Vegetarian Feasts

Sonya Muhlsimmer

I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Years break and I hope you were out exploring and taking in the serenity of the bush. I certainly did. I completed an eight day walk in Kosciuszko National Park, NSW and had New Years Eve at Derschkos Hut, right near Mount Jagungal. I also visited other favourites, Mawsons, Valentines and Grey Mare Huts, and climbed Gungarten (2068 metres) and Mount Tate (2068 metres). Oh and on the first day of the year I climbed Jagungal (2061 metres). Kosciuszko is one of my favourite places any time of the year, and during the summer the wild alpine flowers are just spectacular. There was even a little bit of snow left in patches on the Main Range. What a great way to start the year. But do you want to know what else is spectacular, these two vegetarian dishes.

Main Range from near Mount Tate, Kosciuszko National Park

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This is a simple meal to make, and a hearty one to eat. For the non-vegetarians you can add beef jerky or even a bit of minced beef to, you know, beef it up ... Polenta is made from cornmeal, is gluten free, has lots of protein and a good source of fibre, iron, zinc and other minerals. Oh and it only takes a couple of minutes to cook. I do suggest using two pots for this recipe, one for the polenta and one for the vegetables.

At home preparationPlace all ingredients into the allocated bags. Label bags with the allocated number. Print out method at camp label and place with bags. Keep the tomato paste separate.

Method at campIn a pot add 1½ cups of water and add the contents of Bag 2. Soak for about 10 minutes. Bring to the boil and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, then add the tomato paste and cook for a further 1 to 2 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and cover. In another pot add ¾ cup water and bring to the boil, slowly pour in the contents of Bag 1 stirring constantly. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the polenta thickens to a desired texture (or if you want a smoother polenta add more water). Take off the heat and place in a bowl. If needed reheat the sauce and pour over the polenta, enjoy.

Bag 1 (polenta mix)

Bag 2 (vegetables mix)

Water - 2¼ cups for preparation

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Risoni looks like large grains of rice but it is actually pasta. It is a great way to boost up a meal with some carbs and protein and it cooks in about 6 minutes. You can also add any vegetable to this dish. This is a one pot wonder and so easy to prepare out on the trails, just soak it, cook it and eat it. A great meal after conquering a summit!

At home preparationFor the vegetarian option, break up the TVP chunks into small chunks. Label the bag and place all ingredients into the allocated bag. Copy or print out Method at camp and keep together with the bag.

Method at campIn a pot add 2 cups of water, the contents of the bag (stew mix) and sun dried tomato, soak for a minimum of 15 minutes. After the soaking time, bring the pot to the boil and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes stirring occasionally. Serve and enjoy.

Bag 1 (stew mix)

Keep separate Water - 2 cups

Wild flowers, Watsons Crags, western view and beyond. Main Range walk, Kosciuszko National ParkTony

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