Beef Stew Over The Fire

There's something special about gathering around a crackling fire with loved ones, especially during the colder months of the year.

Our cherished Scott family tradition that brings everyone together is making beef stew over the fire. Not only does it provide a delicious meal, but it also creates lasting memories and encourages everyone to get outside and enjoy the season with a warm cup of hot chocolate in hand. Even the kids look forward to it!

If you ask Chef Tyler Scott why he enjoys cooking over the fire so much he would tell you that is has nothing to do with the food and everything to do with the experience.

Tyler's biggest tip for cooking a meal over the fire always begins at home in the kitchen. He swears by the term "mise en place" before the flames even get started. 

From chopping the root vegetables to that first mouthwatering sear of the meat, the entire day is dedicated to slowly cooking this meal. The comforting aroma of the stew simmering over the fire adds to the cozy atmosphere and builds anticipation for the feast to come.

Cooking beef stew over an open fire imparts a unique smoky flavour that you simply can't achieve with a stovetop or oven. The flames lick the bottom of the cast iron pot, perfectly caramelizing the ingredients and adding depth to the dish. The slow, steady heat from the fire allows the flavours to meld together in unison, resulting in a rich and hearty stew that warms both body and soul.

Cooking a delicious meal over the fire is an activity for our family that fosters togetherness and strengthens bonds. Tyler's aunts, uncles and cousins travel hours to enjoy this tradition. Everyone stands around the fire sharing stories and laughter. The simple act of cooking a meal becomes a meaningful shared experience that we look forward to multiple times a year.

So, the next time you're looking for a way to bring your family together and make the most of the colder months, consider starting your own tradition of cooking beef stew over the fire! Not only will you enjoy a delicious meal, but you'll also create lasting memories that will warm your heart for years to come. Now lets get to the recipe!

Method:

1. Before beginning any cooking, make sure that all of the food prep has been completed. This allows you to focus on feeding and controlling your fire. Cube your beef, dice your onions, peel and slice your garlic, bundle your thyme, prepare your root vegetables (carrots, beets, turnips, potatoes) and chop your parsley. I like to use Ziplock bags and Nalgene containers to secure my ingredients safely in the cooler.
   
   
2. Start your fire. When cooking one pot meals for a significant amount of time over the fire I love to use my Woods tripod. It has interchangeable levels and the perfect amount of surface space for my large cast iron dutch oven. Slowly build up your fire. Once the flame is mature, position your tripod over the fire pit. 
   
   
3. Begin cooking with a generous amount of olive oil. Add the cubed beef and slowly brown the meat making sure to move the pieces around for an even cook. Once perfectly caramelized, remove the beef. I like to have a tin pan on hand for this part.
   
   
4. Next sauté the onions and garlic. This is when things start to smell really good. You may find that your friends and family slowly stand closer and closer to the fire pit.
   
   
5. Add the beef back in along with the bay leaves and bundle of thyme. Slowly pour in approximately 2L of beef broth. Save the remainder of broth to add in later. Stir and cover. Let this simmer for 2 hours making sure to periodically check in and stir.
   
   
6. Add in the carrots and the beets. Stir. Top with a splash of beef broth. Cover and let simmer for an hour, checking in to stir.
   
   
7. Add potatoes and turnips. At this point your pot will feel like its being overloaded. Do not fret. This is the fun part! Carefully stir and top with beef broth. Squeeze on that lid and simmer for 1-2 hours until the beef is fork tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
   
   
8. Add salt to taste.
   
   
9. Fold in the parsley 5-10 mins before serving. I was cooking for a big group of adults and kids. Normally I would add parsley to the entire stew at the end, but for the sake of some picky eaters I decided to make it optional as a bright and aromatic topper. 
   
   
10. Serve with warm bread and butter. Our Scott family tradition includes my Moms homemade bread! If homemade isn't an option, pick up a loaf of bread at your favourite local bakery for the perfect pairing.

 

This recipe easily fed 10 adults and 8 kids! 

If you try out this recipe I would love to hear about the experience and what you think. Feel free to tag us on Instagram @camp_kitch #CAMPKITCHEN or send us an email to campkitchenstore@gmail.com.

Stay tuned for more mouth watering signature recipes over the fire!

-Chef Tyler Scott