Dehydrate chili for backpacking.
This Backpacker Dehydrator Chili is lightweight, nutritious, and easy to prepare on the trail. When properly dehydrated and vacuum sealed, a homemade dehydrated backpacker meal can last quite a while. This Dehydrated Chili will keep for up to 1 year if stored in a cool, dark place. Enjoy your backpacking adventure!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed (or second can of kidney beans)
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the chili: Brown the meat, then add the vegetables and spices. Simmer until fully cooked.
- Dehydrate: Spread the chili thinly on dehydrator trays and dehydrate at 135°F (57°C) until completely dry (8-10 hours).
- Package: Store in vacuum-sealed bags or airtight containers. Label with the date and contents.
For best results, store the vacuum-sealed bags in a cool, dark, and dry place. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming, such as unusual smells or changes in texture.
Packaging Tips
- Portion Control: Divide meals into single-serving portions (1 -1 1/2 cups) before dehydrating to make rehydration easier. 1 serving = 1/3 to 1/2 cup of dehydrated chili. This compact size makes it easy to pack and carry for your backpacking trips
- Vacuum Sealing: Use vacuum-sealed bags to keep meals fresh and compact.
- Labeling: Clearly label each package with the meal name and date of preparation.
- Rehydration Instructions: Include simple rehydration instructions on the package (e.g., “Add 1 cup boiling water, let sit for 10 minutes”).
Rehydration Instructions
- Boil Water: Bring 1 cup of filtered water to a boil for each serving.
- Add Chili: Pour the boiling filtered water into the bag or container with the dehydrated chili. You can add more boiled filtered water if you want a more watered-down consistency.
- Stir and Cover: Stir well, then cover and let it sit for 10-15 minutes or until fully rehydrated.
- Enjoy: Stir again before eating to ensure even rehydration.