There's a magical moment in camper life: sunset, the chair set outside, the view ahead and good nibbles on the table. Nibbles and tapas are perfect for the motorhome: tasty, sociable, easy to prepare with little effort, and a wonderful way to enjoy the local produce of each area. Here are ideas for nailing the snacking without complicating things.
Why tapas fit the camper so well
- Little effort: many need no cooking at all (or very little), ideal when you arrive tired or just want to enjoy the sunset.
- Local produce: the perfect excuse to buy and try each area's cured meats, cheeses and preserves (see food routes).
- Sociable: perfect for sharing, with family or with other campers.
- Few pots and little water and gas used.
Nibble ideas with (barely) any cooking
- Board of local cured meats and cheeses with bread or crackers (the star; see preserves).
- Olives, pickles, nuts.
- Hummus or pâtés with crudités or bread.
- Dressed tomato, potato salad, gazpacho (in summer).
- Quality preserves: mussels, cockles, sardines, tuna belly; a treat with no cooking involved.
- Assorted open sandwiches with whatever you have.
Easy hot tapas
- Spanish potato omelette (a classic that goes a long way).
- Mushrooms, prawns or chorizo with garlic in the pan.
- Croquettes (homemade from leftovers; see using up leftovers) or spicy fried potatoes.
- Skewers on the griddle or barbecue (see barbecue).
The finishing touch: storing well and enjoying it
Snacking depends on fresh, well-stored produce (cured meats, cheeses, opened preserves), where a reliable fridge helps (see storing food). And, of course, enjoy it slowly at sunset; in moderation if you're driving afterwards. It's one of the great pleasures of camper life.
In short
Nibbles and tapas are perfect for the camper: tasty, easy, sociable and the ideal excuse to enjoy local produce, especially at sunset. The step to take today: for your next camper sunset, put together a board with local cured meats, cheeses and preserves (no cooking needed) or an easy omelette, bring out the chair and enjoy the moment; it's one of the great pleasures of travelling. Combine it with the camper cooking guide.