Stew it like a man

Photo by Tatiana Volgutova

NOTHING BEATS THROWING A POT OVER THE FIRE AND LETTING A HEARTY STEW BUBBLE AWAY WHILE YOU KICK BACK AND CRACK A COLD ONE. HERE’S A STEW YOU’LL WANT TO GIVE A GO NEXT TIME YOU’RE CAMPING.

Camping Beef & Veggie Stew

Ingredients (serves 4-5):

  • 1 kg beef chuck steak, cut into chunks
  • 2 tbsp plain flour
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 potatoes, diced
  • 2 celery sticks, chopped
  • 2 cups beef stock (or 2 stock cubes + water)
  • 1 cup red wine or extra stock
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt & pepper

Method:

  1. Toss beef in flour, season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat oil in a heavy camp oven or large pot. Brown the beef in batches.
  3. Add onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, then add stock and wine. Scrape the bottom of the pot to lift flavour.
  5. Add potatoes and bay leaves. Bring to boil, then reduce heat.
  6. Cover and simmer gently for 1½–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender.
  7. Serve with crusty bread or damper.