Yesterday I was talking to a friend and he mentioned the idea of burying Dutch ovens in the ground while cooking. It has been years since I even though about doing it. So today, while I am still thinking about it I will write about it.
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This method is to bury your Dutch oven in coals. It is sort of like slow cooking with a Wonder Oven or a crock-pot. This method is often used when out hunting or fishing. You dig a hole approximately 18-20 inches deep and 20-24 inches in diameter in the center of the campfire pit. The actual size of the hole depends on the size of your Dutch oven. Line the sides of the hole with flat stones, if available. Check to make sure the oven will fit in the hole with several inches of clearance on all sides.
Start a campfire in the bottom of the hole to create your coals. Add wood to the fire until the hole is 1/2 full of coals. Dig a hole in the coals and place the Dutch oven containing the evening meal in. Now cover the Dutch oven with the coals. Put at least 2-3 inches of coals on top of the lid. Cover the coals with several inches of dirt. Then let the oven sit for 6-8 hours. When you open the Dutch oven, the food will be ready for eating.
A simple Beef Stew recipe for your Dutch oven:
2 pounds of stew beef cut in 1-inch cubes
4/5 Carrots, sliced
1 Onion, diced
3 Potatoes, diced
2/3 Stalks of celery, sliced
1 28 oz. can tomatoes
2 Bay leaves
2 Cups beef broth
1 Clove garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
Howard
I do all of my dutch oven cooking above ground. I’d really like to try this “underground” method. I’m nervous the food will burn.