11 best recipes to cook on a boat

Almost everyone has cooked pasta in a hundred ways or made an omelette on a boat. You’re tired of chevapchichi with potatoes and ajvar, and running out of menu ideas? We decided to share our tips for smart recipes that are easy, quick, and don’t require too much preparation in the galley. What can you cook for the crew to be judged as the boat's best chef?

For those who don't feel like cooking at all, we offer recipes for prepared (sliced, peeled, etc.) rather than cooked dishes. In the warm weather, cold food can be a refreshing option that will still satisfy the crew.

In summer, when it's warm, you often don't feel like having a hot meal like sirloin steak or steak at noon. But we still need to eat something. Try to do something for your health and include salads in your diet. They don't have to be boring. Here are tips for healthy salad combinations that, in our experience, the crew will appreciate:

• Field greens, tomato, mozzarella (or burrata), capers, all drizzled with pesto and olive oil.
• Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, canned tuna, corn, black olives, and a touch of white yogurt.
• Cucumber, tomato, pepper, red onion, feta cheese, and black olives.
• Kale and arugula, ricotta cheese, grapefruit, and finely chopped almonds.
• Iceberg lettuce, fennel, apple, chopped walnuts, with a Greek yogurt and honey dressing.
• Lettuce, avocado, roasted sweet potatoes or pumpkin, chickpeas, and a salty cheese for salad.

Whether with tomato, cucumber, tuna, corn, finely chopped pickles, or olives, the possibilities are endless. Mixing cold pasta left over from the day before with a bit of Greek yogurt or sour cream and any ingredients you like creates a super light summer meal.

Do you have fresh bread? This is perfect for treating the crew to Spanish-inspired tapas. These are a variety of small plates shared with everyone at the table. Here are some ideas for what you can put on a plate to savour:

• Olives
• Almonds, nuts, peanuts
• Tzatziki
• Fish spread
• Prosciutto
• Mortadella, ham or salami
• Pickled octopus or prawns
• Salty or sour anchovies
• Cheeses of all kinds (Camembert, fresh local cheese, pecorino...)
• Cheese croquettes
• Grilled squid
• Grundle
• Fried pieces of sweet potatoes or normal potatoes

Just beware that this style of dining is more suitable when you are at rest on a buoy, anchor, or pier, or when sailing with a tailwind. Keeling and rough sailing would probably cause all your small plates to smash.

There are recipes that crews are used to, such as spaghetti Bolognese, pasta with tuna, or risotto made with whatever is on hand. But what will truly amaze your crew?

This food always hits the spot with the crew. The basics are to buy a tortilla — a wheat or corn tortilla, which every major grocery store stocks, canned beans, ideally both dark and light, and tomato passata or canned tomatoes. Sauté the onions in the oil, add the beans and tomato sauce, season to your preference. Some people prefer spicy, some add sugar to the tomatoes to make them taste sweeter.

Next, individually put in bowls canned corn, iceberg lettuce cut into strips, grated cheese, and tomatoes finely chopped with onions. If you can get fresh avocados, make guacamole by mixing the avocados with the finely chopped tomatoes and onions, drizzle with lime juice and ideally cilantro. Use it carefully though, lots of people don't like it. Also prepare tzatziki (Greek yogurt, dill, garlic, cucumber). You can try a range of ingredients in a tortilla.

The base is puff pastry, which you place on a greased baking tray. Then mix eggs with chopped bacon, mushrooms, spinach or peas, and don’t forget the cheese. Pour the mixture over the dough and bake. Simple, tasty, and spectacular. We recommend serving it with a salad of lamb's lettuce or rocket, dressed with honey-mustard vinaigrette.

A sandwich might seem like a simple meal, but when made right, it can be impressive. Toast the bread in a toaster or in a pan. Spread mayonnaise on the toasted bread and layer with iceberg lettuce, a slice of tomato, crispy bacon, and sliced roasted or grilled turkey. Season with salt, pepper, or paprika to taste. To hold the sandwich together, skewer it through two opposite corners, then slice into triangles. Traditionally, a club sandwich is served with chips or crisps, but pickles are a great addition as well.

If you have those that follow a healthy lifestyle in your crew, they will appreciate these tasty recipes using local vegetables.

You will need onions, peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, feta cheese, and Provençal herbs. Choose quinoa, couscous, or bulgur as a base—our preference is quinoa, which should be rinsed three times with hot water to enhance its slightly nutty flavour. Wash, peel, and chop all the vegetables as desired, then sauté them with the onions. Add the steamed quinoa, couscous, or bulgur, and pour over canned tomatoes until the vegetables are tender. Top with feta cheese, which melts beautifully and adds fantastic flavour. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch.

Almost every charter boat comes equipped with a working gas oven. Use it to prepare a delicious broccoli and potato casserole. Top the dish with cheese or a cheese and egg mixture. Season with salt and pepper for a light, tasty meal. You can also add pickles or beetroot on the side. For those who prefer a meatier option, ground meat or sliced pork neck can be included in the casserole.

Did you rent a boat with a grill? It would be a sin not to try it out. Whether classic steaks, burgers, ribs, sausages or ermine in foil, grilled halloumi cheese or chicken skewers. Everything is good on the grill. Try grilled zucchini, peppers or shrimp. If you meet local fishermen, try to buy fresh fish from them.

Do you have any kids on your crew? Rather than letting them eat store-bought cookies, make them something good for their sweet tooth.

Simply buy biscuits, Greek yogurt or sour cream, and jam or fruit. Layer these ingredients in a bowl or individual jars. Let it set, ideally overnight, and you’ll have a delicious dessert or sweet snack. For a more indulgent treat, try making Italian tiramisu, which includes sponge cake, mascarpone cheese, eggs, liqueur, and coffee.

This dessert takes just 15 minutes to prepare and is very affordable, making it ideal for a crew. Buy milk, custard powder, and fruit compote—peaches or tangerines are great choices. Follow the instructions on the custard powder package, layer the fruit at the bottom of glasses, and you’ll have a tasty dessert in no time. Serve it warm or chilled, based on your preference. Kids, in particular, will love this pudding.