Cooking Delicious Meals on the Road: Spice Up Your Van Life with These Simple Strategies and Tasty Meal Ideas
Who says you have to sacrifice good food when you’re living the van life? Sure, your kitchen might be a bit more compact than what you’re used to, but with a bit of creativity and some clever planning, you can whip up delicious meals that will have your family licking their plates (and maybe even asking for seconds!).
Forget bland, boring meals and pre-packaged snacks. We’re about to unlock the secrets to tasty, healthy, and satisfying cooking on the road, even with limited space and equipment.
Planning is Key: Mastering the Art of the Meal Prep
- Stock Up on Staples: Before you hit the road, stock up on non-perishable staples like pasta, rice, lentils, tinned goods, spices, and condiments. These will form the foundation of many quick and easy meals.
- Embrace the Local Markets: One of the joys of travelling is discovering new ingredients and flavours. Explore local markets and shops for fresh produce, regional specialties, and unique treats.
- Think Multi-Purpose: Choose ingredients that can be used in multiple dishes. For example, a bag of potatoes can be roasted, mashed, or turned into a hearty soup.
Maximising Your Mini Kitchen: Space-Saving Strategies
- Organise Your Space: Keep your kitchen organised with clever storage solutions. Utilise drawer dividers, stackable containers, and hanging organisers to maximise space and keep everything within easy reach.
- Multi-Purpose Cookware: Invest in multi-purpose cookware, such as a pot that can be used for boiling, steaming, and frying. This Instant Pot is our favourite – it does everything, even air frying!
- Portable Appliances: Consider portable appliances like a soup maker, pressure cooker, and stick blender. These can be lifesavers for creating delicious meals with minimal effort.
Easy Recipes for Life on the Road
- One-Pan Wonders: One-pan meals are your best friend in a small kitchen. Simply toss your favourite veggies, protein, and sauce in a pan and bake or stir-fry until cooked. For example, try a one-pan lemon herb chicken with roasted vegetables or a sausage and pepper bake with crusty bread. If you pressure cook, it’s quick and hands-free.
- Campfire Feasts: Embrace the campfire cooking experience with foil packet meals, kebabs, and grilled veggies. Try campfire nachos with all the toppings or a hearty campfire stew with crusty bread for dipping.
- Hearty Soups and Stews: Soups and stews are perfect for cooler evenings and can be easily made in a single pot or a soup maker. Lentil soup, chicken noodle soup, and beef stew are all great options.
- Quick and Easy Pasta Dishes: Pasta is a versatile staple that can be transformed into countless delicious meals. Try pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes, creamy mushroom pasta, or a simple tomato and basil sauce. Or, spice things up with a puttanesca or a classic carbonara.
- Creative Salads: Salads are a refreshing and healthy option, and they can be easily customised with your favourite ingredients. Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or nuts for extra protein. Try a Greek salad with feta and olives, a Caprese salad with mozzarella and basil, or a classic Niçoise salad with tuna and boiled eggs.
Kid-Friendly Favourites
- Quesadillas: Quesadillas are a quick and easy crowd-pleaser. Fill them with cheese, beans, veggies, or leftover meat. We have a Crimpet which comes in handy for leftover lunches.
- Pizza Pockets: Use tortillas or pitta bread to create individual pizza pockets filled with your favourite toppings. Similar concept to the Crimpet mentioned above.
- Pasta Salad: Pasta salad is a great way to use up leftover pasta and veggies. Add a simple vinaigrette or a creamy dressing.
- Fruit Kebabs: Fruit kebabs are a fun and healthy snack or dessert. Thread your favourite fruits onto skewers. Kids will enjoy putting these together with you.
Embrace the Adventure of Cooking on the Road
Cooking in a van might require a bit more creativity and flexibility, but it can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Embrace the challenge, experiment with new recipes, and enjoy the delicious rewards of your culinary adventures!
If you’re after a few more tips, here’s another article we wrote a while back.
