Dutch Oven alternative for campfire?
I am going camping shortly. I have done some dutch oven cooking before, and there is one recipe that I want to make that uses one. However, I do not have a dutch oven...
I am thinking of using two aluminum pans (the cheap foil ones) and aluminum on the top (several layers) to make a sort of dutch oven alternative.
Has anyone tried that? Does it work?
I am also thinking of putting some sand or water between the two pans to make it hold and transfer the heat a little more evenly. Anyone know if this will work?
Best Answer
Another alternative is:
- Dig a hole the size of a dutch oven
- Fold a liner for the hole out of several layers of foil
- Remove the foil liner
- Put hot coals in the bottom of the hole
- Put the foil liner over the coals
- Add the food
- Cover the food with foil
- Add more coals on top if you need them
The earth around the foil liner holds heat much like the dutch oven pot would. Re-fill the hole when you are done, taking care to put the sod back intact, and the environmental impact is minimal.
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What can be used instead of a Dutch oven?
A deep oven-proof skillet can work if you don't have a Dutch oven, as can an oven-proof soup pot. And if your recipe doesn't call for putting the pot in the oven at all, any heavy deep pot will do. Here are some recipe examples: This hearty Beef and Guinness Stew or these Chicago-Style Italian Beef Hoagies.What can I use instead of a camp oven?
If you don't have a Dutch oven, you can use a cast-iron skillet to make almost any campfire dessert recipe. Like the Dutch oven, cast-iron skillets are heavy-duty enough to withstand the heat of an actual campfire.Can you use a regular Dutch oven on a campfire?
Using a Dutch oven on a camp stove If you just want to use your Dutch oven as a pot, you will most likely be able to use it on any standard two-burner camp stove. Most camp stoves have an elevated grate, which will allow the legs of the Dutch oven to hang down.Can I use an enamel Dutch oven on a campfire?
Can you use an enameled dutch oven over a campfire? Using an enamel-coated dutch oven is not recommended over an open fire or directly on hot charcoal. Enameled cookware may not withstand these high temperatures, which can cause the enamel coating to crack, chip, and flake off.More answers regarding dutch Oven alternative for campfire?
Answer 2
While you can easily melt a foil pan over a hot campfire, yours will be filled with juicy peaches - so assuming you don't over-cook it, you should be safe. 40 minutes directly on the coals might be pushing it though - consider using a gridiron to control the heat by elevating the pan slightly, and stick around to keep an eye on things... Remember, dutch ovens are thick, heavy, and slow to transmit heat, and the recipes reflect this.
I would avoid doubling either the pan or the foil: you'll end up with an air gap between the two layers, which will likely just end up ruining the outer pan. Pay a little extra for the thicker "heavy-duty" foil and you should be fine.
Wet sand between two pans is an interesting idea... If you try it, report back!
My biggest worry here would be burning the peaches before they have a chance to release their juices (no slow warm-up with aluminum - you'll essentially be frying them). If you can elevate the pan, you should be fine; otherwise, consider macerating them first (if you have very ripe, juicy peaches, count your blessings and ignore this suggestion).
Finally, consider that Harbor Freight sells cast-iron dutch ovens for $25. The quality isn't stellar, and it's extra weight to lug around, but you'll probably end up with better food all the same.
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