Campfire Stew Recipe
This hearty Campfire Stew features tender gammon slow-cooked with a rich blend of vegetables, tomatoes, and spices. Perfect for cozy dinners, the stew combines smoky paprika and a touch of chili for warmth, alongside creamy haricot beans for added comfort and nutrition. Cooked slowly in the oven to bring out deep flavors, this stew is a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed fresh or stored for later.
- Prep Time: 15 mins plus overnight soaking
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 mins
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 mins plus overnight soaking
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stew
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 600g gammon
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 onions, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 celery stick, chopped
- 2 peppers, deseeded and chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
Other Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the gammon: Remove the rind and fat from the gammon. Place the gammon in a pan of cold water and soak in the fridge overnight to remove excess salt.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a large flameproof casserole or ovenproof pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook while stirring regularly for about 10 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add aromatics and spices: Stir in the peppers, crushed garlic, tomato purée, smoked paprika, and optional chilli powder. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Add tomatoes and seasoning: Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes along with a little water swilled from the cans. Season well, then add Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and bay leaves. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Cook the stew: Preheat the oven to 170°C (150°C fan)/gas mark 3. Place the gammon into the casserole, cover with a lid, and bring to a simmer on the stove.
- Oven cook: Transfer the covered casserole to the preheated oven and cook for 3 hours or until the gammon is tender and flavorful.
- Add beans and finish on stovetop: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and return it to medium heat on the stove. Stir in the drained haricot beans and simmer for 10 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Shred the gammon meat using two forks and stir it through the stew. Serve immediately while hot and comforting.
- Storage: Allow any leftovers to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to two months. When ready to eat, defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly until piping hot.
Notes
- Soaking the gammon overnight helps reduce the saltiness, making the stew more balanced in flavor.
- The chilli powder is optional; omit if you prefer a milder taste.
- If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika can be used but the smoky depth will be less pronounced.
- Ensure the stew is reheated thoroughly before serving leftovers for safety.
- This stew can also be prepared in advance and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
Keywords: Campfire stew, gammon stew, slow-cooked stew, British stew, comforting winter meal
Find it online: https://familyfavplates.com/campfire-stew-recipe/
