RVs, or recreational vehicles, offer the freedom to explore the open road while carrying the comforts of home along with you. However, cooking in an RV presents a unique set of challenges due to limited space, basic kitchen equipment, and the need for recipes that are both easy to prepare and satisfying. This article will provide a collection of delicious and easy RV-friendly recipes that will keep you fueled for your adventures.
1. One-Pot Pasta Primavera
Ingredients:
– Your choice of pasta
– Assorted fresh vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes)
– Olive oil
– Garlic
– Low-sodium vegetable broth
– Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
This one-pot wonder is perfect for the RV kitchen. Start by sautéing garlic in olive oil, add your chopped vegetables, and cook until they’re slightly tender. Pour in the broth and bring it to a boil before adding your pasta. Let everything simmer until the pasta is cooked to your liking. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. This meal is not only easy to make but also minimizes cleanup.
2. Foil Packet Chicken Fajitas
Ingredients:
– Chicken breast
– Bell peppers and onions
– Fajita seasoning
– Olive oil
– Tortillas
Foil packet meals are a staple for RV cooking because they can be cooked over a campfire or RV stove with minimal fuss. Slice the chicken, peppers, and onions, then toss them with olive oil and fajita seasoning. Wrap the mixture in foil packets and cook until the chicken is done. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite fajita toppings.
3. No-Cook Southwest Chickpea Salad
Ingredients:
– Canned chickpeas
– Corn
– Cherry tomatoes
– Avocado
– Lime juice
– Cilantro
– Cumin
– Salt and pepper
For a refreshing meal that doesn’t require any cooking, try a Southwest chickpea salad. Rinse and drain the chickpeas, then mix them with corn, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado. Dress the salad with lime juice, chopped cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper. It’s a nutritious and filling meal that comes together in minutes.
4. Skillet Breakfast Hash
Ingredients:
– Eggs
– Diced potatoes (fresh or frozen)
– Onion
– Bell pepper
– Shredded cheese
– Salt and pepper
Start your day with a hearty breakfast hash. Cook diced potatoes in a skillet with a little oil until they’re crispy. Add chopped onions and bell peppers and cook until soft. Crack eggs directly into the skillet and scramble them with the vegetables. Top with shredded cheese and cover until the cheese melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Instant Pot Chili
Ingredients:
– Ground beef or turkey
– Canned beans
– Tomato sauce
– Diced tomatoes
– Chili powder
– Cumin
– Garlic powder
– Onion powder
– Salt and pepper
If your RV is equipped with an Instant Pot, making chili is a breeze. Brown the meat using the sauté function, then add the beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and spices. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for a quick and flavorful chili that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Serve with cornbread or over rice.
6. Grilled Veggie Skewers
Ingredients:
– Assorted vegetables (e.g., mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, onions)
– Olive oil
– Balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper
Grilled veggie skewers are a simple and healthy option for RVers with access to an outdoor grill. Cut the vegetables into chunks and thread them onto skewers. Brush with a mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper. Grill until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
7. Campfire Nachos
Ingredients:
– Tortilla chips
– Shredded cheese
– Black beans
– Jalapeños
– Salsa
– Sour cream
– Guacamole
Nachos are a crowd-pleaser that can be easily adapted for campfire cooking. Layer tortilla chips with cheese, black beans, and sliced jalapeños in a cast-iron skillet or foil pan. Cover with foil and cook over the campfire until the cheese is melted. Top with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole before serving.
8. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches
Ingredients:
– Bread
– Peanut butter
– Banana
– Honey (optional)
For a quick and satisfying snack or light meal, nothing beats a classic peanut butter and banana sandwich. Spread peanut butter on bread, add sliced bananas, and drizzle with honey if desired. This combination provides protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates for sustained energy.
9. Easy Macaroni Salad
Ingredients:
– Cooked macaroni
– Mayonnaise
– Mustard
– Celery
– Onion
– Hard-boiled eggs
– Salt and pepper
Prepare a macaroni salad ahead of time for a convenient side dish that can be served cold. Mix cooked macaroni with mayonnaise, a touch of mustard, chopped celery, onion, and diced hard-boiled eggs. Season with salt and pepper and chill until ready to eat.
10. Simple Grilled Salmon
Ingredients:
– Salmon fillets
– Olive oil
– Lemon juice
– Garlic
– Salt and pepper
Grilled salmon is a nutritious and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare in an RV setting. Brush salmon fillets with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Grill over medium heat until the salmon is cooked through and flaky.
Conclusion
Cooking in an RV doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With the right recipes and a little creativity, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals that are perfectly suited for life on the road. These RV-friendly recipes are designed to maximize convenience and minimize cleanup, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time exploring.
References
– foodnetwork.com
– allrecipes.com
– tasteofhome.com
– epicurious.com
– seriouseats.com
