SIMPLE COOKING

[IAN BALL]

Hi SS friends,I live in an old camper van,.I have no oven just 2 calor gas rings.with grill under.I am seeking ideas and recipes for hob cooking only.I am fed up with omelets and pancakes.Stews and casseroles take too long and use too much gas ! and I try to avoid lots of fry ups.All ideas welcomed. Take care all members. Ian

[Cloud]

Most of my cooking is hob based.
My favourites are:
Chilli con carne
Stir fry dishes with or without noodles
Spaghetti Bolognese
Ad hoc curries (good way to get rid of left overs)
Tortilla (I like this with lots of paprika)
Bubble and squeak (another leftover dish)
Macaroni and/or cauliflower cheese

As you see nothing sophisticated. Most are very quick. I improvise mostly, and don't follow recipes, but could suggest some if needed.

[Clara]

If you want to make things which require long slow cooking then look into haybox or solar oven cookery - I have similar problems (ish)in that we have to carry our gas bottles 1km so I can't justify leaving the gas on for so long, between the haybox (my version: and old coolbox,a hot water bottle and an sleeping bag),the solar oven and the woodburner i've solved the problem.

[PlayingWithFire]

Hi there - I know the feeling :)

How about trying a real fire, now and then (when safe)? I find nothing beats the taste of food grilled over flame or embers, you can roast in a pit, or better still get yourself a Dutch Oven, and then bake bread etc. Even a barbeque would lift your culinary creativity.

Most people espouse "leave no trace" but I go further and say "leave it a little better than you find it" - so when talking about open fires, we have to leave no negative impact on the environment, and leave no trace, whatsoever.

Imagine a cauldron or pot hanging from a tripod, over the embers of a small fire. Food tastes so much better this way.

For advice on how to go about this safely, if you want it, drop me a line. I will be happy to help.

Bon appetit!

[PlayingWithFire]

Quick and easy cooking that uses little gas and utilises the instant cooking of a hob, should include steaming and stir-fries - so lots of tasty vegetables.

I do flat breads in a pan, so a variation on the pancake theme. And popcorn is easy.

Also, if you have not got one, I recommend a pressure cooker, which will save you a lot of gas, tenderise foods and reduce steam condensation.

I am now hungry!

Best wishes.

[Cloud]

While I remember, gas can also be saved when boiling potatoes, rice and vegetables by part cooking with the gas lit and lid on, then turning out the gas and allow to continue cooking in the water. For rice and potatoes about 5 min boiling + 15 minutes standing. Depend a little on pan sizes, etc, but a little experimenting will save a lot of gas.

[IAN BALL]

Dear SS friends,Thank you all for your helpful advice and suggestions etc.Not being Gordon Ramsey I will experiment forthwith,one more question now all is green around us,can clover leaves/flowers be used in a salad.etc the bees seem to like it !Take care all,we should form a new EU party,The Simple Life Party.Bye for now,Ian and Dippy dog.

[jim]

Dear Ian,

To make bread on a open fire you need a metal bucket with lid (or something similar) placed in the embers to get hot. Place risen dough on a plate that just fits the bottom of the bucket and put inside. Put the lid back on and cover with embers. Check the bread after 20 mins.

To use twigs effectively get a catering sized can from a skip and cut off top and bottom. On the curved sides just below the crimping where top was attatched make small holes. Fill the can with twigs, stand on three stones -somewhere safe, place paper or straw underneath, a pot on top and set fire to the paper. Water is brought to the boil quickly and soup/rice/pasta can be cooked for minimum impact to fuel stocks.

Love and Peace
Jim

[John Headstrong]

When I was living in a old ambulance I had the same 2 hob issue, so I cooked outside on a fire most of the time.

I used a old car wheel and a old oven rack, and used whatever wood I could find, it was the cheap and easy option. I fact I still have a old car rim in my garden that I used for a BBQ last year.


if you have the time, look for "rocket stove"
or watch this video http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 3830833401

I like the one in the video. it looks like it would be portable enough for campervan life

[PlayingWithFire]

If you like these ideas, have a look at this for another version:

http://www.kellykettle.com/

I use one - it is fast but limited in its use. A good toy. And fast.

[becks77]

Do you have electric could you use a slow cooker? they come up quite regularly on Freecycle

[IAN BALL]

Thank you for all suggestions etc.I have no electric supply,I am in the market for a small 12v wind turbine if anybody knows of one at little money.I could then perhaps use more battery powered items.etcI think there is a 12v microwave and small oven that truckers use in cab.etc.Enjoy the summer,take care earth friends. Ian and Dippy dog.

[Amaranth]

Stirfrys were invented to save fuel like this. Cut up everything first before turning on the gas. Serve over wholegrain noodles rather than brown rice to save fuel on that too. Or eat with wholemeal bread from the shops for no fuel for the grain.

In the summer stirfry meat and serve on top of a salad for even less cooking.

For people in areas with a lot of sun, solar cookers work well.