Ready to revolutionize your outdoor dining experience with an extraordinary recipe designed specifically for your expeditions? Bid farewell to uninspired meals on the trail and give a warm welcome to the tantalizing Cuban Pork and Rice Dehydrated Backpacking Meal! Bursting with rich flavors, convenience, and nourishment, this is the ultimate solution to appease your palate and fuel your adventure. It has quickly become a favorite of mine on the trail!
The Cuban Pork and Rice backpacking meal boasts ample protein and long-lasting sustenance. These step-by-step instructions will guide you effortlessly through gathering essential ingredients and preparing the dehydrated meal to rehydration and cooking the meal on the trail. We will also cover the importance of crucial macronutrients for proper energy stores while backpacking.
Follow along to uncover preparation of this staple backpacking meal and fuel your adventures!
Table of Contents
Nutritional Benefits of Cuban Pork and Rice
When it comes to embarking on a backpacking trip, fueling our bodies with the right nutrients is paramount to conquering rugged terrain and keeping our energy levels soaring. I love the Cuban Pork and Rice for that specific reason, but also because it is a common meal in my household off the trail. This flavor-packed meal offers a number of benefits that cater perfectly to the needs of adventure enthusiasts.
Backpacking Energy Requirements
When backpacking, our bodies require a balance of macronutrients to sustain us. Cuban Pork and Rice provides the perfect combination of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Protein is essential for muscle repair and recovery, while carbohydrates supply the energy our bodies crave during demanding hikes. The healthy fats found in the pork provide long-lasting energy and help us feel satisfied throughout our adventure. With this Cuban Pork and Rice meal, we can fuel our bodies efficiently, ensuring we have the stamina to tackle any obstacle along the trail.
Check Out Another Favorite Meal: Chicken Burrito
Cuban Pork and Rice
Backpacking demands considerable energy expenditure. Whether we’re climbing steep inclines or trekking for miles, our bodies need a reliable source of fuel. Pork and Rice delivers the energy we require to keep going thanks to their optimal balance of nutrients. The carbohydrates in the rice provide quick-release energy, where the protein from the pork helps sustain our energy levels for extending periods. By indulging in the Cuban Pork and Rice, we can keep our stamina high and stay focused for whatever lies ahead.
Ingredients and Preparation
With Cuban Pork and Rice, there are a lot of customizations to be done! Here is a list of ingredients you’ll need for my recipe:
- Pork Chops
- White Rice
- Kidney Beans
- Salt and Pepper (To Taste)
- Onion
- Canned Chopped Tomatoes with Green Chillies
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
With this recipe, we will be dehydrating everything! Tip: recorded the starting weight prior to dehydrating and ending weight after dehydrating.
Steps for Dehydration
Follow these directions for dehydrating your Cuban Pork and Rice Meal:
Dehydrating Rice:
- Prepare the rice according to the packing instructions of your preferred recipe.
- Mix in the can of Chopped Tomatoes with Green Chilli
- Spread the cooked rice in a thin layer on dehydrator trays lined with non-stick sheets or parchment paper.
- Set the dehydrator to a low temperature, around 125°F (52°C), and allow the rice to dehydrate for approximately 6-8 hours or until completely dry and crisp.
- Once dehydrated, let the rice cool and transfer it to airtight containers or sealable bags for later use.
Dehydrating Kidney beans and Onions:
- Drain and rinse the beans.
- Cut the onion into small pieces.
- Spread the kidney beans and onions evenly on dehydrator trays.
- Set the dehydrator to a low temperature, around 125°F (52°C), and allow the beans to dehydrate for approximately 8-10 hours or until fully dry and hard. They might crack during the drying process.
- Let the dehydrated kidney beans cool before transferring them to airtight containers or sealable bags for storage.
Dehydrating Pork:
- Salt and Pepper both sides of pork chops.
- Cook the Pork thoroughly, either by baking or grilling.
- Allow the pork to cool completely.
- Cut the pork into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Spread the pork in a single layer on dehydrator trays.
- Set the dehydrator on high, around 145°F (63°C), and dehydrate the pork for approximately 6-8 hours or until it becomes dry.
- Let the dehydrated pork cool before transferring it to airtight containers or sealable bags.
Putting it All Together:
- Using a bag of your choice, portion out the ingredients based on the number of meals you need for the trail.
- Add ½ Tsp of Cumin and Paprika to each meal.
- Label your bag and wait for your next adventure!
Remember to adjust the drying times based on the specific dehydrator you are using and to check the ingredients periodically during the dehydration process to ensure they are fully dried. Once dehydrated, you can rehydrate these ingredients during your backpacking trip by adding hot water. Enjoy!
Rehydrating Your Cuban Pork and Rice
Now that you have diligently dehydrated all of the ingredients for your Cuban Pork and Rice, it’s time to put everything together and enjoy a delicious meal in the backcountry. Follow these steps to assemble your satisfying and flavorful backpacking feast:
- Set up your cooking area: Find a suitable spot in your campsite to set up your camping stove or other cooking equipment.
- Boil water: Fill your pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. You’ll need hot water to rehydrate the various ingredients. Boil the amount of water that you’ll need to hydrate the food. Since the difference in weight from hydrated to dehydrated was 540g, I used 540mL of water to hydrate the ingredients.
- Rehydrate the components: Place the desired portion of these ingredients in a resealable bag or directly in the pot, and carefully pour the hot water over them. Let them soak for the recommended time, typically around 10-15 minutes. Stirring occasionally. I usually massage the bag half way through if I am cooking the ingredients in a Mylar Bag.
- Enjoy your meal: When all of the water is absorbed, sit back, relax and enjoy your meal!
Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles by properly disposing of any waste and minimizing your impact on the environment. Pack out any leftover food scraps and ensure your cooking area is clean before continuing your journey.
By following these steps, you can enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of a homemade chicken burrito right in the backcountry. Bon appétit and happy trails!
The Cuban Pork and Rice Dehydrated Backpacking Meal offers a delightful combination of flavor, nutrition, and convenience for your outdoor adventures. By dehydrating the rice, kidney beans, pork, and onion, you’ve created a lightweight meal solution that can be easily rehydrated and assembled in the backcountry. Thus meal provides the necessary macro nutrients to fuel your body, meet your energy requirements, and keep you going on the trails. Whether you’re embarking on a multi-day backpacking trip or simply enjoying a day hike, the Cuban Pork and Rice Meal is a satisfying and delicious choice. So, pack your ingredients, hit the trail, and savor the taste of adventure with each flavorful bite. Happy backpacking!
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