WARMING PICNIC IDEAS
We tend to think of picnics as summertime affairs, complete with sausage rolls and sandwiches. But there’s special pleasure to be had in eating hot food outside on a chilly day – especially now we’re able to gather with loved ones in parks and gardens. We’ve put together a collection of recipes for warming picnics – and some tips on transporting it, too
HEARTY SOUPS
One of the easiest portable food choices is soup – because it’s liquid, it’ll stay hot for ages. Simply make up a batch and fill a flask for each person
Pearl barley soup with salsa verde
40 MINUTES
Cream of tomato soup
30 MINUTES
Lemongrass, squash & coconut soup
45 MINUTES
cabbage, potato, bacon and caraway soup
55 MINUTES
Hearty chorizo and kale soup
40 MINUTES
Pearl barley soup with salsa verde
40 MINUTES
Ginger chicken, mushroom & rice soup
40 MINUTES
HOT WRAPS
Great for kids, these hot wraps are easy to make and even easier to pack. Just wrap them tightly in foil to keep them warm until you reach the park
Tuna, rocket & avocado wraps
20 MINUTES
Tikka chicken wraps & tomato mint salad
35 MINUTES
Pork pibil with broccoli, pineapple slaw and tortillas
45 MINUTES
Charred avocado wrap
20 MINUTES
Sweet potato wraps with tahini yogurt
35 MINUTES
Spiced fish wraps with tahini sauce
18 MINUTES
SATISFYING STEWS
Stews are brilliant for packing into flasks for days out – make them in advance and heat the portions you need in the morning. Put any yogurt or chilled toppings into a separate pot for spooning over
Butterbean, squash and kale stew
55 MINUTES
Aromatic beef and mushroom stew
3 HOURS 55 MINUTES
Berbere-spiced chicken sausage casserole
50 MINUTES
Ham and lentil casserole
40 MINUTES
Smoky beetroot goulash
35 MINUTES
Tiger prawn & fish stew
40 MINUTES
COMFORTING CURRIES
Robust curries are the perfect flask-fodder – the flavours will improve with time, and by lunchtime the aroma when you open the lid will be irresistible. Pack naans for dipping
Cauliflower and coconut curry
55 MINUTES
Chickpea curry
1 HOUR 10 MINUTES
Chicken curry with baby leaf greens
40 MINUTES
Chicken and butternut squash green curry
50 MINUTES
Indonesian-style beef rendang curry
2 HOURS 50 MINUTES
Thai-style massaman lamb curry
2 HOURS 10 MINUTES
PICNIC PASTAS
Family-friendly pastas are a great choice for alfresco eating. Cook them in the morning then spoon into flasks before heading off to the great outdoors
Red chicory and pancetta penne
25 MINUTES
Leek carbonara with mushrooms and sage
30 MINUTES
Spaghetti with chicken, black beans and spicy tomato sauce
25 MINUTES
Sausage and chilli pasta bake
50 MINUTES
Cauliflower cheese and spring green pasta bake
40 MINUTES
Tuna pasta with green beans, lemon and olives
30 MINUTES
3 FLASKS WE LOVE
This classic flask is great for soups – and it’s generous enough to satisfy the hungriest picnickers
This pretty pot will keep food hot for up to six hours – and it’s leak proof, so you don’t need to worry about spills
Fill this flask with curry, stew or pasta for your alfresco feast
Fill this flask with curry, stew or pasta for your alfresco feast
HOW TO KEEP FOOD HOT IN FLASKS
Pour boiling water into your flask, then screw on the lid and leave to stand for five minutes. Make sure your food’s piping hot, then empty out the water and replace with the hot food, filling the flask right to the top. Screw the lid on tight – and you’re ready to go!