Re: Dehydrated food recommendations?

Does anyone have recommendations for quick and nutritious dinners (veg and non-veg) without excessive packaging? Years ago, I switched from packaged meals to these bean soups I could buy in bulk from the grocery store. They really hit the spot, especially with some crackers and a chunk of Parmesan cheese on the side... Well, apparently the store doesn't carry them anymore. I can't justify buying a dehydrator, and procedures I found online for dehydrating food in the oven look like too much work.

I often take Ramen noodles on short trips. I'm not sure I want to depend on them for massive amounts of nutrition, but they seem to work fairly well for me--expecially the ones that include curry, which haver a higher calorie count. I've also used Idaho brand potato soups--but they a take a bit more cooking.

I try to avoid anything that needs long boiling, as it uses up my cooking gas too soon. Ramen is usually three minutes--that's about my max,

You could also explore recipes using Couscous, which cook really fast. Add in some herbs, spices, a cube of bullion, (there are veggie versions, too) for more flavor.

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I see. Those bean soups were great because you could just add hot water, just like the packaged ones, and keep the pot clean to make tea.

I totally get the struggle of finding convenient, nutritious dinners without all the packaging. It's such a bummer when your go-to bean soups disappear from stores! Have you looked into online options for dehydrated meals? They can be a lifesaver for quick dinners. Personally, I've been loving organic barley grass powder—it's an easy way to add nutrients. If you're not keen on DIY dehydrating, online stores offer a range of dehydrated meals that might suit your taste. I've found they're often more flavorful than you'd expect.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/20/2024 07:32AM by VaeVictis.

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iivvgg
Does anyone have recommendations for quick and nutritious dinners (veg and non-veg) without excessive packaging? Years ago, I switched from packaged meals to these bean soups I could buy in bulk from the grocery store. They really hit the spot, especially with some crackers and a chunk of Parmesan cheese on the side... Well, apparently the store doesn't carry them anymore. I can't justify buying a dehydrator, and procedures I found online for dehydrating food in the oven look like too much work.

You can have some Tuna Lime Tostadas or Broiled Scallops.

I repackage everything into quart-size freezer bags, then roll them up and keep them rolled with a litle piece of tape. I like Packit Gourmet - their bean burrito is great (among other good things), and they also have a grocery section where you can buy freeze-dried chicken, beef, cheese, veggies, etc. without needing to buy that stuff in huge containers. I often bring instant mashed potatoes with some of that stuff added to it. I do a lot of PB&J onto tortillas also. Another thing I've starting bringing for lunches while hiking are Walking Tamales. You can find them online, and sometimes at Whole Foods. The green one is the best. They aren't ultralight, but no worse than a pouch of tuna or Spam.

I agree w/ crocodile235, especially regarding Packit Gormet. I prefer their flavors and usually repack into lighter weight zip-lock bags. Love their 2-person Shepherd's Pie divided up into 2 separate meals.

Sure! When choosing dehydrated foods, consider options like Mountain House for camping meals with a long shelf life and good taste. Backpacker's Pantry offers diverse options, including vegetarian and gluten-free meals. For snacks, try freeze-dried fruits from brands like Brothers-All-Natural for a healthy boost. Ensure to check nutritional content and preparation methods to suit your dietary needs and outdoor activities.

Dehydrated food is an excellent option for camping or hiking. I’ve had some luck with a few brands that I think you might like. First, check out the meals from Mountain House. They have a wide variety, and the flavors are pretty solid. Their beef stroganoff is a personal favorite!Another good one is Good To-Go; their meals are delicious and made with clean ingredients. I recently tried their Thai curry, and wow, it hit the spot!If you want to make your own, that’s a fun route too! You can find a ton of great recipes and tips at https://cookscrafter.com/ . It’s a lifesaver if you want to customize your meals.

I've had great luck with quick stir-fries. I get frozen veggies and pre-cooked chicken or tofu, then just throw them in a pan with some soy sauce and garlic. It's super fast and cuts down on packaging. Another thing I do is make big batches of chili or curry. I’ll cook a big pot on the weekend, and then just heat it up during the week.

I get it—finding quick meals without all the packaging can be a challenge. I’ve been using frozen veggies and pre-cooked grains a lot lately. They’re super convenient and cut down on waste. I also like to make stir-fries with whatever fresh veggies I have on hand and throw in some chicken or tofu. For beans, canned ones are my go-to. I just season them well and mix them with other ingredients for a quick meal.

I have a hard time imagining carrying cans of food in my backpack. Or frozen food, for that matter.

What is your pack weight when you decide to cook this way?

---

Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/
Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-Rocks-Paul-Wagner/dp/0984884963

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balzaccom
I have a hard time imagining carrying cans of food in my backpack.

I've carried a little can of chicken a few times. But ate it early since it was a wee bit heavy.