We look forward to seeing you in our beautiful Conversano ! If you're planning a few relaxing days at sea, a key question is: what do you eat on board ?
The food and raw materials you bring with you must be suitable, as boats often naturally rock up and down; you need to make sure the food doesn't wobble too much. It's also best to prepare dishes without strong odors, both for the sake of other passengers and because you never know when someone might have a sensitive stomach.
How to eat on a boat
Depending on the type of boat you're on, its size, and the comforts it offers, you'll have different options available, but generally speaking, simplicity wins.
In fact, the kitchen will never be as spacious as the one at home: it's important to have the essential utensils available and a good sense of balance because you're often on the move.
One trick used by champion Giovanni Soldini is the pressure cooker, which allows you to drastically reduce cooking times while still obtaining excellent results.
Not only that: it consumes less gas, is less dangerous and uses less water, which is always very important on a boat.
A must-have are long-life products like pasta and rice, tuna, canned legumes, and peeled tomatoes: the foundation for a delicious, filling dish. And don't forget: extra virgin olive oil. Just drizzle it on top and even the simplest dish will be enhanced.
One piece of advice is to optimize your cooking time and prepare large quantities so you have everything ready when needed.
What recipes can be prepared on a boat?
Here are some easy food ideas to enjoy on the boat:
-
Cold pasta salad : a generous serving of carbs that's filling and satisfying. Cold pasta is perfect because it doesn't need to be reheated; all you need is a container to store it in, and remember to add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to bring out all the flavors.
Our favorite? The classic cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, green and black olives, and basil. - For a day trip, why not opt for a classic sandwich ? Easy to make, super quick, and super versatile.
- Fresh fruit : Indulging in some frozen fruit is a real treat while sitting on a boat, especially if it's in the sun.
- Fish galore : when you dock at a seaside town, take advantage of the opportunity and buy the catch of the day. You could opt for mussels, shellfish to add to your pasta, octopus to combine with potatoes for a cold salad made perfect with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or even some mixed fish for a simple fried dish, if your kitchen allows.
- Our heat-and-eat line is a perfect solution for these types of situations: you can choose from many traditional Apulian recipes featuring legumes and vegetables that are ready in just minutes. These include ready-made fava beans, chicory, and chickpeas, perfect for preparing canapés to enjoy at sunset.
- For a convenient and practical snack , we recommend our almonds made in Puglia , peeled and toasted or shelled and toasted.
Grilling on a boat is possible: the basic rules
For a special evening, why not grill on the boat ?
Hamburgers, cuttlefish, prawns, vegetable skewers, you're truly spoiled for choice, but here are a few recommendations.
Boat grills can be charcoal, gas, or electric, and each type requires special considerations when grilling on the water.
So make sure you have enough propane, charcoal, or the correct electrical connections before you board.
Don't forget your grill accessories and, of course, spices and condiments.
A few rules for grilling while on a boat :
- Only use the grill when the boat is anchored or moored. It's very dangerous to grill while underway, not only for the grillmaster but also for other passengers on board.
- Keep the grill away from flammable materials and boat fabrics
- Never leave the grill unattended when it is turned on and in operation.
- Be sure to position the grill so that no embers or burning charcoal can fall on the boat surfaces or near flammable materials.
- Never throw ash or charcoal overboard after grilling. Keep them in a garbage bag or in a designated waste compartment and dispose of them properly once you're back on land.
- Turn off the grill as soon as you are finished using it and let it cool before continuing to use it.
What oil do you bring on a boat?
Even in the middle of the sea, there's no compromise: choose quality extra virgin olive oil to cook and season your dishes.
If you're afraid or unsure about carrying glass, we have the solution for you: you can easily use our bag-in-boxes or opt for one of our convenient tin bottles!
