Camp stove winter warmer recipes

By Pentewan Sands on the October 07th, 2019 in Camping, Caravan, Cornwall, Dining, Holidays

One pot wonders

“When you’re cooking outdoors, simplicity is key so this isn’t the time to try anything fancy…but, you don’t have to scrimp on flavour either!’ says Martyn. “One pot recipes are the hero of al fresco kitchens. Not only are they super easy but they go big on taste and small on cooking utensils, which means there’s less to wash up, which is always good news when you’re far from a kitchen sink.”

Sausage and Butter Bean Stew
Filling, nutritious and a winter staple, a stew is hard to beat and is the ultimate one pot wonder…

What you’ll need:

• 1 tbsp sunflower oil
• 16 Cornish chipolata sausages – call into Lobb’s Farm Shop just next door to us for some of the freshest and delicious around!
• 2 onions, sliced
• 2 celery sticks, sliced
• 8 garlic cloves, sliced
• 600ml chicken stock
• 2 x 400g cans butter beans, drained
• 75g butter

What to do:

1. Gently heat the oil in a large pan. Fry the sausages all over until brown, then remove and set aside. Add the onion to the pan and fry for 5-10 mins until golden and soft, then add the celery and garlic, and cook for 2 minutes more. Pour over the stock and bring to the boil.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, then add the sausages back to the pan along with the butter beans. Simmer for 8 minutes, then stir in the butter. Ladle into bowls and serve piping hot with lots of chunky bread. Yum!

Mushroom Risotto
An all-round fave, risotto is incredibly simple to cook and is packed with energy-boosting ingredients to ensure you’re primed for action-packed days in the great outdoors. Customise this recipe to your taste by swapping the mushrooms for other veggies or add chicken.

What you’ll need:

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 ¼ cup Arborio rice
• ½ cup white wine
• 4 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated, and extra for garnish

What to do:

1. Prep all of your ingredients before starting. In a medium pot bring the stock to a simmer.
2. In a large skillet or pot add the olive oil and butter and heat until butter is slightly frothy. Add the onions and stir until translucent, about 8 minutes over medium heat. Add the garlic and stir for 1 minute. Add the Arborio and toast for 2 minutes, you should hear a faint crackling sound. Add the wine and stir until completely evaporated. Add the mushrooms.
3. Add 1.5 cups of stock to the risotto. Season with salt and pepper and stir continuously until the liquid is almost completely evaporated. Continue to add stock 1/2 cup at a time, making sure to stir continually while each addition is absorbed. Continue until risotto is just tender.
4. Once tender, stir in 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. Divide the risotto into heated bowls and serve with a little extra freshly ground parmesan.

Martyn’s top outdoor cooking tips

A little extra thinking is required when you’re whipping up something tasty on the camp stove but a few nifty moves can save you time and stress advises Martyn…

• Measure ingredients for each meal ahead of time and pack in ziplock bags.
• Don’t forget the heavy duty aluminium foil. There are LOTS of uses for it, not least using it to protect the stove flame from gusts of wind!
• Cover pots whenever cooking outdoors. Food will cook quicker and save you on fuel but it will also help keep dirt and insects out of your food. No-one likes finding a misguided fly in their dinner!
• Never, ever try and cook inside your tent. It’s dangerous; tents are highly flammable.

How to be a cosy winter camper

You’ve ticked off hearty meals but what else can you do to be a happy camper at chillier times of the year?

Dress in layers

• You won’t get any points for making a fashion statement when it comes to keeping warm so think comfort. Wool socks, warm boots, thermal underwear, and a warm jacket are essential and don’t forget to bring gloves.

Make sure you’re snug as a bug in a rug

• Make sure you have a sleeping bag that is rated for the temperature that you’re camping in – or warmer!

Keep an eye on the weather forecast

• If there’s high winds or heavy rain on the way, you’re going to want to know about it. Check forecasts before you pitch up but don’t forget to stay up-to-date once you’re in the throes of camping. Be ready for the weather to change quickly!