. The product is comprised of granules which are hydrophobic and hydrophilic and do not tend to form clumps when cold or ambient water or milk is added. At least about 90% of the granules have a size from about 1000 microns to about 175 microns and have an outer coating which contains an emulsifier. In a particularly preferred application, the granular food product can be admixed with a carbohydrate such as pasta and then hydrated together with the pasta to make a ready-to-eat pasta and sauce.

Abstract: A convenience food product comprising a microwavable pasta packaged in a container which facilitates even cooking in a microwave oven. The product can further comprise an improved hydratable sauce in the form of granules which tend not to form clumps upon the addition of water or milk and requires minimal stirring.