DIY Dehydrated Backpacking Meals | Dehydrated backpacking meals
When you’re out in the wilderness, nothing beats a delicious, homemade meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. That’s why I love making my own dehydrated backpacking meals! Not only are they lightweight and compact to carry, but they also pack a punch when it comes to taste. Let me share with you some of my favorite recipes that are sure to make your taste buds dance and leave you satisfied at the end of a long day of hiking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dehydrated vegetables
- 1 cup dehydrated protein (such as beans, lentils, or tofu)
- 1 cup dehydrated grains (such as rice, quinoa, or couscous)
- 1 tablespoon dried herbs and spices
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a ziplock bag or airtight container.
- When ready to eat, add boiling water to the container until all the ingredients are submerged.
- Seal the container and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the ingredients to rehydrate.
- Once rehydrated, give the meal a good stir and enjoy!
How to prepare:
Preparing dehydrated backpacking meals is incredibly easy. All you need to do is follow these simple steps:
- Gather all the ingredients you’ll need for the recipe.
- Dehydrate the vegetables, protein, and grains separately according to their specific drying times and temperatures. This can be done using a dehydrator or by using your oven at a low temperature.
- Once everything is dehydrated, measure out the quantities needed for each meal and store them in individual portions.
- Label each portion with the name of the meal and any additional cooking instructions.
Preparation time:
The preparation time for dehydrated backpacking meals varies depending on the recipe and the drying time required for each ingredient. Generally, it takes around 4-6 hours to dehydrate all the components and an additional 10-15 minutes to rehydrate the meal on the trail.
Servings:
The number of servings you’ll get from each recipe depends on your appetite and the portion sizes you prefer. As a general guideline, the quantities listed in this recipe should provide around 2-3 servings.
Nutrition Facts:
As the nutritional content of dehydrated backpacking meals vary depending on the specific ingredients used, it’s best to calculate the nutrition facts for each recipe based on the quantities and brands you choose. However, rest assured that these meals are packed with essential nutrients to keep you energized during your outdoor adventures!
Tips:
- Experiment with different combinations of vegetables, protein, and grains to create your own unique recipes.
- Add extra spices and seasonings to enhance the flavor of the meals.
- If you’re short on time or don’t have access to a dehydrator, you can also purchase pre-packaged dehydrated ingredients from outdoor stores.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use fresh ingredients instead of dehydrated ones?
A: While it’s possible to use fresh ingredients for backpacking meals, dehydrated ingredients are preferred due to their lightweight and compact nature, as well as their longer shelf life.
Q: How long can dehydrated backpacking meals be stored?
A: If properly stored in airtight containers, dehydrated backpacking meals can be safely stored for several months to a year.
Q: Can I rehydrate the meals with cold water instead of boiling water?
A: It’s best to use boiling water to rehydrate the meals as it speeds up the rehydration process and ensures that the ingredients are thoroughly cooked.
Now that you have these fantastic dehydrated backpacking meal recipes, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals while exploring the great outdoors. Happy hiking and bon appétit!
8 best images about Recipes for Backpacking on Pinterest | Jambalaya
There’s nothing quite like a hearty and flavorful Jambalaya to satisfy your cravings while on a backpacking trip. The combination of spices, vegetables, and protein creates a mouthwatering dish that will leave you wanting more. Here’s my favorite recipe for Jambalaya that is perfect for any adventure!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dehydrated sausage, sliced
- 1 cup dehydrated shrimp
- 1 cup dehydrated vegetables (bell peppers, onions, celery)
- 1 cup dehydrated rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups water
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine the dehydrated sausage, shrimp, vegetables, and rice.
- Add the diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the water and stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the flavors are well-blended.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
How to prepare:
To prepare this delicious Jambalaya recipe, follow these steps:
- Dehydrate the sausage, shrimp, vegetables, and rice separately following the appropriate drying times and temperatures.
- Once fully dehydrated, measure out the quantities needed for the recipe and store them in separate containers or ziplock bags.
- Label each container with the name of the ingredient and any additional cooking instructions.
- When ready to cook, simply combine all the dehydrated ingredients with the remaining fresh ingredients in a pot and follow the cooking instructions.
Preparation time:
The preparation time for this Jambalaya recipe is approximately 30 minutes, plus the additional time required for dehydrating the ingredients. It’s worth the effort, though, as the flavors will be rich and satisfying!
Servings:
This recipe yields around 4 servings, but you can easily adjust the quantities according to your group size or desired portion sizes.
Nutrition Facts:
The nutritional information for this Jambalaya recipe may vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. However, you can expect a balanced meal with a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins.
Tips:
- Feel free to add additional vegetables like okra or tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you prefer a spicier Jambalaya, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
- For a vegetarian or vegan version, replace the sausage and shrimp with dehydrated tofu or tempeh.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use different types of protein in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the sausage and shrimp with dehydrated chicken, beef, or even plant-based protein alternatives.
Q: Can I use instant rice instead of dehydrated rice?
A: Yes, if you prefer to use instant rice, simply adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Q: How long can I store the dehydrated ingredients before using them?
A: If properly dehydrated and stored in airtight containers, the ingredients can last for several months to a year.
Now that you have this fantastic Jambalaya recipe, you can elevate your backpacking meals with a touch of Creole cuisine. Enjoy the flavors of the bayou wherever your adventures take you!
Dehydrating a homemade backpacking meal #hikingmeals | Backpacking food
One of the keys to a successful backpacking trip is having delicious and nutritious meals that are lightweight and easy to carry. That’s why I love dehydrating my own homemade backpacking meals. It allows me to pack my favorite dishes without the added weight and bulk of fresh ingredients. If you’re ready to take your backpacking food to the next level, follow along as I share my tried and true method for dehydrating a homemade backpacking meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked pasta
- 1 cup dehydrated ground beef
- 1 cup dehydrated mixed vegetables
- 1/2 cup dehydrated tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and set it aside to cool.
- Dehydrate the ground beef, mixed vegetables, and tomato sauce separately following the appropriate drying times and temperatures.
- Once fully dehydrated, combine all the ingredients in a ziplock bag or airtight container.
- Season the mixture with dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Seal the bag or container and give it a good shake to distribute the seasonings.
- Label the bag or container with the name of the meal and any additional cooking instructions.
- When ready to eat, add boiling water to the bag or container until all the ingredients are submerged.
- Seal the bag or container and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the ingredients to rehydrate.
- Once rehydrated, give the meal a good stir and enjoy!
How to prepare:
To prepare this dehydrated backpacking meal, you’ll need to follow these simple steps:
- Choose your favorite recipe and cook it as you would normally, excluding any perishable ingredients.
- Once the meal is cooked, allow it to cool completely to room temperature.
- Spread the meal evenly on dehydrator trays or baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Set the dehydrator temperature to the appropriate setting for the ingredients you’re dehydrating. The temperature and drying time may vary depending on your specific dehydrator model and the ingredients used.
- Dehydrate the meal until all the ingredients are dry and brittle. This can take anywhere from 8-12 hours, so be patient!
- Once dehydrated, remove the trays or sheets from the dehydrator and let the meal cool completely.
- Carefully transfer the dehydrated meal to airtight containers or ziplock bags. Make sure to label each container with the name of the meal and any additional cooking instructions.
Preparation time:
The preparation time for dehydrating a homemade backpacking meal can be quite lengthy, as it involves cooking the meal, allowing it to cool, and then dehydrating it. However, the actual hands-on time required is minimal, and the result is well worth the effort!
Servings:
This recipe yields approximately 2 servings. You can adjust the quantities according to your group size or desired portion sizes.
Nutrition Facts:
As the nutritional content of dehydrated backpacking meals can vary based on the specific ingredients used, it’s best to calculate the nutrition facts for each recipe based on the quantities and brands you choose. However, rest assured that these meals are designed to provide you with the necessary energy and nutrients for your outdoor adventures!
Tips:
- Add extra spices and seasonings to customize the flavor of your backpacking meals.
- Experiment with different combinations of ingredients to create your own unique recipes.
- Consider vacuum-sealing your dehydrated meals for extended shelf life and added protection against moisture and pests.
FAQs:
Q: Can I dehydrate meals that contain dairy or eggs?
A: It’s best to avoid dehydrating ingredients that are perishable or have a high moisture content, such as dairy and eggs. Stick to recipes that exclude these ingredients, or use dairy and egg alternatives for backpacking meals.
Q: How long can dehydrated backpacking meals be stored?
A: If properly stored in airtight containers or ziplock bags in a cool, dry place, dehydrated backpacking meals can last for several months to a year.
Q: Can I use my oven instead of a dehydrator?
A: Yes, you can use your oven to dehydrate meals, although it may require a bit more monitoring and adjusting of the temperature. Ensure that the oven temperature is set low enough to prevent cooking the ingredients and that the door is propped open slightly to allow moisture to escape.
Now that you know how to dehydrate homemade backpacking meals, you can say goodbye to bulky food items and hello to lightweight and flavorful cuisine on the trail. Happy hiking and happy eating!
How to Make Dehydrated Backpacking Food – Infinite Geography | Trail
When it comes to backpacking, one of the most important considerations is the food you’ll be eating on the trail. Packing light while still enjoying tasty and nutritious meals can be a challenge, but with dehydrated backpacking food, you can have the best of both worlds. In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of making your own dehydrated backpacking