Campfire Gammon and Vegetable Stew Recipe

Introduction

This hearty campfire stew is a perfect comforting meal, packed with tender gammon and vibrant vegetables simmered in a smoky tomato sauce. Ideal for chilly evenings, it delivers rich flavors with a gentle kick of spice that will warm 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

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

Tips & Variations

• For a milder stew, omit the chilli powder or reduce the smoked paprika slightly.
• You can substitute haricot beans with cannellini or butter beans for a different texture.
• To deepen the flavor, add a splash of red wine before transferring the casserole to the oven.
• Serve with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes for a filling meal.

Storage

Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to two months. When ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat gently until piping hot.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat in this stew?

Yes, pork shoulder or beef chuck can be used as alternatives. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat becomes tender.

Is it necessary to soak the gammon overnight?

Soaking helps reduce excess salt from the gammon, but if you prefer a saltier flavor, you can skip this step. Just be mindful to season the stew accordingly.