One of the greatest joys of camping is rustling up a meal from a handful of ingredients. Travelling light will of course always be top of the agenda when camping. So here’s our choice of some of the best foundation ingredients you can pack for your trip, all of which are ideal for campsite dining.

Something quick and easy to rustle up is the name of the game when camping. Minimal ingredients and even more minimal washing up make for happy campers. Whether you’re looking for Dutch oven campfire meal ideas, or you’re building up a pre-made meal, read on as we share some of our campsite favourites.

1. Rice pouches

Rice makes the perfect base for so many delicious and fulfilling meals. The ready cooked pouches are ideal for camping as they are ready in an instant. And there are so many flavours too. Add to salads, burritos or stews, bulk up hearty soups or whip up a quick risotto.

2. Chickpeas

We’re talking the ready prepared, tinned kind here, as you’ll not want to be bothering yourself with all that soaking whilst you’re enjoying the outdoor life. Chickpeas are incredibly versatile. Empty into a bowl and drizzle with olive oil and vinegar and sprinkle with herbs for a fresh side dish, or stir them into one of your one pot wonders for added heartiness.

3. Pasta

More energy food, and you know you’re going to need it. Hot or cold, pasta is a camping staple and will work with practically any dish. From Dutch oven lasagne to zingy pesto salads, you’ll not go wrong by packing a packet of pasta. And just like with rice, there are plenty of pasta pouches available too, some complete with sauce. So if you’re looking for instant energy, ready cooked is the way to go.

4. Eggs

OK so they come with a handle with care notice, but there’s so much you can create around the campfire with eggs. Omelettes are the obvious choice here, but a Spanish style frittata laden with potatoes will prove a lot more filling, perfect as an energy boost. Eggy bread is brilliant for breakfast and, if you fancy a cheeky Chinese treat, you can always grab one of those rice pouches you packed and do yourself a nice plate of egg fried.

5. Chorizo

If you love a bit of spice, then a nice cured Spanish sausage should take pride of place in your rucksack. Chorizo makes the perfect camping sausage as it’s already cured. So you can slice it up and nibble away whilst your main meal is bubbling away on the campfire, chuck it in your frittata for a bit of bite, or add it to your Dutch oven hash to add a dash of sizzle. Lovely.

6. Flatbreads

If you can’t do without your daily bread fix, but you’re low on space in your rucksack, flatbreads are a great solution. And so versatile too. Chuck on some tomato puree and a few of your favourite toppings and create a quick pizza. Or go the Mexican route and fold yourself some tasty quesadillas. Flatbreads are great for wraps too, perfect for rolling up an on-the-go lunch.

7. Tinned fish

For your protein fix, a few lightweight tins of fish are a great idea. The likes of sardines and tuna are fabulous in wraps or served on toast, and will easily bring that chickpea or pasta salad to life too. With their long shelf life, and no need to refrigerate, tinned fish ticks so many camping trip boxes.

Heading off camping? Don't forget your cooking kit!

Like we said, campfire cooking has to be one of the best things about a great outdoors vacation. If you’re putting together your meal plan for a forthcoming trip, and your mouth is watering as you think about what you’re going to be rustling up, why not take a look at what’s on offer in the way of food and drink kit in the Outhaus online store? From cool boxes to keep those perishables fresh, to Dutch ovens for those hearty campfire feasts, we’ve got plenty to whet your appetite. Happy campfire cooking!