Leslie Cooks In a Van

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

Category: Lunch or Dinner Main


  • Comforting Hearty Beef Goulash

    Comfort in a Bowl, Van Style! 🍲🐄🔥 Let’s talk about one of my favorite go-to comfort foods: Goulash! It’s a warm hug in a bowl, surprisingly easy, and budget-friendly — perfect for busy weeks, cozy nights, or those times when leftovers are your best friend. And guess what? You don’t need much to make it…

  • Spicy Thai Chicken and Pineapple Curry

    A Sweet & Hot Adventure in a Bowl! 🍛🌶️🍍 Craving something with a perfect balance of spicy heat and sweet tropical flair? Look no further! My Spicy Thai Chicken and Pineapple Curry is just the thing to brighten up your dinner — bold, vibrant, and surprisingly easy to make, even in a tiny kitchen. I…

  • Healthy White Chicken Chili

    Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Comfort in a Van! 🌵🍗🥣 Okay, confession time — I’m not the biggest fan of traditional chili. Give me a bowl of White Chicken Chili, though, and I’m as happy as Leo with a new toy! 🐾✨This creamy, flavorful version is my go-to for a cozy van meal, and it’s got enough leftovers…

  • Baharat Pork Tenderloin with Chopped Salad

    Baharat Pork Tenderloin with Chopped Salad — Easy & Delicious in the Van 🌍🔥 Hear me out — I don’t cook Middle Eastern food all the time. Not because I don’t love it, but cooking in a van means we keep our spice inventory small. 🚐✨ But when my brother gifted us some Baharat—a flavorful…

  • Grilled Swordfish with Olive and Caper Tapenade

    A fresh and zippy fish to appeal to all palettes. When I was young, fish wasn’t really my thing. I spent a lot of time at my best friend Rachel’s house — her mom, Carol, was like a second mom to me. And one day, Carol convinced me to try swordfish. I was hesitant, but…

  • Chicken, Corn, and Cheese Skillet

    Festive & Light Chicken, Corn, and Cheese Southwest Skillet Hey friends!Today I’m sharing a dish that’s been a family favorite for years — my Chicken, Corn, and Cheese Southwest Skillet! It’s loaded with bold flavors and just the right amount of festive flair. My hubs and daughter always asked for it, and recently, my husband…

  • White Bean and Asparagus Picatta

    Zesty White Bean & Asparagus Pasta Ohhhh Monday (really Tuesday). Boy, do I love me some Monday (even though it is Tuesday)! 😅 After a LONG weekend of relaxation, I needed a meal that matches this Monday’s (well it’s actually Tuesday – we just took Monday off) vibe — something easy, satisfying, and with a…

  • Grilled Asian Flank Steak

    Grilled Asian Flank Steak with Crisp Veggie Salad I’m a huge fan of the NYT Cooking app—not because I follow recipes exactly (I never do 😆), but because it’s a gold mine for great ideas. This one is inspired by an old NYT recipe, and let me tell you… it SLAPS. Salty, tangy, a little…

  • Amazing White Beans, Pancetta, and Parm

    White Beans, Pancetta, and Parm This one’s another NYT-inspired gem that I’ve tweaked to fit my own kitchen (or, let’s be real—my van). And let me tell you, it’s a huge hit with hubs. He doesn’t mind playing sous chef for this one at all—probably because he knows he gets to eat half the pan.…

  • Chicken Fajitas

    Chicken Fajitas: A Versatile and Delicious Feast 🔥 Whether I’m out in the wilderness or throwing a get-together at home, chicken fajitas are a great choice! Their flexibility makes them ideal for utilizing leftovers or whatever’s in the pantry. Recently, I made a batch for dinner that also served as my lunch on a hectic…