Name: Campfire Stew Recipe
Prep time: PT-492294H2M39S
Cook time: 3 h 15 min
Total time: PT-492294H2M39S
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 600g gammon; 2 onions, roughly chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; 1 celery stick, chopped; 2 peppers, deseeded and chopped; 3 garlic cloves, crushed; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tbsp tomato purée; 2 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp chilli powder (optional); 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 bay leaves; 2 x 400g cans haricot beans, drained and rinsed; 1 tbsp sugar

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Introduction

This hearty campfire stew is packed with tender gammon, smoky spices, and rich tomato flavors. Perfect for cozy evenings, it simmers slowly to develop a deep, comforting taste that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients

600g gammon
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 onions, roughly chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 celery stick, chopped
2 peppers, deseeded and chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp tomato purée
2 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chilli powder (optional)
2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves
2 x 400g cans haricot beans, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Remove the rind and fat from the gammon, then soak it in a pan of water in the fridge overnight to reduce its saltiness.
Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large flameproof casserole or ovenproof pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery and cook for 10 minutes, stirring regularly until the vegetables start to soften.
Step 3: Stir in the peppers, crushed garlic, tomato purée, smoked paprika, and optional chilli powder. Cook for another 2 minutes, then add the chopped tomatoes and stir well.
Step 4: Swirl out the tomato cans with a little water and pour this liquid into the casserole. Season well, then add Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 170°C (150°C fan)/gas mark 3. Place the gammon into the casserole, cover, and bring to a simmer on the hob.
Step 6: Transfer the covered casserole to the oven and cook for 3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
Step 7: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and return it to a medium heat on the hob. Add the drained haricot beans and simmer for 10 minutes until heated through.
Step 8: Shred the gammon using two forks and mix it into the stew. Serve immediately for a comforting meal.

Tips & Variations

Soaking the gammon overnight is essential to reduce excess salt and tenderize the meat.
For extra heat, increase the chilli powder or add a chopped fresh chili.
You can swap the haricot beans for cannellini or butter beans depending on your preference.
If you don’t have a flameproof casserole, transfer the stew to an oven-safe dish after bringing to a simmer on the hob.

Storage

Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to two months. To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight and warm on the hob or in the microwave until piping hot.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat instead of gammon?

Yes, pork shoulder or beef chuck are good alternatives that also become tender with slow cooking. Adjust the soaking step as needed.

Do I have to soak the gammon overnight?

Soaking helps to reduce saltiness and improve texture, but if you’re short on time, rinse the gammon thoroughly and soak for at least 2 hours for milder results.