Chapter 15 Road Food
On my next trip to Arizona, I’m going to take along a 3 quart Instant Pot®, which I will try to use in combibnation with hotel microwaves to prepare as many meals as possible. This chapter contains what I hope will be ways this can be accomplished, minimizing the amount of preparation that will need to be done on the road.
15.3 Recipes
The actual recipes are found elsewhere in the book; below I have links to them, along with ideas as to how they can be adopted for easier preparation.
15.3.1 Macaroni and Cheese
Using pre-grated cheese will simplify preparations. Also, packaging the pasta in 6 oz. quantities will help.
15.3.2 Spaghetti
The simplest way to prepare this would be to layer water, pasta, and commercial sauce in the IP, pressure cook for five minutes or so, and quick release. However, if using meat and/or onions, these can be sauted prior to adding the other ingredients. The onions can be pre-chopped and stored in ziploc bags. Finally, although some flavor will be lost, use water in place of broth.
15.3.3 Roast Beef for Sandwiches
The easiest way to do this would be to cook and slice in advance. If desired, the meat can be warmed in a microwave, and one could perhaps toast a small roll using the IP Sauté function.
15.3.4 Mexican Rice
Again, pre-chopped onion and/or garlic would simplify matters (or even bring along a jar of commercially prepared minced garlic). And a strategy for preparing a half recipe:
- Sauté the onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes.
- Add a half pound or so of loose chorizo and cook until browned.
- Per recipe, add broth (prepared from concentrate), water, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, black pepper and 1 cup rice (layered and submerged).
- Pressure cook on high for four minutes, followed by 10 minutes of natural release.
15.3.5 Spanish Rice
As given, this might be a tad involved for cooking in a hotel. However, it certainly would work in a vacation rental.
15.3.6 Berbere Chicken
The only thing to to in advance might be to cut up the chicken.