Backcountry Beacon

break

We humans strive to perform longer and move faster and, even though electrolyte tablets and pre-mixed drinks provide the necessary minerals to fend off muscle cramps, fatigue, and dehydration during activity, only unprocessed, wholesome food can truly increase physical ability. Muscle-building protein powders can aid in adding mass when combined with a weight regimen, but your brain is left waiting for a substantial boost from what can only come from Mother Nature.

Lycopene from tomatoes stimulates cell growth, protein from meat and beans builds muscle, carbohydrates from grains are converted into fuel so your body doesn’t burn stored fats, and sulfides in onions are linked to reduced blood pressure and other cardiovascular benefits. Sure, energy bars and gel packets offer a tremendous boost to your output during a ride, hike, or epic climb, but they don’t provide the superior levels of fats and carbohydrates your body needs to refuel after physical exertion and in preparation for more the next day. So here’s a quick, hearty recipe that’s cheap, easy to prepare, and sure to provide the substance your body craves and the nutrients it requires after a full day doing what you love.

Taco Rice

Ingredients for a two-person meal:

• 1 Cup white rice (brown rice works but it doesn’t have the sticky nature)
• 2 Cups fresh, clean water
• ½ Pound of ground anything (turkey or buffalo is preferred for high protein/low fat content – vegetarians sub soy crumbles!)
• 1 Small tomato (diced)
• 1 Small onion (diced)
• 1 Small Serrano or Jalapeno (seeded & diced)
• 1 Can black beans
• Shredded Mexican cheese
• Shredded lettuce (sub cabbage for a little more crunch and flavor)
• 2 Tbsp Cheyenne pepper
• 1 Tsp. Salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder

Cooking

Rice:

• Bring water to a rapid boil in at least a 900ml pot
• Stir in rice, cover, and reduce heat/flame to retain a simmer
• Stir rice once after about 10 minutes have passed, cover, let simmer
• Uncover, stir to fluff, and taste (if more water is needed add a little at a time)

Meat/Soy Crumbles:

• In a separate skillet heat ground meat or soy crumbles
• Add seasoning after a few minutes
• Add a little water to prevent meat/soy from drying out

Beans:

• Empty beans into a small pot and heat through, but don’t boil
• Stir occasionally to evenly heat

(If you don’t have enough cooking surface simply open can, unfold lid, and place near open fire and stir frequently to evenly heat)

Building Your Taco Rice Bowl

Throw a heaping spoonful of steaming rice in the bottom of your camp bowl, plop some black beans (don’t forget some of that juice) on the rice, and then cheese. The next level in your Taco Rice layer should be the hot meat (or warm soy crumbles) to aid the queso in its transition from a solid to melty goodness. Add as much tomato, onion, lettuce (or cabbage), and peppers as your rumbling belly desires, and enjoy!