Hiking is a great workout that burns a bunch of calories. In fact, it is estimated that hiking burns anywhere from 100- 500 calories per hour. Utilizing so much energy, you’re going to want to think about replenishment. Luckily, I have a tasty, affordable, and probably unheard-of sandwich choice for your next hike.
My influence for the Super Simple but Tasty Hiking Sandwich:
I have been on a Hemingway kick lately. I borrowed The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway: The Finca Vigia Edition: Hemingway, Ernest from my library and read the short story called, “The Big Two-Hearted River: Part II.”
It is a seemingly simple story about a character named Nick who is preparing to go fishing, but as with many of Hemingway’s works it is laden with depth.
While I enjoyed reading the story for the descriptions of nature and ease of writing, I took inspiration afterward to create this sandwich.
The Excerpt that Inspired Sandwich:
“In the pack he found a big onion. He sliced it in two and peeled the silky outer skin. Then he cut one half into slices and made onion sandwiches. He wrapped them in oiled paper and buttoned them in the other pocket of his khaki shirt. He turned the skillet upside down on the grill, drank the coffee, sweetened and yellow brown with the condensed milk in it, and tidied up the camp. It was a good camp.”
-Ernest Hemingway, “The Big Two- Hearted River: Part II”
As you can see it’s a pretty simple passage but when you read it in the context of the story, somehow it draws your interest into trying out that sandwich, which I did.
The Super Simple but Tasty Hiking Sandwich:
For something as simple as bread and onions, I felt like it was a real treat on the trail. I have doctored it up a few times to experiment with what works best for me. Sitting on a log and eating this sandwich, one would expect a bitter or overpowering onion taste that leaves little to be enjoyed. Quite the contrary, the simplicity of the sandwich actually made it quite appetizing and enjoyable. Almost serene in its consumption.
The Recipe
I settled on these ingredients for my sandwich which I think make for a simple yet most enjoyable version that is also vegetarian friendly!
Super Simple but Tasty Hiking Sandwich- Onion Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bread – I like a fluffy bread like challah, brioche, or white.
- Margarine- Though butter is good too.
- Sweet onion – I like Vidalia
- Salt
- Pepper
How to make the Sandwich:
First take the slices and place them on a plate. (I do untoasted slices, but toasted bread is fine too)
Use a sharp knife to cut the onion in half.
Take the outside layer of skin off until you get to the clear section under the outer layer.
Slice the onion long ways or into half-moon slices. As much as you want, I slice sections so that when stacked on the sandwich they are about an inch thick.
Use a butter knife and spread a generous amount of margarine or butter on both slices.
Sprinkle the butter sides of the bread with Salt and Pepper.
Place the onion half-moon slices onto one of the slices.
Fold the other slice over the onion and buttered slice.
Wrap in paper towel or pack in a baggie for the trail.
Some Additions:
You can add herbs to it as well- I’ve done parsley or sage and both works well, especially fresh. Some versions use mayonnaise instead of margarine or butter, but I like the buttery taste a little better. I’ve even added horseradish as a little extra kick if you’re up for it!
All that’s left to do is to try it out. This Super Simple Hiking Sandwich is not only cost effective, but it will be a tasty treat at the end of your next hike.