Campfire Stew

Campfire stew is a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for cooking over an open flame during camping trips. It's a simple one-pot dish that combines meat, vegetables, and seasonings for a flavorful outdoor meal. Here's a basic recipe for campfire stew:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of cubed beef or venison (you can also use chicken, pork, or sausage)
• 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2-3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can of diced tomatoes (about 14-15 ounces)
• 4 cups of beef or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil or butter for sautéing

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Campfire: Before you start cooking, ensure you have a well-established campfire with a bed of hot coals. You'll need a campfire grate or a sturdy, heat-resistant cooking surface to place your Dutch oven or pot on.
2. Heat the Dutch Oven: Place your Dutch oven or large pot on the campfire grate or cooking surface. Add a little cooking oil or butter to prevent sticking.
3. Sauté the Meat: Add the cubed meat to the Dutch oven and sauté it until it's browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the Dutch oven and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same Dutch oven, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened.
5. Combine Ingredients: Return the browned meat to the Dutch oven. Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, diced tomatoes (including the liquid from the can), bay leaf, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Pour in Broth: Pour the beef or vegetable broth over the ingredients in the Dutch oven. Stir to combine everything evenly.
7. Cook Over the Campfire: Place the lid on the Dutch oven and let the stew simmer over the campfire. You can adjust the heat by moving the Dutch oven closer or farther from the coals. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
8. Simmer Until Done: Allow the stew to simmer for about 1-2 hours, or until the meat is tender, and the vegetables are cooked to your liking. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
9. Serve: Remove the bay leaf and serve your campfire stew hot. You can enjoy it as a stand-alone meal or with some crusty bread or biscuits.

Campfire stew is a versatile dish, and you can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or seasonings. It's a comforting and filling meal that's perfect for warming up on chilly camping nights.