TRAIL RECIPE / Pesto Pasta

November 11, 2021

TRAIL RECIPE / Pesto Pasta

We’ve all eaten it, good ol’ trusty pesto pasta. BUT have you cooked it using yummy freeze-dried ingredients? How about on a hiking trip deep in the wilderness? Neither had we, so here is a new take on an old favourite.

We know this isn’t rocket science. But we’ve tweaked a few elements of a tried and tested hearty uni-student favourite. Including adding some fresh greenery from the garden!

(Tip: for a vegetarian option, leave out the chicken)

A big hearty pasta cook up is what I often feel like after a long day on the trail, but carrying all the bulky and heavy fresh ingredients, veggies, meat, yeah, no thanks. Luckily, freeze-dried options can make this yummy recipe hiking friendly! The freeze-drying process is the best way to preserve flavours, nutrients, AND the lightest food option around, making perfect sense for all those “carry-it-yourself” adventures.

Dry Weight: Approx 750g (for a hearty 4-person meal!)

We love hearing your feedback. Let us know what else you would add to this recipe? Cheers! Lachlan.

INGREDIENTS:

1 packet of Campers Pantry Broccoli 25g (use 2 serve 12.5g)

1 packet of Campers Pantry Beans 30g (use 2 serve 12.5g)

1 packet of Campers Pantry Red Onion 30g (use 2 serve 12.5g)

1 packet of Campers Pantry Chicken 500g (use about 100g)

1 packet of Campers Pantry Cheese 200g (use about 20g)

1 packet of penne pasta 500g

1 tube cold-pressed basil (or Pesto)

fresh chilli chopped fine or dried

fresh basil or dried

STEPS: SERVES 4 (Or 3 in our case... What? We were hungry!)

Boil 2L water in your biggest pot.
Add pasta and salt,
Cook pasta and boil a 2nd smaller pot of water, about 500ml.
The veggies and chicken only take a few seconds to rehydrate, add everything and stir, allowing the ingredients to soften and absorb the water.
When cooked al dente, drain the pasta and mix through a little oil.
Add the basil paste (or Pesto) and cheese to the veggies + chicken mix.
Stir and taste to check everything is cooked, serve on top of the pasta.
Garnish with chilli and fresh basil.
Enjoy!