Camping food ideas for a Kiwi summer: Gourmet meals that go beyond the tin can and instant noodles

Campside cooking opens up a world of possibilities. Photo / Thinkstock

Elevate your campsite eating with these ideas from Nikki Birrell

Camping meals often conjure up images of quick, easy-to-prepare dishes: instant noodles, tinned beans and packets of dehydrated food.

While these may serve their purpose when you’re out in the wild, there’s no reason your camping meals can’t be an elevated experience.

Imagine sitting under a starry sky, enjoying a delicious, freshly made meal prepared with the freshest summer produce, cooked over an open flame or on a portable stove.

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a first-time camper, here’s how you can transform your camping cuisine from mundane to mouth-watering, with minimal equipment and just a little bit of planning.

The joys of cooking outdoors

Cooking outdoors offers a unique challenge and opportunity. While the setting is undoubtedly part of the appeal, the key to successful gourmet camping meals lies in simplicity and versatility.

By using fresh seasonal produce, you can create meals that are not only delicious but also sustainable and aligned with the summer months. Think vibrant salads, grilled vegetables and expertly smoked meats, all made possible with just a few tools and techniques.

A primary tool for cooking gourmet camping meals is the open flame. If you’ve got a hibachi, a portable grill, or a campfire, the smoky flavours they impart can enhance your food in ways that stovetops and ovens simply can’t. The key is knowing what foods work well with this smokiness and how to master cooking over coals.

Smoky flavour bombs

Certain foods lend themselves beautifully to smoky flavours, and they make a perfect match for cooking over an open flame.

Meats such as steak, chicken thighs, and sausages benefit from the intense, earthy aroma that grilling or roasting over coals provides.

Cooking over coals injects a flavour into meals that is unmistakably summer.

Fish, too, particularly oily varieties like salmon and mackerel, can be transformed by smoke, adding depth and richness to the dish.

The same goes for vegetables, such as capsicum, zucchini, eggplant and corn, which take on a delectable smoky flavour when grilled.

For a simple yet effective way to infuse your camping meals with smoky richness, consider cooking vegetables like mushrooms and onions in a foil packet with a little oil, garlic, and herbs, then throwing them on the fire.

Likewise, try grilling summer fruits such as peaches, pineapple and tomatoes, which caramelise beautifully and become even more flavourful with the smoky edge.

If you’re using a portable hibachi or barbecue, you can introduce different woods, such as manuka or applewood, to further enhance the smoky flavours of your meals. Wood chips or chunks can be placed directly on the coals, or in a smoker box, to add complexity to your grilled dishes.

Essential camping equipment

While the open flame is an ideal way to cook over coals, it’s not always practical for every meal. Enter the world of portable camping gadgets, which can help make your camping meals gourmet-level with minimal hassle.

1. Camping stove: A small but powerful camping stove is invaluable for cooking on the go. Many models run on gas canisters and are highly portable, allowing you to boil water, heat up sauces or fry ingredients like eggs or bacon. These stoves are an essential item for quick and easy meal prep, especially for breakfast or simple one-pot dishes.
2. Pie iron: The pie iron is a camping classic that’s enjoying a resurgence thanks to its versatility. Essentially a cast iron sandwich maker, it’s designed to cook over an open flame, making it perfect for preparing everything from toasted sandwiches to grilled vegetables and even desserts. Use it to create gourmet sandwiches filled with cheese, fresh basil and grilled vegetables, or for a savoury take on a campfire pie filled with hearty ingredients like roasted potatoes, cheese, and smoked salmon.
3. Dutch oven: For those looking to make stews, soups or baked goods while camping, a Dutch oven is an indispensable tool. These heavy-duty cast iron pots can be used on the campfire or with coals, and they’re perfect for slow-cooking dishes that benefit from a long simmer. Try making a hearty stew with summer vegetables, or bake a fresh loaf of bread in the oven while you sit back and relax by the fire.
4. Portable grill/griddle: If you prefer a more conventional grilling experience, a portable grill or griddle is perfect for cooking meats, seafood and vegetables. Compact and efficient, these grills can easily be set up anywhere, and they offer excellent heat distribution for perfectly grilled food. Look for models with adjustable temperatures for maximum control.

Prep-ahead tips

While the idea of cooking over an open flame sounds appealing, the reality is that meal prep can be a bit more involved in the great outdoors. That’s why planning ahead is essential to creating a stress-free, gourmet camping experience. Here are some tips to ensure you’re prepared for your next camping adventure:

1. Pre-chop your vegetables: Many camping meals rely on fresh vegetables, so it’s worth chopping them before you head out. Place your pre-chopped vegetables in ziplock bags or airtight containers to keep them fresh. This saves you time when you’re camping, allowing you to simply throw them on the grill or into a pot.
2. Marinades and sauces: Marinating meats, fish or vegetables before you leave for your camping trip helps enhance the flavours and tenderises the ingredients. Pre-make marinades and store them in jars or leak-proof bags. You can also prepare sauces and dressings at home to give your meals that extra gourmet touch.
3. Pack ingredients in bulk: For recipes like soups or stews, consider pre-portioning ingredients and storing them in airtight bags. That way, you can easily assemble the dish at camp by adding water or stock.

Gourmet camping ideas

Now that you have the tools and techniques down, it’s time to explore some recipes that will take your camping meals to the next level. Below are a few ideas for meals that work well with fresh summer produce and minimal equipment:

Grilled vegetable skewers with chimichurri

Marinate vegetables such as zucchini, peppers, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms in olive oil, garlic and fresh herbs. Thread them onto skewers and grill over an open flame for 10-12 minutes, until tender and slightly charred. Serve with a zingy chimichurri sauce made from parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil.

Vege skewers can be elevated by a simple chimichurri sauce.

Smoked salmon and avocado pie iron sandwiches

Layer slices of smoked salmon, avocado, fresh dill, and cream cheese between slices of sourdough or ciabatta bread. Butter the outside and cook in a pie iron over the fire until golden and crisp. The result is a delicious, smoky, creamy sandwich that’s perfect for breakfast or lunch.

Summer corn and tomato salad

Combine charred corn kernels with juicy summer tomatoes, red onion, and fresh herbs like basil or coriander. Dress with a squeeze of lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of smoked paprika. This salad is light, refreshing, and full of smoky flavour if you grill the corn beforehand.

• Another to try: Grilled corn salad with goat’s cheese recipe.

Campfire grilled peaches with honey and mascarpone

For dessert, halve fresh peaches and grill them over the fire until the flesh is soft and lightly caramelised. Serve with a drizzle of honey and a spoonful of mascarpone cheese for a sweet and smoky finish to your camping meal.

Herald contributor Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years. From managing your kitchen to cutting costs, she’s shared some helpful advice recently, including the best new ice creams to buy this summer, how to keep your chilly bin cold and what we can expect from berry season.