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Here is a recipe for a hearty campfire beef stew, perfect for making outdoors.

Chef Bari’s Campfire Beef Stew

Ingredients:

* 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

* 2 tablespoons olive oil

* 1 large onion, chopped

* 3 cloves garlic, minced

* 1 lb small potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces

* 3 carrots, peeled and sliced

* 2 stalks celery, sliced

* 4 cups beef broth

* 1 cup red wine (optional, but adds great depth)

* 1 tablespoon tomato paste

* 1 teaspoon dried thyme

* 1 bay leaf

* Salt and black pepper to taste

* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)

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Method:

* Prep the Beef: Lightly coat the beef cubes with salt, pepper, and a bit of the flour. This helps brown the meat and thicken the stew later.

* Brown the Meat: Place your heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven directly over the campfire coals (or on a camping stove). Add the olive oil and brown the beef in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pot. Remove the browned beef and set it aside.

* Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the same pot and cook until softened, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

* Combine & Simmer: Return the beef to the pot. Stir in the red wine (if using) and tomato paste, and let it cook for a minute. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add the thyme and bay leaf.

* Add Veggies: Stir in the potatoes, carrots, and celery. Bring the stew back to a simmer.

* Cook to Perfection: Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. You may need to add more liquid as it cooks.

* Thicken (Optional): If you want a thicker stew, mix the remaining flour with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew and let it simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

* Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.

Enjoy this cozy and flavorful meal by the campfire! It’s the kind of hearty dish that really warms you up on a cool night outdoors, and it’s a great example of the kind of recipes you can find in Canadian Recipes of the Great White North.

Cheers !

Chef Bari