5 Homemade Dehydrated Backpacking Meals to Fuel Your Next Adventure
When it comes to planning a backpacking trip, packing an ample amount of food and snacks is a crucial aspect that can often be overlooked. However, carrying heavy meals and perishable items can be challenging and impractical, especially for longer journeys. This is where the concept of dehydrated meals comes in handy.
Dehydrated meals are typically lightweight, easy to carry, and long-lasting, making them an excellent choice for backpacking adventures. Moreover, they are cost-effective and customizable, allowing you to create your own recipes as per your taste and preferences.
Here are five homemade dehydrated backpacking meals that will help fuel your next adventure:
1. Spicy Lentil Soup
This dehydrated meal is ideal for cooler weather and can be easily prepared at home. Start by cooking the lentils with diced tomatoes, onions, carrots, and garlic. Add spices like cumin, turmeric, and paprika for flavor. Once the mixture is cooked, spread it out on a dehydrator tray and dry it for 8-12 hours until it’s completely dry. Pack it in a ziplock bag and carry it along on your backpacking trip. Add boiling water to rehydrate the mix and enjoy a wholesome and spicy lentil soup ready in minutes.
2. Pasta with Tomato Sauce
Pasta is a classic backpacking meal that can be easily customized as per your liking. Cook the pasta as per the instructions and mix it with a homemade tomato sauce made from canned tomatoes, garlic, onion, and basil. Dehydrate the mixture by spreading it out on a tray and dry it for 8-10 hours until it’s completely dry. Pack it in a ziplock bag and rehydrate with boiling water on the trail. Add some cheese or herbs for an extra flavor boost.
3. Spicy Beef Jerky
Beef Jerky is a popular and reliable trail snack that can also serve as a meal. Start by marinating cut-up strips of beef in a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and spices like cumin, paprika, and pepper. Once marinated, place the strips in a dehydrator tray and dry for 6-8 hours until they become hard and crispy. Pack them in a ziplock bag, and you have protein-rich, flavorful beef jerky at your disposal.
4. Vegetable Curry
A homemade vegetable curry is a delightful and healthy meal option that can be easily dehydrated and carried along on your backpacking trip. Start by cooking a combination of mixed vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and cauliflower in a curry sauce made from tomato puree, coconut milk, and spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Once cooked, spread the mixture out on a dehydrator tray and dry it for 8-10 hours until it’s fully dry. Pack it in a ziplock bag and rehydrate with boiling water on the trail for a warm and satisfying meal.
5. Trail Mix
Trail mix is a tried and tested trail snack that can provide you with the necessary energy to keep you going throughout the day. Create your own mix by combining nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and chocolates. You can customize it as per your taste and preferences and can be easily packed in a ziplock bag for easy snacking on the trail.
In conclusion, dehydrated meals are a practical and delicious option for backpackers who want to carry lightweight and nutritious food options on the trail. By creating your own dehydrated meals at home, you can save money, customize your recipes, and enjoy a variety of tasty meal options on your next adventure.
