Off-roading definitely stirs up your appetite, and when you are hungry you are not picky and you can eat anything. But with some creativity and preparation, you can cook delicious meals on the road that will be appealing and yummy. Of course, you need to plan and prepare beforehand and in this article, we will help you do that. We will talk about the essential items you need for cooking on the road and share some recipes for the simple but delicious meals that you can prepare. So, let’s get started.
What You Will Need
The first thing you need to think about is lots of water. We recommend taking one gallon per person for each day you will be camping. This is the minimum, you can take more. Also, you need tableware and utensils. For tableware we suggest getting enamel plates or recyclable plates, so you won’t have to do lots of dishes on the road. Aluminum foil is very helpful on camping trips. You can prepare meals beforehand and wrap them up in foil, which will keep the dishes’ temperature, both hot and cold. Take some trash bags with you, and never leave your trash behind, always take it to the specially designated places.
Don’t forget to take lots of food containers to store both leftovers and pre-cooked meals. Tupperware containers are easy to pack, are compact, and don’t take much space in the car. It is great if you have a cooler bag for keeping items such as meat, fruits, and vegetables.
Cooking on Off-Road Trips
The simplest way is to cook or warm up your food on the campfire. If you have a small portable stove this is a great option that will save you lots of hustle. There are stoves ranging in price from $20 to $300, so pick one that will fit your budget and your trailer space. Another thing to consider is the propane-powered grill.
Off-Road Meals
We will share a list of items that we consider must-have on an off-road trip and simple meals you can prepare.
For breakfast:
– Oatmeal. Just add some boiling water, some sugar, raisins, or nuts and you have a great breakfast dish.
– Yogurt with fresh or dried fruits, nuts, and some honey.
– Buns of bagels with cream cheese.
– Toasts with bananas, apples, and peanut butter.
– Boiled eggs. These are easy to cook and they are very nutritious. This is what you need in the morning before a long off-roading day.
– Sandwiches with smoked salmon and avocado.
– Coffee and tea. Make sure you have a French press or at least a kettle for boiling water for your coffee. Keep your drink in a Thermo cup so it is hot for longer.
Lunch and dinner:
– Chicken salad. You can add any vegetables you like, as well as some pasta. Don’t forget your favorite seasoning.
– Sandwiches. You can make them from basically anything. We suggest taking some tortillas instead of bread because it stores better and takes less space. Some lunch meat and cheese is also easy to pack.
– Canned baked beans. You can just heat them over the fire and they are ready to be eaten.
– Meat and potatoes. Wrap them in foil with some vegetables and cook on the fire. This is a super easy and delicious meal.
– Pasta dishes. Pasta is easy to cook and is everyone’s favorite.
– Chicken wings. You can cook them on the grill, add some seasoning and they make for a yummy lunch or dinner.
– Tinned fish. Tuna or some other fish is a great source of protein. Prepare it with some pasta or rice. Or make a tuna salad.
Snacks:
– Granola bars
– Crackers
– Banana chips
– Chips and salsa
– Beef jerky
– Nuts and seeds
– Dried fruits
Some More Tips
Get some non-perishable food, such as tortillas, canned food, etc. Take your favorite spices – they won’t take much space and will make any meal taste better. Plan for emergencies – take more food (and especially water) than you think you will need. You don’t want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere with no food or water.
When you go on a road trip avoid sugary foods. They will first boost your energy but then will leave you sluggish and tired. Avoid fast foods, and take some healthy alternative snacks, such as nuts, dried fruits, or granola bars. Eat a big healthy meal in the morning before driving so you will have lots of energy for the day. Drink plenty of water and avoid too much caffeine (a cup of coffee in the morning is ok).
