With Easter only a few days away there's a lot to look forward to — wholesome homemade dishes, Easter activities for the kids, family bonding time, and more especially road trips. Road trips are all about enjoying fun and a bit of adventure on an open road. What makes it better? Some padkos to keep your family or friends fuelled. Don't worry about having to budget for road trip munchables, Wayne Blake, Cluster General Manager at ANEW Hotels & Resorts, shares some fresh 'padkos' alternatives to keep you and your taste buds thrilled while on the road.
Sweet & salty coconut or pineapple chips
Crunchy, light, and oh-so-flavourful! These sweet and salty coconut or thinly sliced pineapple chips are the perfect balance of sweetness and savoury goodness for that mid-journey snack. With a hint of cinnamon and a light sprinkle of sea salt, they’re sure to be a hit on the road.
How to make it:
- Toss thinly sliced coconut shavings, or thinly sliced pineapple in olive oil, a sprinkle of brown sugar, sea salt, and cinnamon in your air fryer at 140°C.
- Air fry for 6 - 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Allow to cool before packing into an airtight container for your journey.
Toasty rice salad
Oh dear, you made too much rice and you’re leaving on your holiday the next day! Don’t fear! Incorporate your leftover rice into this yummy toasty and crunchy salad. Toasted rice adds a delicious texture and keeps things exciting, making it a great road trip-friendly option when stored in an airtight container.
How to make it:
- Spread leftover rice in a pan over medium heat and slightly cover with olive oil, salt, and a sprinkle of your favourite spices.
- Stir occasionally, until golden and crispy.
- Let it cool completely and add to your favourite salad for a satisfying crunchy snack on the road!
- As an alternative to frying in a pan, bake the leftover rice in the oven until it becomes crusty. This way, it stays crunchy and won’t get mushy in the salad. You can then cut rice bars and add your favourite toppings on top that, like freshly cut avo and salmon! A dehydrator or air fryer can achieve the same crispy effect.
Sweet chili tofu lettuce wraps
These fresh, spicy, and crispy lettuce wraps are perfect for a road trip when you want something light and vegetarian friendly. The pan-fried tofu brings a satisfying taste, while the sweet chili sauce gives it a zesty kick that’ll keep your taste buds happy on the road.
How to make it:
- Press 1 block of firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into small cubes.
- Add the tofu in a mix of soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sesame oil.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and crisp up the tofu cubes for about 5-7 minutes, turning them until golden.
- Lay large lettuce leaves flat (like butter lettuce) and spoon the crispy tofu onto each leaf.
- Top with sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, and a handful of fresh coriander.
- Roll them up, securing with a toothpick, and pack them for your road trip!
- Bonus tip: Keep it fun for the kids by packing everything in tiffin tins – they can create their own snack masterpiece during your next road trip pitstop.
Spicy mango chicken or beef pockets
Forget the standard Caesar salad or sarmie! These fun and spicy mango chicken pockets are bursting with flavour. The combination of juicy shredded chicken, lamb or beef with tangy mango, and a fiery kick of heat will make you long for more while you are on the road.
How to make it:
- Grill or pan-fry chicken breast, leg of lamb or beef chuck roast, then slice it into thin strips or shred it.
- In a bowl, add the chicken, lamb or beef with fresh mango cubes, a squeeze of lime, chopped coriander, and a pinch of chili flakes for that spicy punch.
- Use small pita pockets and stuff them with the meat-mango mixture.
- Add a handful of crunchy lettuce or spinach for freshness, and drizzle with a bit of spicy wasabi mayo for an extra kick.
- Wrap them up tightly in baking or sandwich paper
Energy balls or bars
These bite-sized treats are filled with energy-boosting ingredients like oats, coconut, and honey, making them the ideal healthy snack to fuel your adventure. The zesty raspberry, or blueberry, and lemon combo will energise you through those long stretches on the road.
How to make it:
- In a bowl, add 1 cup rolled oats, ½ cup desiccated coconut, ¼ cup honey, the zest of one lemon, 1 cup fresh raspberries, or blueberries and a pinch of salt.
- Use a handheld blender to mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined, and the mixture starts to form a dough-like consistency.
- Roll the mixture into small balls with your hands, or flatten in a tray. Optional, drizzle melted chocolate on top for a delightful sweet element!
- Put the energy balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour to help them firm up and settle. This will make them easier to handle and ensure they hold their shape during your road trip.
- If you flattened them into a tray, follow the same principle and slice them into bars.
- Store in an airtight container and enjoy on the road when you need a quick pick-me-up!
