Cooking Tips for Campervan and Motorhome Travel

Cooking on the road in a campervan or motorhome presents a unique blend of challenges and joys. I should know having just returned from a month exploring France in our motorhome with five hungry mouths to feed! Preparing your meals allows you to save money, eat healthier, and enjoy customised dishes suited to your dietary needs. As a registered dietitian, I understand the importance of balanced nutrition, even when travelling. This guide offers practical cooking tips, space-saving strategies, and easy-to-follow recipes to make your campervan culinary adventures both delicious and nutritious.

Planning Meals for the Road

Cooking in a campervan requires a bit of planning, especially when space and resources are limited. A well-thought-out meal plan ensures you enjoy tasty, balanced meals without the hassle of frequent grocery stops.

1. Create a Simple and Nutritious Meal Plan

When planning meals for a campervan trip, aim for simplicity without compromising nutrition:

• Opt for Balanced Meals: Include a mix of lean proteins, whole grains, and fresh vegetables in your meal plans to keep energy levels up. Consider trying my High Protein, High Fibre Breakfast for a filling start to your day.
• Include Easy-to-Prepare Dishes: Choose recipes that require minimal ingredients and time, such as my 5-Ingredient Dinner, which is perfect for a quick, healthy meal on the road.
• Plan for Versatile Meals: Aim to use ingredients that work well across multiple dishes. For example, vegetables used in a salad can also be grilled for a side dish.

2. Shop Smart and Choose Versatile, Healthy Ingredients

Efficient shopping is crucial when travelling in a campervan:

• Focus on Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: Stock up on whole grains, canned beans, fresh and frozen vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, and seeds. These items provide essential nutrients and are versatile for various meals.
• Include Long-Lasting Fresh Produce: Vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes, along with fruits like apples and oranges, can last longer without refrigeration.
• Don’t Forget the Snacks: Prepare healthy snacks that are easy to grab, such as nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. My Colourful Overnight Oats is a great snack or breakfast that can be made ahead of time.

3. Prep Ahead for Convenience and Health

A little preparation goes a long way in making cooking on the road more manageable:

• Pre-Chop Vegetables and Marinate Proteins: Preparing these items at home can save time and reduce mess while travelling.
• Make Use of Freezer Space: If your campervan has a freezer, consider preparing and freezing meals in advance. Items like soups, stews, or my Vegetarian Pasta can be cooked ahead and reheated later.
• Pack Pre-Portioned Ingredients: Store pre-measured portions of grains, spices, and condiments to save space and reduce cooking time.

Efficient Use of Space and Equipment

Space is always at a premium in a campervan, so efficient use of cooking equipment and storage is key.

1. Choose the Right Cooking Equipment for Healthy Meals

Select versatile, compact cooking equipment that allows you to prepare a variety of meals:

• Compact Stove or Portable Grill: A two-burner stove and a portable grill are great for most cooking needs, from boiling to grilling.
• Multi-Purpose Cookware: A deep skillet can double as a pot for boiling or frying. A grill pan can serve as a BBQ alternative.
• Essential Utensils: A good knife, chopping board, spatula, tongs, and a few measuring spoons are must-haves for any campervan kitchen.

2. Maximise Limited Storage Space with Nutritious Foods

Efficient storage helps keep your kitchen organised and ensures you always have healthy ingredients on hand:

• Stackable and Collapsible Containers: Use stackable containers for dry goods and collapsible pots to save space.
• Magnetic Spice Racks: Keep spices and seasonings handy without taking up counter space.
• Hanging Organisers: Make use of vertical space for storing fruits, vegetables, or kitchen gadgets.

3. Use Multi-Purpose Tools and Appliances for Healthy Cooking

Multi-functional tools save space and increase cooking options:

• Pressure Cooker or Slow Cooker: Great for making soups, stews, or my Cheesey Pasta, these appliances can cook meals while you drive.
• Grill Pan or Sandwich Maker: These can be used for grilling vegetables or making all sorts of toasties.

Easy and Nutritious Campervan Recipes

Cooking delicious meals in a campervan can be simple and healthy with the right recipes.

1. One-Pot Wonders for Balanced Meals

One-pot recipes are ideal for campervans, requiring minimal cooking space and equipment:

• Healthy Stews and Curries: Try making a hearty lentil stew or vegetable curry with spices. Check out my Healthy Paneer Korma for a simple, balanced option.
• Pasta Dishes: A one-pot pasta with vegetables and lean proteins can be both filling and nutritious. My Pepper and Smoked Almond Pasta is a great example of an easy, healthy option.

2. No-Cook and Quick-Cook Healthy Options

Quick, no-cook options are perfect for days when you want a break from cooking:

• Salads and Wraps: Fresh salads with beans, grains, and plenty of colourful vegetables are nutritious and easy to assemble. My Colourful Overnight Oats can also be adapted into a parfait for lunch.
• Nutritious Snacks: Snacks like hummus with vegetable sticks or my High Protein, High Fibre Breakfast idea can be pre-prepared and enjoyed on the go.

3. Grill and BBQ Favourites Packed with Nutrition

Grilling is an excellent way to enjoy healthy, tasty meals:

• Grilled Veggie Skewers and Lean Proteins: Marinate vegetables and lean meats ahead of time for quick grilling. My 2-Ingredient Pizza Dough is also great when cooked on a BBQ.

For more recipe inspiration, check out the full range of recipes on my Orla Walsh Nutrition recipes page.

Tips for Cooking on the Go

Cooking in a small space can present unique challenges, but these tips can help.

1. Safety First: Cooking Healthy Meals in a Confined Space

• Ensure Proper Ventilation: Always cook with proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide build-up.
• Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy: A compact fire extinguisher is essential for any campervan kitchen.

2. Minimise Cooking Odours and Grease for a Healthy Environment

• Use Lids and Vent Fans: Contain cooking smells by using lids on pots and running vent fans or cooking outside.
• Clean Up Immediately: Avoid grease build-up by cleaning pots, pans, and utensils right after cooking.

3. Quick Clean-Up Hacks for Healthy Cooking

• Use Biodegradable Wipes and Eco-Friendly Soap: Ensure cleaning products are safe for the environment.
• Minimise Dishes: Cook one-pot meals and serve on reusable plates to reduce washing.

Storing Food Safely in a Campervan

Keeping food fresh and safe to eat is crucial while travelling.

1. Make the Most of Your Fridge and Cooler Space with Fresh Produce

• Store Perishables Wisely: Keep items like dairy, meats, and prepared foods at the back of the fridge where it is coldest.
• Use Organiser Bins: Keep similar items together to easily find what you need without wasting energy by leaving the fridge open.

2. Understanding Food Safety While Travelling

• Keep an Eye on Temperatures: A fridge thermometer helps ensure food is stored safely.
• Separate Raw and Cooked Foods: Prevent cross-contamination by using sealed containers for raw and cooked foods.

3. Long-Lasting Nutritious Food Options for the Road

• Shelf-Stable Proteins: Canned beans, chickpeas, tuna, and nuts provide excellent sources of protein that don’t require refrigeration.
• Healthy Grains and Snacks: Whole grain pasta, brown rice, quinoa, and oats are easy to store and versatile for many meals.

Cooking for Special Diets and Preferences

Accommodating dietary needs while on the road can be simple with some planning.

1. Accommodating Different Diets on the Road with Healthy Choices

• Plan Meals Around Dietary Restrictions: Whether it’s gluten-free or vegan, pre-plan meals to avoid scrambling for options.

2. Kid-Friendly, Nutritious Campervan Meals

• Meals for Picky Eaters: Simple dishes like wraps, pasta, and build-your-own salad bowls can be tailored to individual tastes. My Cheesey Pasta is a hit with kids!

3. Quick, Healthy Snacks and Beverages

• Portable Snacks: Keep items like nuts, dried fruit, and granola bars handy for easy snacking.

Conclusion

Planning and preparing healthy, balanced meals while on the road in a campervan is both achievable and rewarding. With a bit of preparation, the right tools, and a variety of dietitian-approved recipes, you can enjoy nutritious, delicious meals that fuel your adventures and keep you feeling great. Don’t hesitate to explore the recipes linked in this article, as well as the full range of recipes on my Orla Walsh Nutrition recipes page, to make your campervan cooking experience enjoyable and healthful.

FAQs:

1. What are the best cooking appliances for a campervan kitchen that support healthy eating?
   Some of the best cooking appliances for a campervan kitchen include a compact stove, portable grill, slow cooker, and a multi-purpose pressure cooker. These appliances help prepare a variety of healthy meals without taking up too much space.
2. How can I keep food fresh in a campervan with limited fridge space?
   To keep food fresh in a campervan with limited fridge space, organise your fridge efficiently by using stackable containers, placing perishables in the coldest part, and using fridge thermometers to maintain the correct temperature. Plan meals that use fresh produce early in the trip and opt for long-lasting foods later.
3. What are some easy and healthy recipes for cooking in a motorhome?
   Easy and healthy recipes for a motorhome include one-pot meals like stews, curries, and pasta dishes. Try my 5-Ingredient Dinner for a quick, nutritious option or Vegetarian Pasta for a balanced meal.
4. How do I manage food waste and storage on the road while keeping it healthy?
   Minimise food waste by planning meals in advance, using leftovers creatively, and storing food properly. Keep a mix of fresh, frozen, and canned foods to ensure you always have healthy options available.
5. What are some must-have ingredients for nutritious campervan cooking?
   Must-have ingredients for campervan cooking include whole grains (like quinoa and brown rice), canned beans, fresh and frozen vegetables, nuts, seeds, and healthy oils. These ingredients are versatile, nutritious, and easy to store.
6. How can I cook safely in a small campervan kitchen?
   To cook safely in a small campervan kitchen, ensure proper ventilation, keep a fire extinguisher handy, use lids on pots and pans, and clean up spills immediately to prevent accidents.
7. Are there any no-cook, healthy meal ideas for campervan trips?
   No-cook meal ideas include salads, wraps, fruit parfaits, and overnight oats. My Colourful Overnight Oats is an excellent option that’s quick to prepare and packed with nutrients.
8. How do I accommodate special diets while travelling in a campervan?
   Accommodate special diets by planning meals that cater to specific dietary needs, bringing along pre-made mixes or specific ingredients, and preparing versatile recipes like my 2-Ingredient Pizza Dough that can be customised for different preferences.
9. What healthy snacks are best for long campervan journeys?
   Healthy snacks for long campervan journeys include nuts, seeds, dried fruits, fresh vegetables with hummus, whole-grain crackers, and granola bars.
10. What are the essential clean-up supplies for maintaining a healthy campervan kitchen?
    Essential clean-up supplies for a campervan kitchen include biodegradable wipes, eco-friendly dish soap, collapsible dish racks, and reusable cloths or sponges.