Hiking Recipes - Part 2

The big hike is only 32 days away (and counting) and we are now in the final stages of preparation. Fitness and enthusiasm levels are high, even though I am still recovering from a knee injury, which the physiotherapist diagnosed as a nerve problem. I still experience some discomfort, but the pain is manageable and the stretching exercises are helping tremendously.

So, the pressure is now on to find meals which are easy to prepare but still comforting after a long day's hike. I am scouring the supermarket aisles for products which are light to carry, need no refrigeration and are also dairy free for Keith - did I mention light to carry?

Ina Paarman have a great variety of ready made sauces. I found this Tomato and Chilli sauce which after a little pimping made a fantastic meal - hiking or staying home.

Hiking Tomato and Chilli Pasta Sauce

1 Sachet Tomato and chilli Ready to serve sauce
1 Sachet Tomato Paste (this is optional, but gives great body to the sauce)
30ml Dried Onion Flakes
45ml Dried Mushroom (Porcini works best)
10 - 15 ml Sugar
5ml Dried Chilli (another optional extra)
Water
1 Spicy cured sausage
A little oil for frying
Cooked Spaghetti to serve

In your pot add all the ingredients (except the spaghetti) and simmer for about 15 minutes, until everything is cooked and soft.
Boil the pasta, drain and leave a little of the starch water in the pasta (when you hike you do not take your colinder, so leaving some behind is easy!)
Mix the pasta and the sauce together and leave to rest for a few minutes so the pasta can soak up the flavours.
Serve and eat with gusto!
If you're not hiking this is still a great super quick supper, and even my fussiest eater wanted seconds! You can then use fresh mushrooms and onions.