I love camping. When I have few days off work, I try to go somewhere, set up my tent, make a fire and relax. When I am alone, food is not a problem – I simply take whatever I like and can be cooked on a campfire or a stove. But things become more complicated when other, non-vegan campers are involved. How will we make our meals? Will they be ok with eating plant-based food? Should I prepare separate dishes?
Over the last several months, I learned that everything is possible, when it comes to sharing food. It just takes a little bit of good will and creativity. So, when you are planning to go camping with non-vegan friends, prepare to propose some meal ideas, try to find food that people usually eat without thinking that it’s plant-based – and have some extra snacks, just in case!
Oatmeal is always a good breakfast staple. You can prepare individual servings (just pour everything into ziplock bags) with quick oats, that need to be covered with boiling water and steep for few minutes – or be brave and make a big batch of deliciousness. Some people might not like nuts or dried fruit in their oatmeal, so it’s best to have them on a side. Mix some oats, cinnamon, maybe brown sugar and a little bit of salt and then add whatever else you feel like eating. You can even bring powdered milk for your friends to add to their bowls (and powdered coconut milk for yourself – just watch out, somebody might want to steal it from you!).
When it comes to lunches, good old PB&J is a winner. Pitas and tortillas work best on camping trips, because they don’t take that much space and stay fresh longer. Hummus and fresh veggies are great too – just eat the dip during first two days (or find camping-friendly dehydrated hummus packets!).
Snacks are easy – granola bars, trail mix, baby food pouches (check the ingredients to find vegan ones), apples or oranges should satisfy everybody. My friends bring some chocolate and jerky for themselves too.
Dinners involve the most planning. You can prepare meals that are completely plant-based or ones that can be modified. A good example of a satisfying vegan meal is lentil chilli – hearty, spicy and full of protein. You can also plan “make your own tortilla” dinner – just bring tortillas, some refried beans and veggies – and your omni friends can add cheese and meat, if they wish. If you decide to make couscous, add dehydrated vegetables (sundried tomatoes work great too) and chickpeas, lots of spices and maybe raisins or dried cranberries, and most people will be happy. Or, if you don’t want to cook big meals, you can always bring freeze-dried food – vegan for you, with meat for the rest.
If you are feeling adventurous, make a dessert. Everybody will appreciate a cinnamon bun (can be cooked in a pan on a campfire!) or a scone – and no one will care that they are vegan!
While camping with non-vegans, the most important thing is to be flexible and understanding – and that applies to both sides. You can ask to have separate cutting boards for veggies and meat or dairy, but don’t comment on your friends’ food. Just enjoy the outdoors, relax and cook something delicious. And who knows, maybe somebody will ask you for a recipe for the vegan chilli?