3 Delicious Vegetarian Camping Meals for Outdoor Adventures

Camping is a great way to enjoy nature and have some fun with your friends or family. But what about the food? You don’t want to settle for boring sandwiches or canned beans, do you? You want something tasty, nutritious, and easy to make over a campfire. Well, you are in luck, because in this blog post, I will show you three amazing vegetarian camping meals and how to make them that will make your mouth water and your stomach happy. These recipes are not only vegetarian, but also vegan and gluten-free, so they are suitable for everyone. They are also packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, so they will keep you energized and healthy.

And the best part is, they are all very simple and require only a few ingredients and equipment. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip up these dishes. All you need is a pot, a skillet, a knife, a cutting board, and some skewers. Sounds easy enough, right?

I am going to write all the ingredients and instructions along with some tips and tricks that will help you make these amazing vegan and vegetarian camping meals. If you crave to munch on something crispy and healthy then you must check out these simple Vegan Tortilla chips made with 3 ingredients.
Let’s get started!

Overview of the Vegetarian Camping Meals

Vegetable and Tofu Skewers with Peanut Sauce: This is a fun and colorful dish that lets you grill some fresh veggies and tofu over a campfire making it one of the most ideal camping meals. You can marinate them in a simple soy sauce and oil mixture for extra flavor. Then you can enjoy them with a creamy and tangy peanut sauce that you can whip up in minutes. This dish is also vegan and gluten-free, and it is high in protein and fiber.
Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas: This is a cheesy and crispy dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. You can fill some tortillas with mashed black beans, corn, and cheese, and then cook them in a skillet until golden and melty. You can also add some salsa, sour cream, and cilantro for extra freshness and flavor. This dish is vegetarian and gluten-free, and it is a great source of protein and iron.
Lentil and Mushroom Stew: This is a hearty and savory dish that is perfect for a cold night. You will need lentils, mushrooms, onion, garlic, carrot, celery, vegetable broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and oil. To make it, cook the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in a large pot over medium-high heat until soft. Then add the lentils, mushrooms, vegetable broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the lentils are tender and the stew is thickened. Discard the bay leaf and enjoy with bread or crackers.

Recipes for the Vegetarian Camping Meals

1. Vegetable and Tofu Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Ingredients:

1 block of firm tofu, drained and pressed
2 bell peppers, any color, cut into chunks
1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
1/4 cup of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of oil
12 wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
1/4 cup of peanut butter
2 tablespoons of lime juice
1 tablespoon of honey
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of grated ginger
Salt and pepper, to taste

Note: You can Select any vegetable that you like to pair with the tofu to make your skewers more interesting, colorful and customizable.

Instructions:

Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large ziplock bag. Add the soy sauce and oil and seal the bag. Shake well to coat the tofu and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Preheat a grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the tofu and vegetables onto the skewers, leaving some space between them. Grill for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and cooked through.
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, lime juice, honey, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper until smooth. You can add some water to thin it out if needed.
Drizzle the peanut sauce over the skewers or serve on the side. Enjoy!

2. Lentil and Mushroom Stew

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon of oil
1 onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
2 cups of dried lentils, rinsed and drained
4 cups of vegetable broth
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups of sliced mushrooms

Note: You can pair the lentil and mushroom stew with some bread or crackers to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with some salad or roasted vegetables for some extra freshness and crunch. Alternatively, you can add some rice, quinoa, or couscous to the stew to make it more filling and satisfying.

Instructions:

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until soft and golden.
Add the lentils, vegetable broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Stir in the mushrooms and cook for another 15 minutes or until they are soft and browned.
Discard the bay leaf and serve the stew hot with bread or crackers. Enjoy your vegan camping meal!

3. Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas

Ingredients:

8 tortillas
2 cups of cooked black beans, or 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup of corn kernels, fresh or frozen
2 cups of shredded cheese, any kind you like
1/4 cup of salsa, plus more for serving
1/4 cup of sour cream, plus more for serving
1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, plus more for serving
Salt and pepper, to taste
Oil or butter, for greasing the skillet

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, mash the black beans with a fork until slightly chunky. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat some oil or butter and place one tortilla in the pan. Spread some of the bean mixture over half of the tortilla and sprinkle some cheese and corn on top. Fold the tortilla in half and press lightly to seal.
Cook for about 5 minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve with salsa, sour cream, and cilantro. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

For the lentil and mushroom stew, you can use any kind of lentils you like, such as green, brown, or red. However, red lentils tend to cook faster and become mushy, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can also add some other vegetables, such as potatoes, peas, or carrots, to make the stew more hearty and colorful.
For the vegetable and tofu skewers with peanut sauce, you can use any kind of vegetables you like, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, or eggplant. You can also marinate the tofu and vegetables for longer, up to overnight, for more flavor. You can also make the peanut sauce ahead of time and store it in a jar or a squeeze bottle for easy transport and serving.
For the black bean and corn quesadillas, you can use any kind of cheese you like, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella. You can also add some other ingredients, such as jalapeños, black olives, or green onions, to spice up the filling. You can also use whole wheat or corn tortillas for a healthier option. These vegan/vegetarian camping meals are super customizable so that you enjoy them to the fullest.

Conclusion

In conclusion, vegetarian camping meals are a great way to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing your health or the environment. You can prepare these meals with simple ingredients and equipment, and still have a satisfying and delicious feast. Whether you choose to make the hearty Mushroom stew, the refreshing Quesadillas, or the mouth watering Tofu and vegetable skewers, you will surely impress your fellow campers with your culinary skills and creativity. Vegetarian camping meals are not only good for you, but also good for the planet. 😊

FAQs

What kind of tofu should I use for the vegetable and tofu skewers with peanut sauce?

You should use firm or extra-firm tofu for the vegetable and tofu skewers with peanut sauce, as they hold their shape better and absorb more marinade. You should also drain and press the tofu before cutting it into pieces, to remove excess water and make it more firm and chewy.

How can I prevent the black bean and corn quesadillas from sticking to the skillet or burning?

You can prevent the black bean and corn quesadillas from sticking to the skillet or burning by greasing the skillet lightly with some oil or butter before placing the tortilla in it. You should also cook the quesadillas over medium-high heat and flip them carefully with a spatula when they are golden and crispy on one side. You can also use a non-stick skillet or a cast-iron skillet for better results.

How are vegetarian camping meals a better option?

Vegetarian camping food is not only delicious and easy to make, but also healthy and eco-friendly. By choosing vegetarian camping meals, you can reduce your environmental impact, save money, and enjoy a variety of flavors and nutrients. Vegan camping meals can also help you avoid food poisoning, as meat and dairy products are more prone to spoilage and contamination.

How can I store and transport my vegan/vegetarian camping meals?

You can store and transport vegetarian camping food in airtight containers, ziplock bags, or reusable wraps. You can also use a cooler or an insulated bag to keep your food fresh and cold. Make sure to pack your food in portions and label them clearly. You can also freeze some of your food ahead of time and thaw them when needed.

How can I cook vegetarian camping meals over a campfire?

You can cook vegetarian camping food over a campfire using a pot, a skillet, a grill, or a Dutch oven. You can also use foil packets, skewers, or corn husks to wrap your food and cook them directly over the coals. Make sure to use a fire starter, such as matches, lighter, or flint, to ignite your fire. You can also use dry wood, twigs, or charcoal as fuel. Make sure to keep your fire under control and extinguish it properly when done. Although I prefer to make some of the other vegetarian camping meals (depending on their process) at home.