Bush-Style Ranch Pork Chops & Spuds Parcels

 

Taking inspiration from the great Australian outback, this dish infuses classic ranch pork chops with a rustic touch, ideal for a campfire feast. Wrapped in foil, these delicious bundles lock in all the flavours and juices, ensuring a savoury and moist meal that's sure to impress.
 

Gather around the campfire and enjoy a rustic meal that's simple yet flavorful. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity – perfect for the great outdoors!

Ingredients:

• 450 grams baby Aussie spuds (preferably varieties like Sebago or Pontiac)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 4 boneless pork chops, about 1/2 inch thick (locally sourced if possible)
• 1 packet ranch seasoning powder
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 4 tablespoons butter (or try macadamia nut butter for a rich Aussie twist)

Preparation & Cooking Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Steps:

1. Campfire Setup: Ensure you have a safe and stable campfire going. Allow it to burn down until you have a bed of glowing coals.
2. Potatoes, Potatoes: Slice the baby spuds into quarters and tumble them into a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, followed by the garlic and onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good toss to ensure each spud is well-coated.
3. Season Those Chops: In a separate bowl, mingle the ranch powder with paprika (or bush tomato powder). Sprinkle this mix generously over both sides of your pork chops.
4. Parcel Assembly: Portion out the potatoes, placing an even amount in the centre of each foil piece. Lay a seasoned pork chop on top of the spuds, and crown it with a pat of butter or a dollop of macadamia nut butter.
5. Wrap 'Em Up: Fold and seal the foil packets to ensure no juices escape. Make sure the packets are tight and secure but with a bit of space inside for steam circulation.
6. Cooking: Place the foil packets directly onto the glowing campfire coals. Cook for about 12-15 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 10-15 minutes. Cooking times may vary based on the intensity of your coals, so it's a good idea to check one packet for doneness before taking them all off the fire.
7. Serve Up: Once cooked, carefully open a corner of the packet to let out the steam (watch out – it's hot!). Open the packets up and enjoy your campfire feast directly from the foil or transfer to a plate.

Tips:

• Safety: Always have fire safety tools on hand, like a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher.
• Variation: For a smokier flavour, consider adding a handful of soaked wood chips to your campfire.

Enjoy the rustic flavours of campfire-cooked ranch pork chops and spuds while taking in the beauty of the great outdoors!