Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city, and entering into the core of nature, is amazing, but camping requires good planning when it comes to eating. Be it to the mountains or a serene lakeside, proper food and preparation accessories will make the critical difference. Imagine being surrounded by the vastness of nature with a star-studded sky and food smelling fresh from the stove. For this to become a reality, one needs not only to be equipped with all the necessary ingredients but also the right items. This obviously calls for a little thought on food items that are anything but tinned beans and marshmallows for the Indian camper. You want meals that will not only be easy to prepare but comfort food that is also reassuringly familiar.
Cooking Essentials
Portable Gas Stove
A good portable gas stove you can count on will be needed. This enables the cooking of food to be done speedily and efficiently no matter where camp is pitched in the wilds. Look for a compact and lightweight model that is easy to carry around. An alternative to a portable gas stove is a butane burner, offering a bit more portability and ease of use.
Buy a set of light, compact, stackable camp cookware. A small pressure cooker can be your ultimate saviour in which you may cook dal, rice, or some quick meal with very little effort. Along with that, carry on a frying pan, a small kadhai, and some primary utensils like a spatala and serving spoon.
Spices and Condiments
Don't forget your essential spices! A small spice box containing turmeric, cumin, coriander powder, and garam masala will add a kick to any meal. Salt, pepper, and a few sachets of ready-made masala mixes will also be handy to have. Pack in small containers of ghee or oil for cooking, a few lemons, and some tamarind paste for flavour.
Water and Storage
Always pack plenty of drinking water but don't forget the water needed for cooking and cleaning. If you're camping near a fresh source of water, then you might find a portable water filter to be a lifesaver. Also, do not forget a few airtight containers or zip-lock bags in which to store leftovers or prepped ingredients.
Cleaning Supplies
Keep a clean cooking area with the addition of all-natural biodegradable dish soap, a scrubber. Wet wipes and paper towels also come in handy for cleaning up in a jiffy. Remember, Leave No Trace does mean to leave no trace.
Food Items
Ready-to-Eat Meals
Pack a few ready-to-eat Indian foods like poha, upma, or instant noodles for convenience and ease. They are light on weight, easy to prepare, and remind one of home comfort. Many brands have a wide range of food items that require only boiling water.
Dry Snacks and Breads
Snack dry items like namkeen, roasted chana, or khakra to satiate quick bites. Prepare parathas or rotis in advance and wrap them in foil to keep them fresh. Even better would be instant dosa or idli mixes to keep your stomach full until breakfast.
Grains and Pulses
Rice and lentils are versatile staples and very easy to cook even outdoors. Bring small quantities of basmati rice and moong dal, which cooks faster. These can then be easily paired with ready-made masalas for dishes as simple as khichdi or dal-chawal.
Vegetables-Fresh and Canned
Pre-chopped and pre-cooked vegetables, like boiled potatoes, carrots, and peas, will save the day when one is in a hurry. Store a few cans of vegetables like corn or beans that one can casually throw into a curry or pulao.
Sweets and Beverages
To round off your meal, pack a few Indian sweets like ladoos or halwa; they can increase your energy levels after a long and tedious hike. Also, carry tea bags, instant coffee, and a small thermos for hot beverages.