Campfire Chili & Cornbread Delight

 

There’s nothing like a hearty meal of chilli and cornbread to warm you up on a chilly camping evening. This recipe marries the deep, rich flavours of chilli with the sweet, fluffy texture of cornbread in a one-pot wonder that's sure to be a hit at any campsite.

Ingredients:

• 1.4kg ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 1 green capsicum, diced
• 8 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can tomato paste
• 1 can kidney or black beans, drained and rinsed
• 5 tbsp chilli powder
• 2 tbsp ground chipotle powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 can of beer (substitute with water if desired)
• 2 boxes of cornbread mix
• Eggs and milk (as required by the cornbread mix)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Setting Up: Prepare a bed of hot coals, ensuring a stable base for the Dutch oven.
2. Browning the Meat: Once the Dutch oven is hot, add the ground beef, break it apart and cook until it starts to brown.
3. Sauté Veggies: Introduce the onions, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté them with the beef until they are soft and fragrant.
4. Spice it Up: Stir in the chilli powder, chipotle powder, cumin, dried oregano, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix well, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
5. Simmer: Pour in the beer (or water) and add the beans. Let the mixture simmer, allowing the flavours to meld together for about 10-15 minutes.
6. Season: Taste and season your chilli with salt and black pepper. Adjust the flavours as necessary.
7. Cornbread Topping: In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix as per the package's instructions. Gently pour the mixture over the chilli, ensuring an even layer.
8. Bake: Secure the lid on the Dutch oven. Place approximately 20 hot coals atop the lid to create an oven-like environment. Allow it to bake.
9. Check for Doneness: After about 10 minutes, carefully lift the lid and test the cornbread's doneness with a skewer or knife. If it comes out clean, your hearty meal is ready!
10. Serve: Dish out generous portions of chilli topped with a chunk of cornbread. Enjoy the melding of flavours and textures!

Note:

You can customise the chilli to your liking by adding more vegetables or adjusting the spices. Remember, the magic is in making it your own.

Gather around the campfire, share stories, and enjoy this delightful dish. It's comfort food at its best, bringing warmth and joy to your outdoor adventure!