How to cook while camping?

Cooking while camping can be a fun and rewarding experience, even if it requires a little planning and organization. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a beginner, knowing how to properly equip your mobile kitchen, plan your meals, and manage your resources is essential. Here's a comprehensive guide to camping cooking, with practical tips and recipe ideas.

Cooking equipment for camping

To cook effectively while camping, it's important to have the right equipment. Here's a list of essentials:

Camping Stove: Choose a portable gas or alcohol stove for fast and efficient cooking. The Disco Series iKamper lets you prepare delicious meals wherever you are. Whether camping or at home.

You can learn more about the Disco Series in this blog: “ The Perfect Portable Stove .”

Kitchen Utensils: A set of lightweight pots and pans, sharp knives, a cutting board, wooden spoons, a spatula, and tongs.

Basic equipment: Bowls, plates, cups, cutlery and tumblers made of durable materials.

Food Storage: Airtight containers, reusable bags, and freezer bags to store your food.

Cleaning: Sponge, biodegradable soap, dishcloths and a collapsible basin for dishes.

Shopping List for an Efficient Camping Kitchen

The key to successful camping cooking is good grocery planning. Here are some suggestions:

Dry ingredients: Rice, pasta, couscous, quinoa, oatmeal.

Protein: Cans of tuna, canned beans, lentils, nuts and seeds.

Vegetables: Canned or jarred vegetables, root vegetables (carrots, potatoes), long-life fresh vegetables (peppers, zucchini).

Fruits: Long-life fresh fruits (apples, oranges), dried fruits (raisins, apricots).

Condiments: Salt, pepper, various spices, olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce.

Miscellaneous: Bread, tortillas, cheese, eggs, powdered milk, coffee, tea.

For total efficiency and hassle-free preparation, we suggest freeze-dried rations from the Tactical Foodpack brand . They are available for breakfast, meals, and soups in many different flavors.

You will learn more with our previous article on the subject: “ Freeze-dried Rations ".

Easy Camping Recipes

Here are some ideas for simple and tasty recipes to prepare while camping:

Pasta with tomato sauce: Cook pasta, add ready-made tomato sauce, herbs and chopped vegetables.

Tuna Wraps: Mix canned tuna with corn, kidney beans, mayonnaise, and spices, then fill tortillas.

Quinoa Salad: Cook quinoa, add fresh vegetables, chickpeas, herbs, and a simple dressing.

Vegetable Omelette: Beat eggs with chopped vegetables, cook in a pan with a little oil.

Outdoor Cooking Tips

For successful outdoor cooking, follow these tips:

Prepare ahead: Cut and prepare your ingredients before you leave to save time on site.

Organize your space: Create a clean and tidy cooking area, with everything you need within easy reach.

Use spices: Spices can transform simple dishes into flavorful meals. Pack an assortment of your favorite spices.

Minimize waste: Use reusable containers and take your waste with you for proper disposal.

Camping Food Storage Tips

Food preservation while camping is crucial to avoid foodborne illness:

Use coolers: Keep your perishable foods cool in a cooler with ice packs.

Vacuum pack: Vacuum-sealed food lasts longer and is protected from the elements.

Opt for canned goods : Canned foods are convenient and have a long shelf life.

Consume first: Eat the most perishable foods first.

Storage is important. At Avendoor, we offer three coolers that are ideal for your on-the-go needs: the Dometic CCF 35 electric cooler , the CCF 45 electric cooler , and the Ecoflow portable cordless refrigerator.

Techniques for finding water while camping for cooking

Water is essential for camping cooking. Here's how to find it:

Rivers and lakes: Use a portable water filter or purification tablets to make the water safe to drink.

Natural Springs: Look for drinking water sources marked on hiking maps.

Rainwater Harvesting: If the weather permits, install a rainwater harvesting system.

Managing water supply in campsites

For efficient water management:

Bring tanks: Bring jerry cans or water tanks to store drinking water.

Ration water: Use water sparingly, especially if you are far from a supply point.

Recycle water: Use cooled cooking water for cleaning or watering plants (without detergent).

You can easily store up to 11L of water with the Dometic Hydration Water Jug 11L - Water Tank . It can be equipped with the matching Dometic touch tap for added comfort and ease of use.

By following these tips and planning carefully, you can make your camping or van cooking experience an enjoyable and memorable one. Enjoy your meal and happy camping!