Camp oven cooking adds an extra layer of adventure and flavour to camping meals, allowing you to create delicious dishes like curries, roasts, stews, and even freshly baked damper right at your campsite. While it does require some practice and skill to master, the rewards of camp oven cooking are well worth the effort. Here's a closer look at this traditional cooking method and some tips for success:
Choosing the Right Camp Oven: Invest in a good-quality cast iron camp oven with a tight-fitting lid. Cast iron distributes heat evenly and retains it well, making it ideal for slow cooking and baking over open flames.
Seasoning Your Camp Oven: Before using your camp oven for the first time, season it by coating the inside with a thin layer of vegetable oil and heating it over a campfire or in your home oven. Repeat this process a few times to build up a natural non-stick patina.
Managing Heat: Controlling the temperature of your camp oven is key to successful cooking. Arrange hot coals or charcoal briquettes in a ring around the base and on top of the lid to create even heat distribution. Adjust the number of coals based on the desired cooking temperature.
Choosing Recipes: Camp oven cooking lends itself well to hearty, slow-cooked dishes like casseroles, roasts, and soups. Experiment with different recipes and ingredients to find your favourites, and don't be afraid to get creative with flavours and seasonings.
Preparation and Timing: Prepare your ingredients ahead of time and plan your cooking schedule accordingly. Some dishes may require longer cooking times, so start early and allow plenty of time for the flavours to develop.
Checking and Rotating: Periodically check on your camp oven to ensure that the food is cooking evenly. Rotate the oven and adjust the position of the coals as needed to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
Safety First: Exercise caution when handling hot camp ovens and live fires. Use heavy-duty gloves and long-handled utensils to avoid burns, and always keep a safe distance from open flames.
Sharing the Experience: Camp oven cooking is not just about preparing delicious meals—it's also a communal experience. Invite friends and family to gather around the campfire, share stories, and savour the aroma of home-cooked food wafting through the air.
Whether you're simmering a hearty stew, roasting a succulent chicken, or baking golden-brown damper, camp oven cooking adds a touch of tradition and authenticity to your outdoor adventures. With practice and patience, you'll soon become a master campfire chef, delighting your fellow campers with unforgettable meals cooked with love and care.
Happy camp oven cooking!
