Easy Meal Ideas for Vegan Campers

Yes, it's time to pack up the tent, sunscreen, and the kids for a few days of rest and relaxation in the wilderness or at least the local state campground. Cooking outdoors is usually a pleasant change of pace from the everyday routine, and vegan campers have many easy meal options available to them.

There are a few essential items you'll want to bring with you to make meal preparation very easy:

1. Aluminum foil

2. Plastic containers with locking lids

3. A good sturdy cast iron skillet, pot with a lid, and/or a camp stove

4. A sharp cutting knife

5. Thick oven pads or mitts for safely handling hot items

6. Spatula

Here are some simple recipes for meals that are sure to keep your campers happy!

Breakfast Scramble

1-2 tablespoons of vegan margarine (Earth Balance or Smart Balance Light)

1 diced white onion

1 diced green or red bell pepper

1 package of extra firm tofu, drained, or vegan sausage

Dash salt, pepper, and garlic to taste

Heat the margarine in a skillet over the campfire or the camp stove over medium heat. Add the onions and peppers to the skillet and cook for a few minutes or just until they start to get soft. Add tofu or sausage to the veggies and scramble all ingredients in the pan together. Continue cooking until even heated, season to taste with the spices, and serve with toast, juice, fruit and coffee.

Self Serve Sandwich Bar

Vegan breads, approx 2 slices per camper

2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced

1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced

1 medium white or red onion, thinly sliced

1 large ripe avocado, use one half for slices and mash the other half to use as a spread

A variety of pickles such as dill or sweet

Assorted greens such as iceberg or romaine lettuces, spinach leaves, and sprouts

Condiments such as mustard, ketchup, and vegan mayonnaise

Lay all the ingredients out on the table and let the campers assemble their favorite sandwiches. You can go for a traditional sandwich or an open faced creation! Serve with tortilla chips and watermelon slices.

Foil Packet Meals

Foil to make cooking packets (use a larger piece than you think you'll need in order to have enough to fold)

Assorted vegetable ingredients such as:

Small red potatoes, quartered

Garlic cloves

Baby carrots

Bell pepper slices

Broccoli florets

Mushrooms

Water chestnuts

Onions

Green beans

Vegan "meat" alternatives such as:

Polenta slices

Meatless sausages, crumbles, or faux chicken strips

Sauces:

BBQ sauces (check the label or make your own as some brands have honey)

Salsas

Vinaigrettes

Place the ingredients in your chosen amounts onto the flat piece of foil. Fold the foil over the ingredients to make a neat little packet. Place the packet barely into the fire by securing it in the coals or on a piece of wood. You can also place packets on a grill or a skillet. Turn the packets every few minutes to ensure even heating, and remove your packet to check for doneness around six minutes into the process. The packet is done when the veggies are tender and the meal is warm enough for your taste.

Vegan S'Mores

Graham Crackers

Vegan chocolate bars (Green & Blacks is one option)

Vegan marshmallows (Vegan Supreme)

Little explanation is necessary for most people when it comes to s'mores! First find a great stick for roasting your marshmallow, and when it's heated to gooey perfection partner it with a square of chocolate and place between two cracker squares. No way are vegans going to miss out on a classic camping treat.

Snack Ideas:

Apples

Bananas

Tortillas

Hummus

Corn or tortilla chips

Grapes

Peanut butter and celery

Cereal with almond, rice, or soy milk

Vegan jerky

With a little planning and the right ingredients your vegan meals can be easy and delicious. Happy camping season!