Campfire Gammon and Vegetable Stew Recipe

Introduction

This hearty campfire stew is a comforting blend of tender gammon and smoked spices, slow-cooked to perfection. Packed with vegetables and beans, it makes a satisfying meal that’s ideal for cozy evenings or outdoor cooking adventures.

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
• Water (for soaking and cooking)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Remove the rind and fat from the gammon. Soak it in a pan of water in the fridge overnight to reduce the saltiness.
2. Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large flameproof casserole or ovenproof pan over medium-high heat. Cook the onions, carrots, and celery for 10 minutes, stirring regularly until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Step 3: Stir in the peppers, crushed garlic, tomato purée, smoked paprika, and optional chilli powder. Cook for another 2 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, then stir in the Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and bay leaves.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 170°C (150°C fan)/gas mark 3.
6. Step 6: Place the gammon into the casserole. Cover and bring to a simmer on the hob, then transfer to the oven. Cook for 3 hours until the meat is tender.
7. Step 7: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and return it to medium heat on the hob. Add the drained haricot beans and simmer for 10 minutes until heated through.
8. Step 8: Shred the gammon using two forks and stir it back into the stew. Serve immediately for a warming and filling meal.

Tips & Variations

• Soaking the gammon overnight helps remove excess salt, but if you’re short on time, rinse the gammon well under cold water and soak for a few hours.
• Add a splash of smoked cider or red wine for deeper flavor.
• Swap haricot beans for kidney beans or cannellini beans for a different texture.
• For extra heat, increase the chilli powder or add chopped fresh chillies.

Storage

Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. To freeze, keep in a suitable container for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the hob until piping hot before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of meat instead of gammon?

Yes, you can substitute gammon with smoked ham hock, pork shoulder, or even beef stew meat. Cooking times may vary depending on the cut and size.

Is this recipe suitable for cooking over a campfire?

Absolutely! Use a flameproof casserole or cast-iron pot with a lid, and cook slowly over low coals to allow the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

Campfire Gammon and Vegetable Stew Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 740 reviews

A hearty and flavorful campfire stew featuring tender gammon slow-cooked with vibrant vegetables, smoky spices, and creamy haricot beans. Perfect for cozy dinners, this stew combines rich smoky paprika, tangy tomatoes, and a touch of heat to create a comforting one-pot meal.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes plus overnight soaking
• Cook Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes plus overnight soaking
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Stew
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 600g gammon

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 onions, roughly chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 celery stick, chopped
• 2 peppers, deseeded and chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed

Seasonings & Condiments

• 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
• 1 tbsp sugar

Beans

• 2 x 400g cans haricot beans, drained and rinsed

Instructions

1. Prepare the gammon: Remove the rind and fat from the gammon, then soak it in a pan of water in the fridge overnight. This step helps to remove excess salt from the gammon meat.
2. Sauté vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a large flameproof casserole or ovenproof pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add peppers and seasonings: Stir in the chopped peppers, crushed garlic, tomato purée, smoked paprika, and optional chilli powder. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to develop the flavors.
4. Add tomatoes and liquids: Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes along with a splash of water used to rinse the cans. Season the mixture well, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and bay leaves.
5. Simmer gammon and bake: Preheat the oven to 170C (150C fan)/gas mark 3. Place the soaked gammon into the casserole, cover with a lid, and bring to a gentle simmer on the stove. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and cook for 3 hours, or until the gammon is tender.
6. Add beans and finish cooking: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and place it back on medium heat on the stove. Add the drained haricot beans, then simmer the stew for 10 minutes more until the beans are heated through.
7. Shred and serve: Using two forks, shred the gammon meat directly in the casserole. Serve the stew immediately for a warm and comforting meal.
8. Storage: To store leftovers, cool the stew completely before placing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to two months. When reheating, defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat until piping hot.

Notes

• Soaking the gammon overnight helps reduce saltiness and improves texture.
• You can adjust the chilli powder amount based on your desired spice level or omit for a milder dish.
• Use a flameproof casserole suitable for both stove and oven cooking to follow the recipe safely.
• Leftover stew freezes well and flavors deepen with time.
• Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Keywords: campfire stew, gammon stew, smoked paprika stew, easy stew recipe, British stew, slow cooked gammon, hearty stew