Self Catering Spain - Meal Ideas / Tips for packing

[LidlOrAldi]

Heading to Spain soon for a 2-week holiday. I will be cooking our meals as it's easier due to ds having additional needs
I will be taking some herbs and a sharp knife.
What else is worth putting in to make life easier?
What are your go-to meals on holiday?

Take packets of flavoured couscous www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/ainsley-harriott-roasted-vegetable-cous-cous-100g - an easy accompaniment to some fresh fish or grilled chicken as it doesn’t require cooking.

When you’re out there, buy a packet or two of paella flavouring www.elcorteingles.es/supermarket/0110120945101515-ducros-valencian-paella-seasoning-with-saffron-paprika-and-bay-leaves-3-sachets-box-9-g/. Head down to the local market for some fresh seafood, Spanish sausage and chicken.
Also check out the supermarket selection of gazpacho soup. It’s usually sold in the chiller aisle in cartons or bottles near the juices. The variety is out of this world. Serve cold for a quick easy lunch with crusty bread.

the supermarkets there are fabulous - you can get anything you fancy there. no need to take food.

I'm sure spain has herbs the supermarkets are well stocked and remember to declare your knife ! I'd maybe take cereal or any dry food your child likes and just do a shop once you are there.

Do you know what cooking facilities you will have? Fully equipped kitchen or just a hob? Will you have a bbq?

I have struggled to find some items in the past so taking a few dried herbs and spices saves searching and buying more than we need, bbq spice rub, a few stock cubes and dried herbs come in handy and hardly take up any space.

I always take a sharp knife in my case and have never had an issue, never declared it!
Fully equipped kitchen, possibly a bbq but I'm not a bbq fan so unlikely to use it. The usual go-to meals for us are pasta, we like to make our own pizza, grilled meats, roast chicken and salads.
I just wondered what other people take that they find useful and what meals they cook.

Assuming you're flying with a generous checked luggage allowance...

I like to take a "break glass in case of emergency" meal which means you've got food for when you arrive without needing to go to a supermarket (flight delay could mean you arrive later than expected). I travel with microwave meal pouches. Also some bread and peanut butter. Don't necessarily use them but it's reassuring as back-up. I also like to have an emergency stir-fry sauce pouch. Little sachets of salt too.

I don't know how well supplied your kitchen is - I like to bring a tea towel, washing up sponge and a little bottle of washing up liquid and dishwasher tablets. And a little chopping board to go with the knife.

Enjoy your holiday!

We took peri peri seasoning, a tikka marinade and nandos perinaise and chilli jam.

Took knives (didn't declare them!), a meat probe, some dishwasher tablets and those laundry sheet things (by Dr beckmann), sponge, cloth, clothes pegs (glad I did as there were only 6 provided!).

We usually find the local shop of stuff (like a Spanish B&M) and stock up on anything missing e.g. we bought a couple of platters and a chopping board and some cheap coasters this year

Also took some tea bags for me and flavoured coffee sachets for dd.

Actually took a bottle of blue curaçao with us so we could make cocktails; it was well bubble wrapped in the case and survived the journey

I always take my own chopping board. Just don't like using someone elses. Cheap and light...something like this https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-anyday-flexible-plastic-chopping-mats-set-of-4-grey/p4069051
Spanish supermarkets are great, you don't need to take anything else.

The meat probe is a really good call, added it to my list!

I love those shops that sell absolutely everything, we always end up going to buy something.