Camping with the family is not just a way to be close to nature, but also an opportunity to spend time with family and friends in a different and often more relaxing way. One of the great advantages of camping is the ability to cook your own food outdoors, which can be both fun and challenging. Healthy cooking while camping doesn’t have to be complicated, and there are many ways to make it both simple and flavorful – even for kids.
Things to Consider for Healthy Cooking While Camping
– Plan Ahead: Create a meal plan and prepare as much as you can at home. Chop vegetables and pack ingredients in portion sizes.
– Simplicity: Choose recipes that are easy to cook with limited kitchen utensils.
– Nutritious Food: Focus on nutritious food that keeps you full and energized. Think about a balance between proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
– Durability: Prioritize ingredients that keep well without refrigeration, such as dried lentils, pasta, rice, canned beans, and root vegetables.
– Snacks: Always have healthy snacks on hand, like nuts, fruit, and energy bars.
Suggestions for Healthy and Kid-Friendly Dishes
1. Grilled vegetable skewers with a variety of colorful vegetables. Perfect for getting more greens into the kids.
2. Pancakes made with a mix of whole wheat flour. Serve with fresh berries and a bit of honey for a luxurious breakfast or dessert.
3. Pasta with chickpea mix, a simple dish where you can use chickpeas from a can and mix with herbs and a little olive oil.
4. Foil-baked fish or chicken with vegetables. Prepare the packets at home and just put them on the grill or in the coals.
Camping Stove
I personally use the Cadac Safari Chef 30, which is an incredibly versatile and user-friendly grill that is perfect for camping. It’s lightweight, portable, and can be used with disposable bottles, making it ideal for camping adventures. Some of the benefits include:
– Versatility:** With different accessories, you can grill, fry, boil, and even bake.
– Easy to Clean:** Non-stick surfaces make cleaning a breeze.
– Energy Efficient:** Efficient gas use extends cooking possibilities on a single gas filling.
– Portability:** Easy to pack and carry, takes up little space in the car or caravan.
To make the camping experience even more comfortable, it is recommended to use camping furniture for cooking. I have an Outwell Posadas kitchen bench for easier cooking and, for the sake of feeling and environment, I recommend switching from disposable plates to a camping dinnerware from, for example, Flamefield or Brunner, which provides a sustainable and pleasant dining experience.
In Conclusion
Cooking while camping is not just a necessary evil but can be one of the highlights of the trip. With the right equipment like the Cadac Safari Chef 30 grill and some well-planned recipes, you can create healthy and flavorful meals that the whole family will love.
