Leslie Cooks In a Van

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

Category: Lunch or Dinner Main


  • 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…

  • 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 Soup with White Beans and Kale 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 Soup with white beans and kale — an easy, wholesome dish that’s perfect for weeknights or…

  • Delicious Garlicky, Creamy Mushroom Pasta

    Garlicky, Creamy Mushroom Pasta 🍝🍄✨ Honestly, I’m feeling a little sleepy right now—because this meal was ridiculously decadent and insanely delicious. But don’t let that fool you! It’s surprisingly quick and super easy to whip up. Mushrooms are one of my absolute favorites—almost as much as salsa verde, if you can believe it. This dish…

  • Easy Succulent Thai Chicken Skewers

    Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce 🍢🔥 I absolutely LOVE the vibrant flavor combo of spicy Thai (or any bold Asian) dishes paired with peanuts or peanut butter. So today, I fired up the grill to make these insanely delicious Thai-inspired chicken skewers, topped with a rich peanut sauce. Paired alongside my Crispy Sweet and…

  • Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas

    Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas 🌯🔥 – Van Style I love enchiladas, but have always made them in an oven— which I don’t have in the van! So, I got creative and leveraged both my induction stove in the van, and my grill. I have to say, they came out fantastic — thanks to my…

  • Spicy Pork and Pineapple Tacos

    A Fiery, Sweet Fiesta! 🌮🌶️🍍 Sometimes, you just need a little extra spice to spice up your day, right? These Spicy Pork and Pineapple Tacos are just what the flavor doctor ordered! The smoky heat from chipotle peppers perfectly balances the sweetness of grilled pineapple, creating a dish that’s impossible to resist. Bonus? It’s quick,…