Cooking Outdoors in the Archipelago
Food always tastes better when cooked outdoors with a view.
Bring a friend, family, a pan, and a headlamp – and maybe a four-legged companion – and enjoy preparing and eating your meal together in nature. Here, you'll find some clever recipes and our best tips.
Prepare Your Ingredients at Home
One of the best tips for making outdoor cooking easy and enjoyable is to prepare as much as possible before you leave:
Chop vegetables and meat in advance.
Pack dry ingredients in bags or containers. Mix omelet batter in a bottle so you can just pour it into the pan. For bread, like stick bread or pizza bread, mix the dry ingredients beforehand and bring water, milk, or any liquid you need to mix the dough on-site.
Bring the Right Equipment. A portable stove, a few logs of firewood, or even a disposable grill – these are the essentials for cooking outdoors. Many islands in the archipelago have designated fire pits you can use.
Some useful tools to bring
Cast-iron frying pan
Grill grate
Tongs
Knife and cutting board
And don’t forget matches or a lighter!
Safety First
Always check fire bans before lighting a fire and only use designated fire pits when possible. I it also important to have water nearby to extinguish the fire afterward. Never place a stove or grill on dry grass or other flammable surfaces and keep an eye on children around the fire and never leave it unattended. Bring garbage bags – always take your waste with you!
Simple Outdoor-Friendly Meals
Some meals are particularly suited for outdoor cooking, requiring few ingredients:
Grilled skewers
Foil-wrapped fish or vegetables
Soups and stews that can be pre-cooked
Hot sandwiches and sausages for kids
Pizza rolls – easy, filling, and delicious in both savory and sweet versions! (For recepies, look here.)
A Quick Fire-Making Guide
1. Check for fire bans before lighting a fire. Choose a prepared fire pit if available. If not, pick a flat area free from dry grass, moss, or branches. Sandy or rocky ground works best.
2. Gather fire-starting materials such as dry grass, birch bark, or thin wood shavings. Use dry twigs and sticks (preferably from conifers) for kindling. For logs, dry hardwood branches provide a steady burn.
3. Build your fire properly. Try a pyramid shape for quick heat or a square stack for a longer-lasting burn.
4. Light the fire using matches, a lighter, or fire steel. Blow gently or fan it with a piece of cardboard to provide oxygen. Start with small materials, adding larger logs as the fire grows.
Note! Never leave the fire unattended and always extinguish it properly. Stir the ashes and pour water over them until everything is completely out.
Enjoy your outdoor cooking!
