Cooking over a campfire can be easy, tasty, and healthy. You can adapt almost any stovetop recipe for fire cooking with just a little preparation and imagination. Campfires can be difficult to regulate; depending on how hot the embers are will determine the cooking time of many dishes. Remember to check your plate frequently; Campfire recipes require more practice than traditional recipes, but the great taste of the great outdoors is worth it.
The easiest and healthiest dishes can be prepared in foil containers. Line a foil package with cabbage leaves to retain moisture, and add a turkey burger, salt and pepper, and fresh veggies like asparagus, broccoli or celery, and carrots. Use a variety of spices or use a powdered marinade for a different and delicious flavor.
Chicken, fish, and lean meats can also be cooked in foil packets, and the addition of cabbage leaves to the packets retains moisture and flavor during cooking. Add spices and reduce fat when cooking with this method. Experiment with low-fat dressings, marinades, and sauces. Campfire cooking recipes are usually just a matter of modification and experimentation.
Other dishes can be modified to cook in cast iron over a fire. Try this recipe:
Easy Low Fat Dutch Baked Chicken
Chicken quarters, skinless
Green bell peppers, sliced
Onion, sliced
Zucchini, sliced
1 small jar of honey and mustard
2 teaspoons of oil
Heat a Dutch oven over the fire. Add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Add chicken quarters, about an inch of water, and a small bottle of honey mustard. Cover and return to the coals. Cook 20 minutes before adding sliced bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Cook an additional 40 to 45 minutes, or until chicken is done and vegetables are tender.
You don’t need a complicated recipe to cook over a campfire as a side dish. Corn on the cob is very simple; soak in water, peel and everything, up to an hour before dinner. Place over hot coals, turning frequently, for 20-25 minutes, or until corn is hot. Another simple option is to spray asparagus with water; Season with salt and pepper and grill for 3-5 minutes, turning frequently. Simple, tasty and healthy.
Toss a variety of sliced veggies with low-fat Italian dressing: squash, onions, carrots, and mushrooms. Place on a piece of aluminum foil and fold; Place it over the coals for 15-20 minutes, turning frequently for another tasty garnish.
Potatoes are easy and healthy when cooked campfire style. Wrap in foil first; both sweet potatoes and regular white potatoes can be prepared this way. Just remember to watch closely when cooking over a campfire; Recipes can be modified in many ways, but they require a lot of attention.