One of the easiest things to cook over an open fire using just sticks and stones as tools is a simple campfire-roasted vegetable. Potatoes are an excellent choice as they cook relatively quickly and can be delicious with minimal seasoning. Here's a step-by-step guide to cooking campfire-roasted potatoes:
Ingredients:
- Potatoes (any variety suitable for roasting)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper (optional)
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the fire: Gather dry sticks, twigs, and stones to create a campfire. Build a small fire and allow it to burn down to hot coals.
Clean the potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris from the skin.
Wrap the potatoes: Individually wrap each potato in several layers of large leaves (e.g., banana leaves, large lettuce leaves) or wet burlap sacks to protect them from direct contact with the fire.
Create a small pit in the hot coals: Using your stick and stones, make a small pit in the hot coals. Place some stones around the edge of the pit to keep the potatoes from rolling out.
Place the wrapped potatoes in the pit: Carefully place the wrapped potatoes into the pit on the hot coals.
Cover the potatoes: Once the potatoes are in the pit, cover them with more hot coals and ashes from the fire. You can also place some stones on top to hold the heat in.
Allow the potatoes to cook: Cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes and the heat of the coals. Check on them periodically by gently poking a potato with a stick to feel if it's softened.
Remove and serve: Once the potatoes are tender and cooked through, carefully remove them from the pit using your stick or some sturdy sticks as improvised tongs. Peel off the outer layers (leaves or burlap) and discard. Slice the cooked potatoes and season with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if available.
This method can also be used for other vegetables like sweet potatoes or corn on the cob. Just wrap them in leaves or damp burlap and roast them in the hot coals until cooked through. It's a simple and rustic way to cook delicious food while enjoying the great outdoors. Remember to exercise caution when working with fire and hot coals to avoid burns or injuries.