Leslie Cooks In a Van

Cooking Adventures on the Road — Delicious Food, Tiny Space, Big Flavors

Category: Lunch or Dinner Main


  • Pub-Style Bangers and Colcannon

    Now this is some bloody proper comfort food! 🇬🇧🍻 Hubs and I often brainstorm menu ideas for Birdie, our trusty van (she’s got personality, I tell ya). So when he asked for Bangers and Mash, I thought, why not give it a proper twist? Enter Bangers and Colcannon — that’s mashed potatoes mixed with buttery…

  • Amazing Beef Stroganoff

    Mushroom Lovers Unite! Let me shout it from the rooftops: I LOVE MUSHROOMS. Seriously, I could eat them every day, and that’s a big reason why I adore Beef Stroganoff. If you’re a mushroom lover too, I think you’ll enjoy my twist on this timeless classic! For this dish, I used ribeye steak—mainly because that’s…

  • Delicious Chicken Vindaloo

    Chicken Vindaloo — Perfect for Your Next Indian Feast, on the Road! 🍛🔥 Craving bold, flavorful Indian cuisine? Look no further than Chicken Vindaloo — a delicious, tangy, and spice-infused dish that’s perfect for chilly nights or whenever you want a little heat in your life. 🌶️✨ Recently, hubs was itching for some Indian flavors,…

  • Super Easy Lemon Spice Fusion Chicken

    The creation of this recipe started as a plan to make a stir-fry with chicken marinated in lemon grass. Unfortunately, after visiting three grocery stores on our route, I couldn’t find any lemon grass. Not to be discouraged, I improvised with what I had, and the result was absolutely fantastic! When life gives you no…

  • Delicious Cast-Iron Roman Chicken with Potatoes

    A Perfect Meal, Indoors or Outside If you’re a fan of flavorful, rustic dishes with a touch of Mediterranean flair, you’ll love this outdoor-friendly adaptation of Roman Chicken Cacciatore. Inspired by Cynbelle Tondu’s classic recipe, I’ve tweaked it for cooking on the grill using a cast iron skillet—perfect for camping trips, picnics, or outdoor cookouts…

  • Hearty Sausage and White Bean Stew

    Perfect for Fall Nights As the leaves turn and temperatures drop, there’s nothing better than a warm, comforting stew to enjoy whether you’re at home or on the road. This hearty but simple Sausage and White Bean Stew is my go-to fall dish — crafted to cook outside on the grill, making it perfect for…

  • Cookout Friendly Chicken Paella, on the Grill

    Chicken Paella – Made on the Grill I’d never made paella before, but I figured if I was going to try it, I’d do it right—even without shellfish since hubs is allergic. With important company at my campsite (my daughter and son-in-law), I wanted to ensure this first-time recipe actually delivered. Thanks to my trusty…

  • Simple Grilled Swordfish with Red Cabbage and Jicama Slaw

    Grilled Swordfish with Red Cabbage and Jicama Slaw Looking for a light, fresh, and flavorful seafood dish? This Grilled Swordfish with Red Cabbage and Jicama Slaw is the perfect combination of smoky grilled fish complemented by crisp, tangy slaw. Easy to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors, it’s a delightful meal that’s both healthy and…

  • Sausage, Mushroom, and Pea Risotto

    Sausage, Mushroom, and Pea Risotto 🍚🍄🌱 LOVE risotto. There’s something about that creamy, velvety texture and those rich flavors that just gets me every time. But let’s be real—risotto is a labor of love, and it can take a good chunk of time. Today, I tackled it after a long workday and a 3-hour drive.…

  • Simple, Hearty Chicken Soup

    Simple, but Hearty Chicken, White Bean, and Kale Soup On the last night before fall, I find myself craving warm, nourishing soups that stick to your ribs and keep you cozy. So, tonight, I made this delicious Chicken, White Bean, and Kale Soup — an easy, wholesome dish that’s perfect for weeknights or prepping in…