How to Cook a Delicious Stew in a Cast Iron Camp Oven in the Australian Bush

Embarking on an adventure in the Australian bush calls for a hearty meal. A perfect choice is a delicious, warm stew cooked in a cast iron camp oven. This classic dish is not only easy to prepare but also highly adaptable, making it an ideal option for outdoor cooking. Using simple ingredients such as beef chuck steak, potatoes, carrots, and a few pantry staples, this stew can be whipped up to feed a hungry group of campers without breaking the bank.

 

A cast iron camp oven is the perfect tool for cooking this scrumptious meal, as it can handle the heat of campfires and gas burners alike. The even heat distribution ensures that the stew is cooked to perfection, with tender meat and vegetables infused with rich flavours. A total cook time of around 2 to 2.5 hours is all it takes to create this mouth-watering dish.

In addition to the main ingredients, a variety of herbs, spices, and vegetables can be used to add depth and complexity to the stew. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customising this dish, allowing campers to create a meal that suits their taste buds and available ingredients. So, gather your camp oven, chopping board, and fire-resistant gloves, and get ready to enjoy a satisfying, home-cooked meal under the stars.

Gear Required for Cooking a Stew in a Cast Iron Camp Oven

 

Camp Oven

The most important piece of gear you'll need for cooking a stew in the bush is a cast iron camp oven. This type of oven is perfect for outdoor cooking as it can be used on a campfire, gas stove, or barbecue. The size of the oven will depend on the number of people you are cooking for, but a 12-inch camp oven is a good size for most situations.

Olive Oil and Paper Towel

Before using your camp oven, it's important to season it properly. You'll need some olive oil and paper towel to do this. Simply rub some oil onto the surface of the oven and then wipe it off with the paper towel. This will help to prevent the food from sticking to the surface of the oven.

Camp Stove

If you're not planning on cooking over an open fire, then you'll need a camp stove to heat up your oven. A double gas burner is a good option as it will give you plenty of heat.

Chopping Board and Knife

You'll need to chop up your ingredients before adding them to the stew, so a chopping board and sharp knife are essential. Make sure you choose a board that is stable and won't slip around while you're chopping.

Oven Gloves

Your camp oven will get very hot, so you'll need a good pair of oven gloves or fire-resistant gloves to handle it safely.

Ingredients

To make a delicious stew, you'll need a range of ingredients. The basics include garlic, onion, beef, potatoes, carrots, salt, pepper, tomato paste, flour, liquid beef stock, red wine, bay leaf, basil, Worcestershire sauce, and water. However, you can chop and change the ingredients depending on your preferences and what you have available.

Conclusion

Having the right gear is essential for cooking a stew in the bush. With a cast iron camp oven, camp stove, chopping board, and oven gloves, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious meal. Don't forget to season your oven properly and choose your ingredients wisely to make the perfect stew.

Ingredients for Cooking a Stew in a Cast Iron Camp Oven

 

When it comes to cooking a stew in a cast iron camp oven in the bush in Australia, it's important to have the right ingredients on hand. Below are the key ingredients you'll need to create a delicious and hearty stew:

Beef Stew Meat

The star of this dish is the beef stew meat. It's best to choose a meat that is well-marbled, as this will help keep it tender and juicy as it cooks. You'll want to cut the meat into bite-sized chunks before cooking.

Vegetables

For a classic stew, you'll want to include vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions. However, there's plenty of room to get creative here. Consider adding other root vegetables like rutabaga or parsnips, or even tossing in frozen peas or green beans right before serving.

Tomato Paste

Tomato paste adds a rich depth of flavor to the stew. You'll want to use about 3 tablespoons of tomato paste for a 2-pound batch of stew.

Flour

Adding a bit of flour to the stew helps to thicken the sauce, giving it a rich and hearty texture. If you don't have any flour on hand or prefer not to use it, you can also use a dehydrated potato as a gluten-free alternative.

Beef Broth

A good beef broth is essential to the flavor of the stew. You can use condensed beef broth or make your own by simmering beef bones and aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery for several hours.

Oil

You'll need about 1 tablespoon of oil to cook the beef and onions. Olive oil or vegetable oil both work well.

Salt and Pepper

To taste, you'll want to season your stew with salt and pepper. Be sure to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Water

You'll also need water to help thin out the stew as it cooks. Add enough water so that the liquid level comes about 1 inch above the meat.

With these ingredients on hand, you'll be well on your way to cooking a delicious and satisfying stew in your cast iron camp oven.

Method for Cooking a Stew in a Cast Iron Camp Oven

If you are looking to cook a hearty and delicious beef stew while camping in the bush in Australia, a cast iron camp oven is the perfect tool for the job. Follow these simple steps to create a warm and comforting meal that will satisfy your hunger after a long day outdoors.

Preparing the Beef and Vegetables

Start by preparing the beef and vegetables for your stew. Cut the beef into bite-sized chunks and chop the potatoes and carrots into similar-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and chop the onion into chunks as well. Set aside for later.

Browning the Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Heat up your cast iron camp oven over the campfire or on a stove. Add some oil to the pot and let it heat up. Once the oil is hot, add the beef chunks and cook until brown on all sides, about 10-15 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Adding the Tomato Paste and Flour

Stir in the tomato paste to coat the beef mixture. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and toss to coat, making sure the flour is well absorbed. This will help to thicken the stew and create a rich sauce.

Adding the Beef Stock, Wine, and Herbs

Slowly stir in the beef stock and wine. Add enough water so the liquid level comes about 1 inch above the meat. Stir in herbs like rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves to add flavor to your stew.

Adding the Potatoes and Carrots

Once the beef has been simmering for about an hour and is almost tender, add the potatoes and carrots to the pot. Continue to cook until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Thickening the Mixture if Required

If your stew is still too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a small amount of flour with some water to create a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the stew, stirring constantly until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Checking the Stew

Once your stew is ready, it's important to check the temperature to make sure it's hot enough to eat. Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the stew has reached at least 165°F (74°C).

There you have it! A delicious and hearty stew cooked in a cast iron camp oven that's perfect for a night spent camping in the bush in Australia.