Growing up I remember watching cowboy series or western films . . . I'm not so sure they are as popular now - what do you think?
Many images in these watches were of cowboys around the campfire tucking in to some tasty food . . . with that in mind I started thinking . . . and this blog post was the result 😊
There are many recipes for cowboy stew/campfire stew, which can always be tweaked/amended to suit you. The one I'm sharing below uses gammon ham. It's a nourishing and warming low-calorie ham and bean smoky campfire stew with a little kick. Perfect served with your choice of steamed vegetables.
low-calorie cooking spray
2 onions, roughly chopped
2 red peppers, deseeded and roughly chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
4 celery sticks, thickly sliced
2 carrots, peeled and thickly sliced
300g/10½oz peeled butternut squash, cut into 2cm/1¾in cubes
500ml/18fl oz chicken stock
400g tin chopped tomatoes
4 tbsp tomato purée
400g tin cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
400g tin kidney beans in chilli sauce
1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp sweet smoked paprika
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Tabasco sauce
600g/1lb 5oz lean, thick gammon steaks, cut into large pieces (any visible fat trimmed)
salt and freshly ground back pepper
1. Preheat oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6.
2. Spray a wide, ovenproof casserole dish with the low-calorie cooking spray.
3. Add the onion and peppers and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes over a medium–high heat to soften.
4. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to the boil. Cover and bake for 1½ hours, or until the gammon is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Season and serve with steamed vegetables.
As with any stew, this is even better the next day.
Cowboy stew or campfire stew (sometimes called chuckwagon stew) – is a traditional dish that has its roots in the American West. It originated with cowboys and other workers on the range, who would prepare it over an open fire while out on cattle drives or on the trail.
Cowboy stew dates back to the late 19th century when cowboys were often on the road for weeks at a time. The stew was not only a convenient and filling meal, but it also served as a way to use up any leftovers from previous meals.
The traditional recipe for cowboy stew is simple and rustic. The beef is browned in a pot, then canned vegetables are added, and the stew is simmered until the meat and vegetables are tender.
Today, cowboy stew is a popular dish that has been passed down through generations and it is enjoyed not only in the American West but also around the country. The dish has been popularized in literature and movies, and it is still enjoyed by many people today, both in the American West and beyond.
One of the best things about cowboy stew is its versatility; it can be made with whatever vegetables you have on hand, and it can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. It is a perfect dish for a cold winter evening or a camping trip. It can be cooked on a stove, in a slow cooker or even over an open fire.
For a modern twist, try adding some spices like cumin or chili powder to give it a little extra kick. And, if you want to make it a little bit healthier, you can use lean cuts of beef and add more vegetables.
Cowboy Stew is a traditional dish that is steeped in history and tradition, and it is a perfect meal to enjoy with friends and family. It is hearty, comforting and delicious. Give it a try and experience a taste of the Wild West in your own kitchen."
All the best Jan


No comments:
Post a Comment