Top 10 camping staples

Convenience and portability is key when it comes to packing your camping larder. We count down 10 basics to get you started.

Know what to take camping

6. Eggs

Eggs They may need to be perched atop your apparel and transported with relative care, but eggs are fine camping fodder. Omelettes can take all manner of fillings (itâs a good way of using up your chorizo), but frittatas- bulked out with potatoes in the Spanish fashion- served in wedges stretch a lot further. Eggy bread also makes a classic campsite breakfast.

7. Pasta

Pasta Whatever shape or size, pasta is a much-loved convenience ingredient that rules in a league of its own. Slender spaghetti is best for saving space, but penne and fusilli are more palatable once they've gone cold. Create a simple carbonara with sausage instead of bacon, throw together a storecupboard puttanesca or melt creamy blue cheese into a mushroom sauce.

8. Tinned fruit

Tinned peaches When it comes to camping desserts, it's often a case of assembling rather than cooking. Tinned fruit can be mixed into an instant salad, but if you want to add a special touch, melt some chocolate into a sauce and drizzle over tinned pears sprinkled with hazelnuts. Sweet shiny canned peaches with cream are a retro winner too.

9. Chickpeas

Ready-prepared canned chickpeas are far more convenient than the bagged dried variety that requires soaking. Pour the peas directly into a bowl and dress simply with oil, vinegar and herbs for a versatile side dish. Alternatively, stir them into a spicy one-pot or use as the base for a salad.

10. Ready-made meals

Spaghetti and meatballs And we're not talking a microwave lasagne. One of the best ways to cater for your campers is to make a one-pot dish at home that can be finished off onsite. A pre-made ragu or meatballs in tomato sauce can be heated and poured over spaghetti, a chilli can be served with bonfire-baked potatoes and stew can be served with couscous. Just make sure it has been cooled correctly and store in a chilled environment.

Food safety alert

Camping often means a lack of refrigeration so make sure you go armed with a cool box and ice packs if you're taking perishables. Cooked food shouldn't be above fridge temperature for longer than 90 minutes and when you're reheating anything make sure it's piping hot the whole way through. Take a look at the NHS LiveWell website for 10 tips to avoid food poisoning. and how to store food safely.

Get more inspiration from our camping and campfire recipe collections.