Veganuary: Embrace the Outdoors with Romantic Plant-Based Camp Cooking

Cooking on a BBQ by a lake

As the new year rolls around, many people embark on a journey of embracing a plant-based lifestyle with Veganuary. This month-long challenge encourages individuals to explore veganism, often leading to a lasting lifestyle change. What better way to dive into this journey than by combining it with the serene beauty of nature? Imagine a romantic camping trip by a tranquil lakeside, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature, while you prepare delicious plant-based meals over an open wood fire.

Jacket Potatoes on an Open Wood Fire

Jacket potatoes are a classic camping staple, and when cooked over an open wood fire, they offer a delightful smoky flavour that's hard to resist. For a romantic lakeside meal, gather a couple of large potatoes, and let the magic begin.

Couple smiling eating and drinking outside by a lake

1. Ingredients:

   • 2 large potatoes

   • Olive oil

   • Sea salt

   • Freshly cracked black pepper

   • Optional toppings: vegan cheese, chives, or a dollop of plant-based sour cream

2. Instructions:

   • Begin by scrubbing the potatoes clean and patting them dry.

   • Poke a few holes in each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape.

   • Rub them generously with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper.

   • Wrap each potato snugly in aluminum foil.

   • Place the wrapped potatoes directly in the hot embers of your campfire and let them cook for about 45 minutes to an hour, turning them occasionally.

   • Carefully remove the potatoes from the fire, unwrap them, and add your desired toppings.

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     Jacket Potato Cooking on a fire pit

Corn on the Cob: A Sweet and Smoky Delight

Corn on the cob cooked over an open fire is an incredibly simple yet rewarding dish. Its natural sweetness is enhanced by the smoky aroma of the wood fire, making it a perfect side dish for your romantic lakeside meal.

1. Ingredients:

   • 2 ears of corn, husked

   • Vegan margarine

   • A sprinkle of smoked paprika

   • Salt and pepper to taste

2. Instructions:

   • Brush the ears of corn with melted vegan margarine.

   • Season them with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

   • Wrap the corn in aluminum foil, ensuring it's tightly sealed.

   • Place the corn on the periphery of the fire where it can cook slowly for about 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally until tender.

   • Unwrap and serve hot, enjoying the sweet, smoky flavours.

     

     Corn on the cob cooking on a bbq

Easy Plant-Based BBQ Recipes for Couples

Nothing says romance quite like a BBQ by the lake. Here are a couple of simple plant-based BBQ recipes that will make your Veganuary camping trip unforgettable.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Skewers are an ideal choice for campfire cooking, offering vibrant colours and flavours.

1. Ingredients:

   • 1 red pepper, cut into chunks

   • 1 yellow pepper, cut into chunks

   • 1 courgette , sliced

   • 1 red onion, cut into chunks

   • Cherry tomatoes

   • Olive oil

   • Balsamic vinegar

   • Fresh herbs like basil or thyme

2. Instructions:

   • Thread the vegetables onto skewers, alternating colours for a vibrant look.

   • Drizzle with olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar.

   • Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.

   • Grill the skewers over the fire until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred, about 10-15 minutes.

Grilled vegetable kebabs on a BBQ

Embrace the Moment

Cooking by the lakeside during Veganuary is more than just a meal—it's an experience that brings couples together. The crackling fire, the starry sky, and the shared accomplishment of creating delectable plant-based dishes enhance the romance of the outdoor adventure. As you savour each bite, you're not just nourishing your body but also your soul, all while embracing a compassionate lifestyle and the beauty of nature.