Cooking in a van : recipes and tips for delicious meals on a road trip

Traveling in a camper van means the freedom to explore new landscapes while enjoying the pleasure of cooking in the great outdoors. However, with limited space and restricted equipment, good organization is essential to prepare tasty and practical meals. Whether you're on a road trip in France or elsewhere, there are many tips to optimize your van kitchen and prepare simple, balanced, and delicious dishes.

In this article, discover easy meal ideas to cook in a van, along with advice on how to equip yourself properly and manage your provisions while traveling.

Getting the right equipment for cooking in a camper van

When traveling in a camper van, having the right equipment is crucial for easy cooking, even in a limited space. Well-chosen gear saves time, optimizes space, and ensures balanced meals without hassle. Here are the essential utensils and staple ingredients to always have on hand for a successful van cooking experience.

Essential utensils

In a van, every accessory should be practical, compact, and versatile. It’s important to choose utensils that allow you to cook various types of meals while taking up minimal space. Here are the must-haves for your mobile kitchen:

• A multifunctional frying pan: Perfect for cooking meat, vegetables, omelets, and stews.
• A sharp knife and a cutting board: Essential for quick and safe preparation.
• Airtight containers: Useful for storing and preserving food while preventing waste.
• A gas stove or an induction hob: Depending on your van’s setup, these ensure autonomous and quick cooking.

Basic ingredients to always have on hand

During a van road trip, it’s essential to have food that is easy to store, versatile, and suitable for mobile meals. To limit grocery trips and avoid waste, prioritize ingredients that pair well together and allow for different meal combinations.

• Olive oil, salt, pepper, and spices: Essential for enhancing dishes.
• Seasonal vegetables: Practical and easy to cook in various ways (stir-fried, in salads, or soups).
• Potatoes and pasta: Perfect for filling and varied meals.
• Eggs and canned goods (tuna, red beans, peeled tomatoes, etc.): Long shelf life and quick cooking.

Optimizing storage space

Organizing your van kitchen is key to cooking comfortably while keeping things tidy. Every square inch counts, so it’s essential to use stackable, transparent containers that allow you to see their contents at a glance and maximize cupboard space. To reduce clutter, foldable utensils like strainers, saucepans, and silicone bowls are excellent solutions.

One of the best ways to save space is to compress food in vacuum-sealed bags, which not only extend shelf life but also optimize storage. Smart organization also includes using hanging storage nets for fruits, bread, or spices without overcrowding the cupboards.

Lastly, good meal planning in advance helps avoid accumulating unnecessary ingredients and ensures everything is consumed on time. By purchasing versatile products and organizing meals ahead of time, cooking in a van becomes easier while minimizing waste and clutter.

Our van meal ideas, simple and delicious recipes !

When traveling in a van, cooking should remain a pleasure, even with limited space and equipment. The trick is to opt for easy, quick-to-prepare recipes that require few utensils. Here are three perfect dishes to enjoy van life while combining simplicity and authentic flavors.

Recipe 1 : Roasted vegetables and potatoes in an omnia oven

This colorful and flavorful dish is ideal for a comforting dinner after a long day on the road. Slowly roasted vegetables develop a caramelized taste, bringing out their full flavors when cooked in an Omnia oven or a frying pan.

Ingredients :

• 4 medium potatoes
• 2 zucchinis
• 1 red bell pepper
• 2 carrots
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, pepper, Herbes de Provence

Preparation :

1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash the potatoes thoroughly and cut them into small wedges without peeling them to retain nutrients and natural crispiness. Cut the zucchinis and bell pepper into medium pieces, and slice the carrots into thin rounds.
2. Season and mix: In a large bowl, mix all the vegetables with olive oil, Herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper. To coat each piece evenly, use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix thoroughly.
3. Cooking in an Omnia oven: Place the vegetables in the preheated Omnia oven and cook over medium heat for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
4. Alternative pan cooking: If you don’t have an Omnia oven, use a frying pan with a lid. Sauté the vegetables over high heat for 5 minutes, then lower the heat, cover, and let simmer for 25 minutes, stirring regularly.

Tip ! For an extra touch of indulgence, add some goat cheese or feta 5 minutes before the end of cooking. A real treat !

Recipe 2 : Chicken and vegetable stirfFry with spices

A complete, balanced, and quick-to-prepare dish, perfect for an energy-boosting meal before a day of exploring. Cooking in a pan keeps the chicken tender while delicately infusing the vegetables with spices.

Ingredients :

• 2 chicken fillets
• 1 onion
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 zucchini
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• Salt and pepper

Preparation :

1. Cut the ingredients: Slice the chicken fillets into thin strips for quick cooking. Finely chop the onion and dice the bell pepper and zucchini.
2. Sauté the chicken: In a large hot pan, add a tablespoon of olive oil and the chicken strips. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, turning them regularly until golden while remaining tender inside.
3. Add the vegetables: Stir in the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Then add the bell pepper and zucchini, mixing well. Let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Season and enhance: Sprinkle with curry powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the spices evenly coat the chicken and vegetables. Let simmer for another 5 minutes over low heat for a well-developed flavor.

Tip ! Serve this stir-fry with rice, quinoa, or sautéed potatoes for an even more filling and nutritious meal.

Recipe 3: Comforting soup for chilly evenings

When temperatures drop at the end of the day, nothing beats a hot and nourishing soup to warm up. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for a light and healthy van dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of water
• 3 carrots
• 2 potatoes
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 vegetable bouillon cube
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Preparation:

1. Prepare the vegetables: Peel the carrots and potatoes, then cut them into small pieces for faster cooking. Finely chop the celery stalk to release its subtle flavor into the soup.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and add the vegetables. Sauté for 5 minutes over medium heat to bring out their aromas.
3. Add water and bouillon: Pour 1 liter of water into the pot, then add a vegetable bouillon cube for flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 20 minutes. Check if the vegetables are tender by piercing them with a fork.
5. Blend or leave chunky: Depending on your preference, you can blend the soup for a creamy texture or leave it as-is for a rustic version.

Tip ! For an extra indulgent soup, add a touch of fresh cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking. You can also sprinkle pumpkin seeds or homemade croutons for some crunch.

Tips for optimizing van cooking

When traveling in a camper van, adopting smart habits is essential to save time, conserve resources, and make cooking more enjoyable. Here are some tips to help you cook with ease, even in a small space.

Choose meals that require minimal cooking

One of the challenges of van life is managing gas or electricity. To avoid consuming too many resources, prioritize quick recipes such as vegetable stir-fries, one-pot meals, or composed salads. A great trick is to precook certain foods (rice, pasta, potatoes) in advance and simply reheat them at mealtime.

Favor one-pan cooking

Fewer utensils = less dishwashing! Opt for recipes that can be prepared in a single pan, such as woks, stews, or stuffed omelets. A large multifunctional frying pan allows you to cook several ingredients at the same time without cluttering your kitchen space.

Adapt to the seasons to vary your meals

In summer, focus on fresh and light meals like vegetable salads, wraps, or cold dishes with chickpeas and tuna. In winter, opt for more comforting meals such as homemade soups, roasted vegetable stir-fries, or slow-cooked dishes. The advantage? You tailor your diet to seasonal products, which are often tastier and more affordable.

Manage water and waste responsibly

Water is a precious resource in a van! To avoid waste, wash your vegetables with a spray bottle instead of a large bowl, reuse cooking water for dishwashing, and choose an eco-friendly brush instead of a traditional sponge that retains too much water. Also, make sure to sort your waste and use a biodegradable bag to transport peels and scraps to a compost site.

Keep a stock of long-shelf-life foods

Having a supply of dry goods will save you if you're far from a supermarket. Always keep essentials in your pantry such as rice, pasta, lentils, canned tuna, preserved vegetables, and a few spices. These will allow you to prepare meals quickly without relying on grocery stores.

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FAQ

How can I cook in a van with minimal equipment ?

To cook easily in a van, prioritize multifunctional utensils like a frying pan, a gas stove, and airtight containers for storing ingredients. Choose simple meals that require little cooking, such as stir-fries or composed salads.

What are the best quick meals for traveling ?

Ideal van recipes are those that require little time and few utensils. Must-tries include stuffed wraps, chicken and vegetable stir-fries, homemade soups, and complete salads. These meals are both balanced, tasty, and easy to prepare.

How can I optimize storage space in a camper van kitchen ?

The trick is to use every inch wisely! Opt for stackable boxes, vacuum-sealed bags to compress food, and hanging nets for fruits and bread. Also, consider foldable utensils and magnetic storage solutions to maximize space.

What are some ways to cook in a van without using too much gas ?

Prioritize one-pan meals like stir-fries and stews. You can also precook ingredients such as rice or potatoes before your trip and reheat them later. Using an Omnia oven is another great way to cook efficiently while conserving energy.

How can I keep food fresh on a road trip ?

Opt for long-lasting foods like canned goods, dried fruits, and pasta. For fresh items, use a van fridge or cooler, store them in airtight containers, and wrap herbs in damp paper towels to extend their shelf life.