Fueling Adventures: Vegetarian Dutch Oven Cooking while Camping
Justin
June 21, 2023
Camping and cooking over an open fire evoke a sense of adventure and connection with nature. For vegetarian food enthusiasts, the Dutch oven is a versatile and reliable cooking tool that allows you to create mouthwatering and satisfying meals in the great outdoors, right over the campfire. In this article, we will dive into the world of vegetarian Dutch oven cooking, sharing tips, techniques, and three flavorful recipes to take your camping culinary experience to new heights.
Choosing the Right Dutch Oven:
Selecting the perfect Dutch oven is crucial for successful campfire cooking. Opt for a 10-12 inch (25-30 cm) cast iron Dutch oven, which provides excellent heat distribution and retention. Make sure it has a tight-fitting lid to seal in flavors. Before your camping trip, season your Dutch oven by coating it with a thin layer of vegetable oil and heating it over a fire or in your home oven. This process creates a natural non-stick surface and prevents rust. Remember to pack a lid lifter and heat-resistant gloves for safe handling.Preparing the Dutch Oven:
Before your camping trip, season your Dutch oven by coating it with a thin layer of vegetable oil and heating it over a fire or in your oven at home. This process creates a natural non-stick surface and prevents rust. It's also a good idea to bring along a lid lifter and heat-resistant gloves for safe handling.Campfire Setup:
To cook with a Dutch oven, you'll need a well-prepared campfire with a good bed of hot coals. Build a fire and let it burn down until you have a bed of glowing coals. Move some of the coals to one side, leaving a few for the lid.Cooking Techniques:
There are two primary cooking techniques for Dutch oven cooking: baking and simmering. Baking involves placing the Dutch oven directly on the hot coals, while simmering requires suspending the Dutch oven over the fire using a tripod or grate. Adjust the number of coals on the top and bottom of the Dutch oven to control the temperature.
Now, let's explore three delectable vegetarian Dutch oven recipes that will tantalize your taste buds:
Recipe 1: Dutch Oven Vegetarian Chili
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 carrots, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional meat-substitute: Beyond Meat (or other)
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream
Instructions:
Heat the Dutch oven over the coals and add olive oil.
Sauté the onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrots, and zucchini until they begin to soften.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Cover the Dutch oven with the lid and place hot coals on top.
Allow the chili to simmer for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together and the vegetables are tender.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings and enjoy a hearty vegetarian meal around the campfire.
Recipe 2: Dutch Oven Cheesy Cornbread:
Ingredients:
Cornmeal
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Milk (or non-dairy milk)
Eggs (or flaxseed mixture for vegan option)
Cheddar cheese, grated (or vegan cheese)
Chopped green chilies (optional)
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
Stir in milk and eggs until well combined. Fold in grated cheese and chopped green chilies.
Grease the Dutch oven and pour in the cornbread batter.
Place the Dutch oven over the hot coals, with some coals on the lid.
Bake for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
Recipe 3: Dutch Oven Rosemary Potatoes
Ingredients:
2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat the Dutch oven over the coals and add olive oil.
Add the potatoes, garlic, and rosemary to the Dutch oven.
Season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat the potatoes evenly with the oil and herbs.
Cover the Dutch oven with the lid and place hot coals on top.
Bake for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the potatoes are golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.
Serve as a flavorful side dish to accompany your main course.
Recipe 4: Dutch Oven Blueberry Cobbler
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
4 cups fresh blueberries
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
In the Dutch oven, combine the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice for the filling. Stir gently to coat the blueberries evenly.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for the topping.
Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Drop the topping mixture over the blueberry filling in the Dutch oven.
Cover the Dutch oven with the lid and place hot coals on top.
Bake for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the topping is golden brown and the blueberry filling is bubbling.
Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
With the right Dutch oven, a well-prepared campfire, and these delectable vegetarian recipes, you can transform your camping experience into a culinary adventure. From hearty chili to savory potatoes and sweet blueberry cobbler, the Dutch oven opens up a world of flavors in the great outdoors. So, gather your ingredients, set up your campfire, and let the aromatic scents and delicious tastes of vegetarian Dutch oven cooking elevate your camping cuisine to new heights. Happy camping and bon appétit!