Whether out in the big, bad woods or the middle of a disaster, knowing how to cook in an emergency is a beautiful thing. There are actually lots of ways to enjoy a hot meal on the proverbial fly, even if all you have is a thermos!
Check out these emergency cooking methods.
Thermos Options
Would you believe most slow cooker recipes are doable in a thermos? You’ll obviously have to use a lot less food, and you’d definitely need a quality thermos, but yes, it’s very possible. Types of food you can easily cook in a thermos include rice and beans, soups, chili, stews, oatmeal, freeze-dried food, noodles and other pasta, and even meats such as chicken.
Cooking time varies depending on what food you’re working with. For example, rice is going to take longer than noodles. Boil the food before sticking it in the thermos in order to cook it properly. You may have to experiment to get the right cooking time for each option, but that just means you’re honing your nifty survival skills!
Iron Options
If you’re wondering if “iron” refers to the de-wrinkling appliance, you’d be right. Your iron is actually a great little cooking tool, particularly for reheating food, though you will need a power source. Wrap vegetables, fried foods, chicken, or fish that’s already been cooked in about three layers of foil, and turn your iron on its highest setting. Use an ironing board or other viable surface, and place the iron on the wrapped food for three to five minutes. If your food contains “juices,” make sure they don’t drip onto the ironing board.
Solar-Powered Cooker
Additional emergency options depend again on whether you have access to an electrical outlet, or if the sun’s out. Solar-powered portable cookers are a great option, as you don’t have to worry about a viable outlet so long as the sun is shining. Such cookers are low-tech devices, with large-scale options capable of cooking food for hundreds of people.
Emergency Power/Hot Plates
There’s also emergency power options to look into, and hot plates. A hot plate is simply one burner, but it works very, very well. If you invest in emergency power solutions, you’ll be able to use a hot plate or similar appliance no matter how long the power’s out.
What are your favorite emergency cooking methods? Share them in the comments section!