Top tips for cooking in a campervan

Tired of beans on toast? Believe it or not, cooking in your campervan can be creative and fun, once you know the tricks of the trade.

Long-term, cooking while camping saves you money and gives you freedom of choice – ideal if you follow a specific diet or budget.

Campervanning is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in nature, spending days and nights beside vast, beautiful lakes, mountain ranges, rolling hills and sandy coastlines.

Dining al fresco, you’ll have the best view in the joint, so why not try it?

Of course, a campervan is an investment, so it’s essential to secure specialist cover before you hit the road – or the supermarket.

Motorhome Protect is here to help. We offer campervan insurance tailored to your needs and vehicle, giving you peace of mind that your home on wheels is protected.

We know what a joy life on the road can be – al fresco meals are one of our favourite perks.

Check out our top tips for cooking in a campervan and get ready to rustle up something yummy!

 

What should I take on the road for campervan cooking?

Before you set off, pack strategically.

Most campervans have a two-ring, gas-powered hob, so try to restrict the number of pots and pans you bring along; one generous pot and one frying pan should be more than enough.

If you want wider range of gourmet options come mealtime, you could also pack a portable barbeque for truly al fresco cooking and tasty chargrilled feasts.

It’s also wise to stock up on the essentials before you venture into unknown territory, as service stations and smaller, local shops will likely stock these at higher prices than supermarkets.

Purchase staples in advance, for example: rice, pasta, coffee, tea bags, cereal, UHT milk, vegetable/olive oil, condiments, dry snacks and seasonings. Store your food securely in airtight containers, stowed away inside cupboards to deter pests.

It’s good to support local businesses, so do your bit by stocking up on fresh fruit and veg from markets and grocers while you’re on the road.

You’ll probably only have access to a small fridge, so don’t over-shop – especially if it needs electricity to function and you’re wild camping.

 

Kitchen utensil checklist

• One pot and one pan
• Chopping board
• Spatula
• Large spoon
• Chopping knife
• Cutlery
• Crockery
• Peeler
• Scissors
• Salad bowl
• Tin opener
• Kitchen towel
• Washing up bowl
• Dish rack
• Tea towels

 

How do I cook in a campervan?

You’re going to have limited space, water, gadgets and gizmos when cooking in a campervan, so keep meals straightforward but delicious.

Aim for dishes that only require two pots/pans (or none at all), with minimal washing up involved.

If possible, keep the doors and windows propped open during cooking, and avoid foods that release strong aromas, unless you’re happy to sleep amidst the smell of last night’s vegetable curry or steamed salmon!

Make sure you’re covered with reliable campervan insurance and check both hobs are switched off after cooking.

 

How do I clean up after cooking in a campervan?

In a campervan, you need to be just as strategic when cleaning up as you are when you’re cooking.

Ever left a used porridge pot sitting around? If you have, you’ll know what a nightmare it is scraping off the leftover remains.

In a campervan you don’t have the luxury of unlimited water, so it’s vital to clean up as you go or straight after eating – soaking entire pans will guzzle up your water supply before you know it.

7 easy clean-up steps

1. As soon as you can, carefully wipe all pots, pans, crockery and cutlery with some kitchen towel, to minimise water usage during washing-up.
2. Fill your washing up bowl with an adequate supply of hot water – using a standalone bowl helps to prevent food from becoming lodged in the pipe, which causes unpleasant odours.
3. While the pot/pan is still warm from use, set to it with washing-up liquid and warm water right away, before the leftovers have time to solidify. After this, give it a quick rinse to clear the last of the residue.
4. Refresh the water if needed and then wash all the dishes and cutlery, starting with the cleanest items first.
5. Drain whatever you can on the dish rack, only using a tea towel on items that won’t fit, such as the frying pan – you don’t want a load of wet tea towels hanging around.
6. Check everything’s completely dry before putting it away – this helps to prevent damp from occurring in your cupboards.
7. If you’re staying on a campsite, dispose of your washing-up water in the approved area. If you’re camping out in the wild, make sure you choose somewhere environmentally-appropriate, as you don’t want to harm the natural ecosystem.

 

Easy meal ideas

A nifty way to save time, money, water and effort is to cook dishes that create leftovers.

For breakfast, why not whip up a frittata, blueberry pancakes or some French toast? Mezze style lunches and fresh, inventive salads are enjoyable around the midday mark, while in the evening, one-pot/pan meals such as chilli, stir-fries, risottos and pasta dishes are sure-fire crowd-pleasers, with seconds left over for the following night.

Nothing beats a tasty barbeque, so if you’re able to fire yours up, you could source some local produce and treat yourself a few times during your trip.

 

Protect against risks with campervan insurance

Campervans offer unbeatable experiences and timeless memories – they’re well worth the investment.

Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends or with family, campervans are a fantastic way to take in fresh sights, sounds and places, meet new people and, of course, dine al fresco.

It’s important to protect your prized possession with reliable campervan insurance, as you never know what’s around the corner. Theft, road traffic accidents and vehicular damage can all be costly so don’t take the risk.

Motorhome Protect provides reliable campervan insurance that fits around you and your budget, including benefits such as 365 days cover per year – you’ll be in safe hands with us.

Hit the road headache free – get a quote today.