There's a cooking concept that seems tailor-made for the motorhome: "one-pan" recipes (or one-pot). The idea is to cook a complete dish in a single container, which means fewer pots to wash, less water, less gas and less clutter in the camper's limited space. And yet, the food is delicious. Here's the concept and some ideas.
Why it fits the camper so well
- Fewer pots: washing one instead of five, key when water is limited (see water in the camper).
- Saves gas: one hob, one process (see savings).
- Less space and clutter: ideal for a small kitchen.
- Quick and hassle-free: perfect when you arrive tired from a trip.
Types of one-pan dishes
- Rice dishes: the king. A good rice with vegetables, chicken or whatever you have, all in one pan. A complete, tasty dish.
- "One pot" pasta: pasta cooked together with the sauce and ingredients in the same pot (even with just enough water for it to absorb); less water and one less pot.
- Stews: pulses, vegetables and meat in one pot (better with a pressure cooker; see the pressure cooker).
- Stir-fries and wok dishes: vegetables, protein and, if you like, noodles or rice, all stir-fried together.
- Omelettes and scrambles with whatever you have: complete and quick.
Tricks to get it right
- Cooking order: start with what takes longest (the base, the protein), then add the rest, so everything comes out just right.
- Just the right amount of water for rice and one-pot pasta: so it's fully absorbed and there's no need to drain (saving water).
- Use your pantry and local produce: these dishes are perfect for using up what you have (see using up leftovers).
- A good quality pan/pot makes everything easier (see utensils).
In short
One-pan or one-pot recipes (rice dishes, one-pot pasta, stews, stir-fries) are ideal for the camper because you eat well while dirtying and spending very little. The step to take today: next time you cook, do it all in a single container (try a one-pot pasta or a rice dish with what you have); you'll eat like a king and wash just one pot, saving water and gas. Combine it with the camper cooking guide.