Soon I'll attend the first official regional
Burning Man event in Israel. This post is meant to share some food tips that will make your diet easier and healthier on the playa. No cooking and no cooling needed. During the nevada Burning Man event, I didn't need to cook any food and thus saved myself the needed settings for cooking and the time spent with it. Not that I say you shouldn't cook if you want to, but I personally prefer to experience other things on the playa. So, here I go with ingredients and then with some "recipes":
Nuts, Seeds, Muesli and Cereals
Natural and even roasted nuts and seeds can be eaten anytime anywhere. Often containing some good fats and proteins. Recommended: almonds, cashew nuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and whichever rock your boat.
Muesli and Cereals can be eaten throughout the day, either dry or with water (preferably cold). If you think one must add milk to it, think again. They're often sweet enough.
Dehydrated Fruits and Sea Weed
Try to focus on things you like and don't have much food coloring and preservatives. Peaches, Dates, figs, raisins, pineapple, banana and what not.
Sprout it all UP
Sprouting is so easy and ensures you have the freshest food at your finger tips. The effort is minimal and the results amazing. If you've never sprouted before, experiment with it at home first. To sprout lentils, for example, all you need is some container (a plastic box is fine), something to wrap it (a t-shirt or towel would be fine for that) and a sieve (you could use your hands if you don't wanna bring one). Cover the lentils with enough water and let them soak for a few hours (4-15 hours is fine). Use the sieve to drain the excess amount of water and cover the lentils in the container. Within 24-48 hours you'll see the sprouts and will be able to enjoy a fresh meal. If you leave them around for longer, consider rinsing them and draining the water every 24 hours. Eat them as is or dress them up and let them dance a bit before.
Sugar and Spice
Your favorite spices and dressings are a must. I recommend olive oil, chilly powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin. Some like playa dust flavor or sparkles from a pony.
Fresh Produce
While fresh fruits and vegetables might not last long on the playa, it won't be a bad idea to bring them for your first and second days. Keeping them in a colder environment would mean they'd last longer. You don't need a cooler but can wrap them boxed (or not boxed) in your clothes to keep their temperature. Cucumbers, carrots, apples, oranges and whatever you like with slight preference to the harder ones that won't get crushed.
Tahini
Making tahini is quick, easy, tasty and full of calories and health. All you need is a bowel and raw tahini that you should be able to get at the store. If you're in the middle east, whatever you get is good. If you're anywhere else, try to get something from the middle east. Raw tahini can be used as is or to dress up some other foods. To make tahini sauce you simply mix the raw tahini with the following: water, lemon juice, salt, cumin, black pepper, chilly and paprika. The last 3 spices are not commonly practiced but be special and bring your own weird spices.
Canned Food
Perhaps not the healthiest choice but might be the easiest to handle as it'll be pre-cooked. Sweet corn, beans in tomato sauce, cooked chickpeas, green peas and many more. Mixing contents of different cans is a great way not to get bored.
Snacks
Energy bars and all sorts of of things in a wrap are easy to access and consume. Often much less healthier and more expensive than the previous options so it's only a good choice for the really lazy and sweet tooth oriented people.
Alcohol
While warm beers are not so much fun, red wine and a good scotch are. Alcohol has a lot of calories and while perhaps not the healthiest for your body, might be good for your mind. Remember to stay well hydrated while on the playa.
Tools
Can opener, plastic boxes, plastic bag for trash, spoon, bowel and possibly a knife are all you'll need to eat in style.
Recipes
Not really. Improvize. As long as it's made with love, it'll be good.
