Campfire Gammon Stew Recipe

Introduction

Campfire stew is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. Packed with tender gammon, smoky spices, and wholesome vegetables, this stew brings rich flavor and warmth to the table.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Remove the rind and fat from the gammon, then 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. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, cooking and stirring regularly for about 10 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Step 3: Stir in the peppers, garlic, tomato purée, smoked paprika, and chilli powder if using. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to release the flavors.
4. Step 4: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan, then use a little water to swill out the tomato cans and pour that into the casserole as well. Season well with salt and pepper, then stir in the Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the bay leaves.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 170°C (150°C fan) or gas mark 3. Place the gammon into the casserole, cover, and bring to a simmer on the hob.
6. Step 6: Transfer the casserole to the oven and cook for 3 hours, or until the gammon is tender and cooked through.
7. Step 7: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and return it to the hob over medium heat. Add the drained and rinsed haricot beans and simmer for 10 minutes until heated through.
8. Step 8: Shred the gammon using two forks, stir to combine, and serve the stew straight away while warm.

Tips & Variations

• Soaking the gammon overnight helps reduce excess salt, making the stew balanced and flavorful.
• For extra smoky flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke or some smoked sausage.
• Swap haricot beans for kidney beans or butter beans according to your preference.
• Omit the chilli powder if you prefer a milder stew, or add more for extra heat.

Storage

Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to two months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm until piping hot on the hob or in the microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ham instead of gammon?

Yes, you can use smoked or unsmoked ham hock or cooked ham, but adjust the salt accordingly since some types may be saltier.

What can I serve with campfire stew?

This stew pairs well with crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, or steamed rice to soak up the rich sauce.

Campfire Gammon Stew Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 63 reviews

This hearty Campfire Stew features tender gammon slow-cooked with a medley of vegetables, smoky paprika, and haricot beans to create a rich, flavorful dish perfect for cozy evenings. The stew is simmered gently in the oven to develop deep flavors and melt-in-the-mouth gammon.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 mins (plus overnight soaking)
• Cook Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
• Total Time: 3 hrs 30 mins (plus overnight soaking)
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Stew
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 600g gammon

Vegetables & Aromatics

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

Seasonings & Sauces

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chilli powder (optional)
• 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 bay leaves

Beans

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

Instructions

1. Prepare 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 some of the salt from the gammon for a balanced flavor.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a large flameproof casserole or ovenproof pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 10 minutes while stirring regularly until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Add Peppers and Spices: Stir in the chopped peppers, crushed garlic, tomato purée, smoked paprika, and optional chili powder. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the spices to release their aromas.
4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the chopped tomatoes along with a little water used to swill out the cans. Season the mixture well, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and bay leaves to enhance the stew’s depth and complexity.
5. Combine and Simmer in Oven: Heat your oven to 170°C (150°C fan)/gas mark 3. Place the gammon into the casserole, cover it, and bring the mixture to a simmer on the stovetop. Then transfer the covered casserole to the oven and cook for 3 hours until the gammon becomes tender and infused with the stew’s flavors.
6. Finish on Stovetop: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and return it to a medium heat on the stovetop. Add the drained haricot beans and simmer gently for 10 minutes to heat the beans through thoroughly.
7. Shred and Serve: Using two forks, shred the cooked gammon into bite-sized pieces directly in the stew to mix well. Serve the stew piping hot for a comforting meal.
8. Storage: To store leftovers, allow the stew to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to two months. When reheating, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat until piping hot.

Notes

• Soaking the gammon overnight helps reduce excess saltiness.
• Chilli powder is optional—add according to your heat preference.
• Use a flameproof casserole dish suitable for both stovetop and oven cooking.
• The stew keeps well and flavors improve after a day, making it ideal for meal prep.
• Make sure to shred the gammon after cooking to easily blend with the stew’s ingredients.

Keywords: Campfire stew, gammon stew, hearty stew, slow-cooked stew, British comfort food, gammon recipes, winter stew