February 1, 2022: This instant mashed potatoes suggestion is based on bulk quantities that can reduce or eliminate extra packaging. A 1/2 or 1 liter Nalgene bottle provides reusable dry storage of the mix, and makes it easy to get just the right amount for a quick meal. The ground chia and ginger contain ingredients that may help with both fueling and recovery. Butter and/or powdered milk can also add calories and extra flavoring.
Ingredients:
Just Real Spuds Mashed Potatoes, 2.5 kg | Costco,Buy PRANA Proactive Organic Ground Black Chia Seeds at Well.ca | Free Shipping $35+ in Canada, Egg Yolk Powder|Eggylicious (prideofindia.ca), Buy Simply Organic Ground Ginger Root at Well.ca | Free Shipping $35+ in Canada, Club House, Quality Natural Herbs & Spices, Fine Herbs, 62g : Amazon.ca: Grocery & Gourmet Food, Cello Parmesan Whisps, 269 g | Costco
Four-cheese instant mashed potatoes
This suggested meal is based on packaged Idahoan mashed potatoes available in many grocery stores. The packaged potatoes are supplemented with freeze-dried Lite House veggie mix, unsalted butter, and powdered ginger (not shown) all combined in a zip lock bag. Alternately the ingredients can be carried separately and combined at meal time. Typically yields about 700 calories (the Idahoan mix is 440 calories/bag). Pour two cups, (500 ml) of boiling water into zip-lock bag, stir completely, let stand one minute prior to eating. This meal can also be cold-soaked….not so much for the butter. 🙂
Ramen and “stuff”
Here’s a favorite bikepacking meal. Ingredients can usually be found in most grocery stores. Super easy to prepare in advance and loaded with about 750 calories. Typically costs less than $3/meal.
2 – blocks Organic millet & brown rice ramen = 480 calories (Costco product) This is sold as a gluten free product.
1 pouch of Lipton Chicken Noodle Supreme Cup-a-soup = 60 calories
1 teaspoon Litehouse freeze-dried ginger
1 tablespoon Litehouse freeze-dried poultry herb blend (both Litehouse products are usually in the refrigerated salad dressings area of grocery stores)
1 can solid light tuna packed in olive oil ˜200 calories (weight 85 grams) or substitute nuts, jerky, Hot Rods, etc.
Preparation: Break up the ramen in a bowl and then add to a 1 litre “medium” zip-lock freezer bag …. not a sandwich bag.
Combine rest of ingredients, except tuna, in bag, and seal.
When ready to “cook” add a can of tuna with the oil and then add 450 ml of boiling water, and seal bag. Wrap bag in something to keep it warm. Wait 5-15 minutes* while stirring bag occasionally to mix contents. Enjoy. *altitude dependent
Breakfast Hash
A friend highlighted Golden Griddle hashbrowns as a staple bikepacking food. Thanks Bob! These containers of dehydrated potatoes are widely available in North America. Marketed as gluten-free, the spuds are an excellent base for adding your favorite ingredients. The sodium levels of ~1,800 Mg/container are worth considering relative to your daily activities and needs. “Cooking” is as simple as adding 500 ml of boiling water to the container, stirring, and enjoying a hot beverage while the mixture rehydrates. At 1,800 metres it takes about 15 minutes for rehydration.
1/4 teaspoon Litehouse freeze-dried ginger
1 tablespoon Litehouse freeze-dried poultry herb blend (both Litehouse products are usually in the refrigerated salad dressings area of grocery stores)
1-3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Mixed nuts and/or shelf stable bacon bits, etc. Note: Cheeses make the mixture VERY difficult to stir and rehydrate completely.
