One of the great joys of travelling by motorhome is eating well wherever you are. Even though the galley is small, with a little organisation and the right kit you can put together excellent meals without any fuss. If you're just starting out, here are the essentials for setting up your camper galley and getting the hang of it quickly.
The basic kit
You don't need much; you need just enough, well chosen:
- Good-quality pans and a frying pan, stackable if possible to save space.
- A pressure cooker (it changes life in the camper; see the pressure cooker).
- Essential, multi-purpose utensils with no duplicates (see utensils).
- Unbreakable crockery, and only as much as you need.
- Airtight containers for storing and keeping food.
Gas, induction or both
The hob is usually gas (self-sufficient, no drain on the battery). More and more campers are adding a portable induction hob, which runs off the battery (lithium is better, given the consumption) and saves lighting the gas just for a coffee. Having both options gives you a lot of flexibility (see induction hobs).
Organisation: the key to small spaces
- Everything in its place and properly secured so it doesn't rattle around on the road.
- Use the height with organisers; vertical space is gold.
- Non-slip liners in drawers and on shelves.
- Clean as you go: in a small space, mess shows immediately.
Tricks for eating well with little
- One-pot dishes (stews, rice, pasta): fewer pans, less water for washing up.
- Make the most of local markets: fresh produce from each area, part of the trip.
- Batch cook when you can (see batch cooking).
- Save water when washing up (see water in the camper).
In short
You can eat wonderfully in a camper with very little: just enough well-chosen kit, good organisation of the space and simple one-pot dishes. The step you can take today: set up your galley with the essentials (good pans, a pressure cooker, multi-purpose utensils) and try one-pot dishes; you'll eat well and make little mess. And if you want to move away from gas, consider an induction hob. Combine it with the weekly menu.