With summer in full swing, it’s time to go camping! Last week, I let you in on a delicious, quick and easy campout breakfast idea: Hayley’s Crave-Worthy Banana Fritters. As promised, I am continuing to divulge all of my Campout Secrets. There’s nothing like a warm home-cooked meal, especially after a day in the sun.
After mountain hiking, dog chasing and river plunging all day, the act of gathering around a glorious campfire in your dusty clothes with an iced beverage in hand is so satisfying. While the sun sets over the mountains and through the trees, the harmony of the crickets and crackling fire are hypnotizing as you smell supper ready to be devoured. What could satiate better than a piping hot bowl of delicious hearty stew? My favorite camp eats to cook are always quick and easy, no-fuss, healthy hot-pots.
The last thing you want to think about when you’re hungry and ready for some serious campfire lounging is making a complicated dinner for the crew. My recipe for delicious Lentil Stew is probably the easiest camp food you will ever eat. It is so hearty, healthy and flavorful, I make it at home and keep it in the fridge for a quick meal. This bowl of guilt-free, gluten-free soul food (with vegan option) is not only packed with flavor but with nutrition, fiber and protein. I hope you enjoy!
CAMPFIRE LENTIL STEW
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Serves ~ 8
Ingredients
- 1 medium Onion
- 3 large Carrots
- 6 Celery Stalks (with leaves)
- 1 carton of Mushrooms
- 2 large Zucchini
- 3 Garlic Cloves
- 1 lb. package of cooked Lentils
- 8 oz. can of Fire-Roasted Diced Green Chilies
- 32 oz. low-sodium Vegetable Broth
- 4 links of Chicken Sausage (**Optional)
- 1 cup of chopped Kale (**Optional)
- 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil or Coconut Oil
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- Lemon, Avocado, Hot Sauce, Shredded Cheese (topping options)
Chop the onion into chunks. Heat the olive oil or coconut oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions. Cook over medium heat until the onions are translucent and start to caramelize. While the onions are cooking, chop the mushroom, zucchini, tomato, carrots and celery (including the leaves) into small chunks. Mince the garlic.
Once the onions are caramelized, add all of the vegetables. Allow to cook down 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, then add the vegetable broth, cooked lentils and green chilies. Cover and cook for 1 hour over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the lentils break down and thicken the broth. Salt and pepper to taste.
If you and your fellow campers are not vegetarian, add sliced chicken sausage to the stew for more protein.
This stew can be pre-made at home and frozen to take on your camping trip for a quick reheat over a campfire or can be made on the spot for a warm dinner under the stars. The great thing is, it keeps well and becomes more flavorful the longer it sits.
When I make this recipe at home, I like to add chopped kale to the stew in the last 15 minutes. I don’t use kale or other greens when I’m camp cooking because it browns if it overcooks, especially if the stew isn’t eaten right away. At home, I have more control over the temperature of the stew on my stovetop. If you like, I encourage you to add greens as a wonderful nutritious addition for an at-home version.
Top the stew with a squeeze of lemon or lime to really bring out the flavors. Top your individual portion with shredded cheese and/or avocado. Add a dash of hot sauce for a bit of spice.
This stew is so hearty and versatile, the possibilities are endless. Crumble tortilla chips over the top. Throw some sweet potatoes in the fire and ladle the piping hot stew into them. Reheat the leftovers in the morning and crack some eggs over the top as a shakshuka-esque breakfast dish.
BON APPÉTIT & HAPPY CAMPING! ~ Sirens & Scoundrels
If you enjoyed this quick and easy recipe, try our other Soups & Stews:
Thai Curry Vegetable Soup: https://sirensandscoundrels.com/2016/04/26/thai-curry-vegetable-soup-gluten-free/
Goulash ~ Beef & Potato Stew: https://sirensandscoundrels.com/2016/03/17/goulash-beef-potato-stew/
Chicken Vegetable Soup: https://sirensandscoundrels.com/2016/01/21/chicken-vegetable-soup/
Vegan Roasted Vegetable Stew: https://sirensandscoundrels.com/2015/11/25/vegan-roasted-vegetable-stew/
And our other Campout Favorites:
Camp Out Banana Fritters: https://sirensandscoundrels.com/2016/07/07/banana-fritters-gluten-free-sugar-free/
Campfire Cider: https://sirensandscoundrels.com/2016/01/14/campfire-cider/
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Recipe by Sarah Prikryl // Words & Photography by Sarah Prikryl
Contributing Photography by: Craig Welzbacher
© 2016 Sirens and Scoundrels
Sirens & Scoundrels 