Overland Food

Hearty Camper Van & Camping Recipes

When traveling, the goal is to maximize flavor while minimizing fuel consumption and dishwashing. These five recipes rely on one-pot methods and shelf-stable ingredients that require little to no refrigeration.

1. Van-Life Smoky Bean & Sausage Stew

A warming, protein-packed meal that uses tinned staples for a rich, smoky finish.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 tin kidney beans,
  • 1 tin chopped tomatoes,
  • 1 pack shelf-stable sausages (or chorizo),
  • 1 onion, 1 tbsp smoked paprika,
  • 1 stock cube.
• Instructions:

1. Slice sausages and onion; fry in a deep pan until browned.
2. Stir in smoked paprika for 30 seconds to release the aroma.
3. Add tomatoes and drained beans.
4. Crumble in the stock cube with a splash of water.
5. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thick. Serve with crusty bread.

2. Sweet Potato & Chickpea Peanut Stew

A savory, West African-inspired dish. The peanut butter adds healthy fats that keep you full for hours.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 large sweet potato,
  • 1 tin chickpeas,
  • 1 tin chopped tomatoes,
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter,
  • 1 tsp curry powder.
• Instructions:

1. Peel and small-cube the sweet potato (smaller pieces cook faster).
2. Boil in a small amount of water or stock until tender (approx. 10 mins).
3. Add tomatoes, drained chickpeas, and spices.
4. Stir in peanut butter until melted and creamy.
5. Simmer for 5 more minutes.

3. One-Pan Pantry Pasta Puttanesca

The ultimate "under-the-seat" meal. Almost everything comes from a jar or tin.

• Ingredients:
  • Spaghetti,
  • 1 small jar olives,
  • 1 tin tuna,
  • 1 tin chopped tomatoes (or passata),
  • garlic powder,
  • chili flakes.
• Instructions:

1. Boil pasta in salted water (use just enough water to cover it to save fuel).
2. Two minutes before the pasta is done, add tomatoes, olives, and tuna directly into the pot.
3. Stir over heat until the sauce is hot and the pasta is al dente.
4. Season with plenty of black pepper.

4. Red Lentil & Coconut "Dump" Dhal

Lentils are lightweight and don't require soaking, making them the "king" of camping food.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup red split lentils,
  • 1 tin coconut milk,
  • 1 onion,
  • 2 tbsp curry powder,
  • 1 stock cube.
• Instructions:

1. Fry diced onion until soft.
2. Add lentils, coconut milk, and one "tin-full" of water.
3. Stir in curry powder and stock cube.
4. Simmer on low for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a thick, porridge-like consistency.

5. Cheesy Campfire Mash & Sausage Skillet

The ultimate comfort food. Using instant flakes makes this a high-energy meal in under 10 minutes.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pack instant mashed potato,
  • 1 tin peas or corn,
  • 1 pack shelf-stable sausages,
  • 1 block hard cheddar (lasts well without a fridge),
  • gravy granules.
• Instructions:

1. Fry sausages in a pan until cooked; set aside.
2. In the same pan, prepare instant mash according to the packet instructions.
3. Stir in the veg and a handful of grated cheese.
4. Top with sausages and a splash of thick gravy.

---

Essential Pantry Staples for Adventures

Keep these items in your "dry box" for reliable, easy meals anywhere:

Category	Ingredients	Why It's Great
Proteins	Tinned tuna/mackerel, Chickpeas, Red split lentils, Shelf-stable sausages (chorizo/salami)	No refrigeration needed; high protein for hiking energy.
Carbs	Quick-cook pasta, Instant mash, Couscous, Rice noodles	Couscous and rice noodles only require soaking in boiled water (saves gas).
Base Flavors	Stock cubes, Garlic powder, Smoked paprika, Soy sauce packets, Coconut milk	Small but powerful ways to transform bland ingredients.
Vegetables	Sweet potatoes, Onions, Tinned tomatoes, Tinned sweetcorn	Sweet potatoes and onions last for weeks in a cool, dark cupboard.
Extras	Peanut butter, Olive oil, Gravy granules, Hard cheeses	High-calorie fats that provide long-burning fuel.