We love road trips and every once in a while we like escaping Dubai to explore another city in UAE; Fujairah and Al Ain being our favorites because of the most picturesque views they offer. My husband call me crazy since I am forever planning for our snacks and meals days before we are about to hit the road. It is always clever to pack a few items in the bag that are not packaged goods from a store when hunger strikes while driving without a warning; not to mention it keeps my family sane in the car because we don't have to worry about searching for a restaurant in the middle of the desert. And my husband always thank me for it later.
All it takes is a little adept preparation ahead and some hard work. Pack those nuts. A bottle of water. Carry fresh fruits like water melon, sweet melon, grapes, berries, figs, kiwis, apples, bananas. And trust me you are less likely to reach for a packet of fried potato chips; which is not only unhealthy but will keep your energy levels low throughout the whole trip. Who would want that, right? And yes, drive-thru's of Mc'D and KFC are the options I don't even think about feeding my boys with.
Ofcourse I don't mean you have to carry curries and chapatis, but use your imagination to pick the food items that your family loves to eat. Sandwiches make for a good deal. Also does hummus to dip a bread. Or pasta salads are a great option too. Depending whether your trip is long or short adjust them to be finger foods, light snack, or a healthy complete meal. Even if you don't eat everything that you have packed, those snacks can be converted into a lunch or dinner without having to buy something while you're out. Try making your own homemade road trip snack to see the whole world of difference!
These are some of my favorite snack items that I love to pack in my travel bag when hitting the road besides baked goodies like banana nutella bread and muffins. These are not only loved by adults, but just as much by your little ones too.
♥ Bombay Masala Sandwich - Who doesn't love a good hearty sandwich! A comforting streetsy potato stuffed sandwich is our go-to grub we can never get tired of eating. Download your recipe here.
♥ Crunchy Herby Potatoes - Well, I started off making these potatoes as a side-salad during dinner parties at home but inched it to a road trip snack very soon since it is loved by all of us at home. Flavorful and healthy crispy potatoes is a delicious way to keep those hunger pangs at bay while on the road! And keep them wrapped in the same aluminium foil in which they are roasted. Download your recipe here.
♥ Chicken Mayo Sandwich - Originally a breakfast item, I don't remember when did these sandwiches turn into our road trip snack. Chicken-mayo sandwiches have a great texture - they are crisp, creamy and extremely worthy of keeping your tummies full. And can be modified to one's taste by addition of their favorite ingredients (think of healthy options like carrots, corn, beet, cucumber etc). What makes it even more approving is that you can make the spread ahead (2 days in advance) so that you don't have to run errands on the morning of your trip. Just assemble, pack and leave! Download your recipe here.
♥ Pasta Salad with Broccoli and Chicken Roasted in Sumac - This salad was one of my recent experiment with "whatever lying in the fridge" while leaving for a stay-cation at Hilton Al Hamra in RAK. I had cooked pasta from a day before and weekly remains of carrot and broccoli in the deepest section of my vegetable tray served just the right purpose. A subtle dressing of honey and EVOO works just fine with this salad. Tip: boil the pasta with salt and olive oil because that is how the taste seeps and bring out the flavors from the pasta. Download your recipe here.
♥ Beetroot Hummus - Living in the Middle East has given me a huge culinary exposure that I am always grateful for. One of the revelation or the must-have in my pantry is plain-old hummus, and certainly not the canned ones readily available in every super market as it is so easy to make one at home. It satiates our evening cravings when served with pita chips roasted in an oven, Such an healthy alternative to gorging on burgers or fried pakodas, isn't it? This marveling purple variation comes from a humble Beetroot that is simple to prepare and bursting with right flavors. Pack it in an air tight container and it'll be your best friend for the whole trip! Goes superbly well pita chips, bread sticks or veggies. Download your recipe here.
♥ Corn and Cheese Quesadillas - Quesadillas are a quick meal in itself on-the-go. You can play with many ingredients like for adding chicken, veggies or keep it simple with corn and cheese or is one of the the best way to clean the fridge. This one's bound to become a favorite with children. Why queue up at fast food joints when you can carry a healthy meal right from your kitchen? Download your recipe here.
Hope you have a fulfilling road trip in the future while not having an agony to search for a restaurant in the midst of a deserted road or munching on those fried chips that are not good for your waist-line or pulling your car to a Mc Donald or KFC. Carry your own homemade snack to see the variation it makes to the whole experience.
PS: Also, don't write off these simple recipes as just the one to carry on the road, but these make great lunch box items too; for both you and your little ones!
Cheers!