I love to cook, always have and hopefully always will. But when I moved into a van, I knew that my cooking style and habits may need to change a bit. For starters, the less pots and pans used, the better; cleaning dishes in my tiny sink is not ideal. I also wanted to limit the number of ingredients I’d keep on hand since we only have so much room to store them. And finally, I wanted to prepare relatively easy meals, but were still full of flavor. I’m a bit of a foodie- pasta with sauce wouldn’t cut it for most nights. Now that it’s been over a year of living in the van, my cooking game is strong. So now, I’d like to share with y’all what I’ve learned! I’ll be reviewing my favorite gadgets, what key ingredients I keep on hand, and a few of my favorite recipes.
My recipes are all vegetarian because for one, the healthy of our planet and two, I don’t like to cook meat in the van. I’m worried about contaminating our space and let’s face it, chicken juice would be really nasty if it spilled inside. Plus, as I mentioned before, doing the dishes isn’t the easiest job, especially without hot water. So I just tend to steer clear of buying raw meat. Already cooked chicken, now that’s a win, and super simple to add to meals that need some extra protein. My recipes are also designed to reduce the amount of trash that is made from cooking. I’ll write about how we deal with our trash in a future blog post.
Before I go any further, I’d like to explain that cooking in a tight space is not easy. It can be! But you will most likely run into a few issues. Not enough counter space, getting too hot and stuffy in your cooking quarters, spills, not having the right equipment… the list could go on. Even for me, someone I would describe as a fairly accomplished cook, there have been a lot of trying moments in my van “kitchen”. So my advice is this: go easy on yourself! Take it slow, don’t try fancy new recipes, and stick to what you know. Or, try out some of my recipes that are guaranteed to taste good and can typically be a one-pot meal. Scroll down to get the recipes.
Alright now let's dig in! (pun intended)
FAVORITE GADGETS & TOOLS
The list of all necessary and neat tools could get very lengthy, so I decided to shorten it to just my favorite gadgets and tools, some that are absolutely needed and some that just make life easier. I’ll let you decide which are which. 😉
Aluminum spork: Go for items that serve a double purpose. I love my spork (yes I said it) because it doubles as my cooking and eating utensil. It’s not the best for stir frying (though it works if you don’t have anything else or don’t feel like washing anything extra), but will work in a pinch for stirring pasta, flipping items on the grill, etc.). BONUS: Keep it in your purse or pocket when eating out at fast-casual restaurants so to avoid using single-use plastic utensils.
Cast iron griddle: This thing is amazing! I just place it directly on top of our stove that has two burners, put em on low, and this beast heats up beautifully. I use it for pancakes, grilled sandwiches, bacon and eggs, anything that I would use a big skillet for. I actually don't have a skillet because I didn't think it too necessary. Between the Dutch oven and this baby, we've got all we need.
Jet Boil with coffee attachment: Jet Boils, or similar style equipment, are awesome for heating up water in a flash. I originally bought mine for backpacking, but I absolutely love to make coffee in it no matter where I am. It’s so easy and quick. If you already have a Jet Boil, you can buy the coffee filter attachment separately; it's not expensive and so worth it.
Stasher silicone baggies:Great for storing food, or using as a bowl if you're in a pinch. I practice low-waste living, so plastic baggies are out for me. But I can't deny their usefulness. Silicone baggies are a great alternative since they last wayyyy longer and are easy to clean.
Collapsible pots and bowls: Perfect for saving space, which is always something to strive for. The Sea to Summit brand are especially nice since they're lightweight.
Silicone cooking utensils: I love using silicone to cook with since it is heat resistant and doesn't melt, so no icky plastic bits ending up in your food.
ITEMS TO KEEP IN STOCK
Freeze-dried coconut or almond milk: Perfect for coffee or when you need creaminess stat. I like this brand.
Spice kits: I make spice kits to complement different meals (asian, bbq, mexican, italian, indian, etc. whatever you fancy). I made them at my house before going on the trip; now I buy already made blends, like this Thai one from the Spice Hunter.
Broth cubes: Easily liven up your soups, curries, and sauces.
Garlic and onion powder: When in need of more flavor fast, add both of these.
Sesame oil: Great for Asian dishes, and adds a nice flavor to salad dressing. Be careful, a little goes a long way!
Tomato sauce: But not just any sauce. Rao’s Homemade is the best. No joke. I always keep one on hand for simple (or fancy!) pasta meals.
TASTY & EASY MEALS FOR VAN/RV/CAMPSITE LIVING
Quinoa enchilada bake: Just a few key ingredients- quinoa, enchilada sauce, black beans, and cheese, plus any veggies or meat you feel like adding. It’s a healthy and spicy dish, depending on how much cheese you add ;). This is great in a bowl or wrapped in a tortilla.
Polenta lasagna: I’ve been making this dish for at least a decade and I always pass it on.
Coconut curry noodle soup: Super flavorful and tastes like you got it at a legit Thai restaurant.
Chickpeas in curried tomato sauce: Easy Indian dish that pairs wonderfully with coconut rice.
Coconut rice: My most favorite way to prepare rice.
Auntie Ali’s 10 vegetable soup: I promise, this is the BEST vegetable soup you will ever have! Bonus: it’s vegan and super healthy. Note: this soup is best blended, so I would only attempt if you have an inversion blender (stick blender) to use, or a Ninja/some kind of blender.
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BACK-UP MEALS
Yogurt with granola and fruit: No cooking required, but oh so tasty. If you haven’t tried coco-nola (that is, granola made with dried coconut instead of oats), get it now. It’s sooo tasty and a refreshing change from traditional granola. Plus, it’s gluten-free for those that have a gluten intolerance or sensitivity! I like this brand.
Freeze-dried backpacking meals: Head to REI or buy online. My favorite is
Mountain House Pasta Primavera & any of their egg/hash ones (seriously, don’t be scared of the
freeze-dried eggs. They come out so good!). I also like Backpacker’s Pantry Pad Thai.
PB&J sandwich: An oldie but a goodie. Another no-cooking meal.
Granola or protein bars: Keep your favorites in stock as back-up “meals” for when you’re really in
a bind and need something in your belly stat.
THAT'S ALL FOLKS!
Thanks for reading 😊
***A list of my favorite VanLife Essentials
Going to try your COCONUT CURRY NOODLE SOUP tonight ! :)
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