polenta recipes for backpacking - pantry

Pantry Essentials Part IV – V

April 21, 2020

How to elevate your meals with basic pantry items you
probably already have in the cupboard.

by Chef Corso

Welcome to Part IV of our pantry series deep dive.

If you missed Part I, Part II or Part III, click below.

Part I – Instant Rice and Dehydrated Beans

Part II – Pasta & Rice Noodles

Part III – Fresh Veggies & Eggs

Let’s get to it!

GRITS/POLENTA

Polenta, grits, masa, semolina… what do these things all have in common? Well, basically everything. They’re all CORN – just in a different form. Many food cultures use this as a staple for belly-filling meals so bring that culture to the trail. Make sure to get the quick cook options and they will be ready in your bowl in 5-10 min.

Recipe Ideas:

Bacon Cheddar Grits

Tuscan Polenta

Tamale Bowl

TOMATO PASTE

Maybe you’ve been wondering what to do with that tooth paste-looking tube that sits in the tomato sauce aisle of your grocery store? Yea, tomato paste comes in tubes which is actually super helpful for the trail; no can opener required. It’s an easy addition to many classic backcountry staples or you can actually use it to make REAL marinara sauce for your pasta dishes. Give it a squeeze and give it a whirl!

Recipe Ideas:

5 min marinara

Jambalaya

Burst Tomato Soup w/ Double Cheese Croutons