Cooking Icelandic Cuisine on a Camp Stove: A Camper's Culinary Adventure

Iceland's stunning landscapes are a feast for the eyes, but the adventure doesn't stop there. The country's unique cuisine offers a culinary journey that's just as thrilling, especially when prepared over a camp stove amidst Iceland’s raw beauty. Whether you're huddled under the northern lights or perched by a remote fjord, cooking local dishes can enhance your connection to this extraordinary land.

Getting Equipped

First things first—make sure you have the right equipment. A reliable camp stove and basic cookware are essential. At Iceland Camp Gear, we provide lightweight stoves and durable cooking sets that are perfect for the task. These stoves are easy to manage and compatible with locally available fuels, ensuring you can cook efficiently in the great outdoors.

Simple Icelandic Recipes for Campers

Here are some traditional Icelandic dishes that are not only simple to prepare but also bring a taste of Iceland right to your campsite:

Plokkfiskur (Fish Stew)

This hearty fish stew combines two of Iceland's staple ingredients: fish and potatoes. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients: 500g of white fish (cod, haddock, or pollock), 4-5 potatoes, 1 onion, 250ml of milk, 50g of butter, salt, and pepper.
• Preparation: Boil the potatoes until tender and set aside. In another pan, sauté the chopped onions in butter until golden, add chunks of fish, and cook until opaque. Mash the potatoes roughly and add to the fish. Pour in milk, stirring continuously, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until everything is heated through and slightly thickened.

Skyr Pancakes

Skyr, a thick and creamy dairy product similar to yogurt, is a versatile ingredient in Icelandic cuisine. Skyr pancakes are a delicious start to a day of hiking.

• Ingredients: 1 cup of Skyr, 1 cup of flour, 1 tsp of baking soda, 1 egg, 1/2 cup of milk, a pinch of salt.
• Preparation: Mix all the ingredients to form a batter. Heat a non-stick skillet over your camp stove and pour in some batter. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown. Serve with berries or Icelandic honey.

Instant Kjötsúpa (Lamb Soup)

A simplified version of the traditional Icelandic lamb soup, perfect for camping:

• Ingredients: Pre-packaged dried Kjötsúpa mix (available at Icelandic supermarkets), water.
• Preparation: Follow the instructions on the package—usually just requiring you to add water and simmer. The soup typically includes lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions—all dried and ready to cook.

Icelandic Hot Dogs (Pylsur)

One of Iceland's most beloved street foods, these hot dogs can easily be adapted for the camp stove.

• Ingredients: Icelandic hot dogs (or any high-quality lamb and pork hot dogs), hot dog buns, crispy onions, remoulade, sweet mustard, ketchup.
• Preparation: Heat the hot dogs in a pan over your camp stove until they're nicely browned. Toast the buns on the pan if you like them crispy. Dress the hot dogs with remoulade, mustard, and ketchup, and top with crispy onions.

Grilled Lamb Chops

Lamb is a staple in Icelandic cuisine, and grilling lamb chops over a camp stove is simple and satisfying.

• Ingredients: Lamb chops, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme.
• Preparation: Season the lamb chops with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Heat a grill pan over your camp stove and grill the chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until they reach your preferred doneness.

Icelandic Breakfast Skyr

Skyr is incredibly versatile and can be the star of your breakfast at the campsite.

• Ingredients: Skyr, granola, fresh berries (blueberries or crowberries if available), honey or maple syrup.
• Preparation: In a bowl, layer Skyr with granola and fresh berries. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.

Tips for Cooking Outdoors in Iceland

• Shield Your Stove: Icelandic weather can be fierce. Use a windscreen to protect your stove from sudden gusts.
• Use Local Ingredients: Try to incorporate local ingredients like Icelandic lamb, fish, and Skyr to make your meals authentic.
• Leave No Trace: Always clean up after cooking. Store all food securely and keep your cooking area clean to respect Iceland’s pristine environment.