DIY DINNING: OUR FAVORITE CAMPING MEALS

zammitch
Sep 9, 2016
2 min read

I'd like to start off this post with discussing one of the most underutilized forms of cooking: the foil packet. Yes, this method has risen up the ranks and now stands along side fire baked potatoes on the list of camping dinners, but foil packets can be used even in everyday cooking. These little, steaming satchels can be filled with a variety of meats and vegetables including chicken, steak, fish, peppers, onions and mushrooms. Don't have a camp fire to nestle your aluminum armored bundles in? Other great cooking methods include sticking them in the oven, on the grill and even in your dishwasher-just make sure they are sealed up nice and tight!

Chicken/Portabello Fajita Foil Packets

You'll need a toasty campfire with some sort of grill rack above and the following ingredients:

1-2 sheets of heavy-duty foil

1 chicken breast or 1 portabello mushroom

1 bell pepper

1/4 red onion

2 tsp oil

lime

1 tbs fajita mix (either store bought or homemade, recipe below)

2 tortillas

plus any toppings such as avocado, sour cream, lime or cilantro

Fajita Mix:1 tsp: chili power, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, sea salt + 1/2 tsp: oregano and black pepper

This recipe is for a single serving, but can easily be multiplied to feed all your buddies. Begin by cutting the chicken/mushroom into strips and place onto your foil sheet. Next, cut the pepper and onion into thin slices and place on foil. Sprinkle with seasoning and drizzle with some oil (you may want to add more oil if using mushroom). Squeeze some lime over top and begin the oh so important foil fold, making sure to seal all the ends but allow for an air pocket inside to help the heat circulate. Place on heat source and check for doneness in about 20 mins, then enjoy on a tortilla with your favorite toppings.

This basic cooking method can be adapted to accommodate all sorts of different ingredients and combinations (just remember to include olive oil, salt and pepper). Some of our absolute favorites are:

1. pieces of hot dog or soy dog, bell peppers, onions, zucchini, corn and black beans

2. salmon, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, dried thyme and oregano

3. cubes of tofu, eggplant, ginger, garlic, soy sauce and green onions (can be served with rice)

4. shrimp, butter, garlic, parsley, lemon juice and red pepper flakes

5. hamburger, baby potatoes, carrots, onion, bell peppers, corn and pesto

Not satisfied with these few options? Follow our simple, 4 step process to making an amazing foil packet: Find a fat, Pick a protein, inVest with Veggies and Spruce it up with Spices! Never forget when cooking with foil that you're not limited to just savory meals. For a delicious dessert try slicing open a banana and filling it with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows before wrapping and cooking. Try slicing an apple and packet-tizing it with some butter, brown sugar and cinnamon; enjoy in a tortilla for a campfire, apple pie burrito.