Green Chili Stew Recipe for Camp

Green chili stew is a great recipe for youth to learn and enjoy. It teaches basic cooking skills like cutting, measuring, and seasoning. These are important life skills they can use in the future. Working together to prepare a meal also builds teamwork.

This recipe is perfect for outdoor cooking. Scouts can use a Dutch oven and cook over a charcoal fire or gas stove. Cooking outdoors is a fun way to experience new things. It also helps youth learn to adapt to different situations.

Green chili stew is hearty and delicious. It is full of flavor and has ingredients that are easy to find. Youth can try adding toppings like cheese and salsa to make it their own. They can practice creativity and decision-making while cooking.

Sharing green chili stew with others creates a sense of accomplishment. It feels good to serve something you made yourself. Scouts learn responsibility and the value of a shared meal. It’s a great way to end a busy day of outdoor adventures.

Green chili stew connects with many important parts of Scouting. Cooking is a key skill in the Scouting program. This recipe helps Scouts practice planning, preparing, and cooking a meal. It teaches them how to follow steps and work together as a team.

Outdoor cooking is a big part of Scouting. Scouts can make this recipe using a Dutch oven over a fire. This helps them practice cooking in nature. It also shows them how to handle tools like knives and cutting boards safely.

Sharing green chili stew is part of Scouting’s focus on fellowship. Scouts learn to share meals with others and enjoy the sense of community. They also take pride in making a delicious meal for their group.

Cooking this stew can even help Scouts work on rank advancement or merit badges. Skills like food preparation and teamwork are often required for these achievements. Green chili stew is not just a meal; it is an experience that builds Scouting skills.

Equipment/Materials

• Charcoal fire or gas stove
• Large Dutch oven
• Spoon for stirring
• Cutting board
• Knife

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork (a fatty cut like pork butt works well)
• Oil (for browning)
• 2 onions, diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 (4 oz) cans chopped green chilies (do not drain)
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
• 1 ½ tablespoons cumin (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, sour cream

Setup Instructions

1. Prepare your cooking area. If using charcoal, start your fire to let the coals heat up. If using a gas stove, ensure it is set up safely and ready to use.
2. Gather all ingredients and equipment. Place them where they are easy to reach.
3. Set up a safe cutting area. Use a sturdy cutting board and knife. Make sure Scouts use proper knife safety.

Recipe Instructions

1. Cut the pork into 1-inch cubes.
2. Heat oil in the Dutch oven over medium heat.
3. Add the pork and brown it on all sides.
4. Stir in diced onion and chopped celery. Cook until tender.
5. Add the canned green chilies (with liquid), diced tomatoes (with liquid), cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
6. Cover and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender.
7. Serve hot. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, or other toppings if desired.

Notes

• Variations: Use chicken or beef instead of pork. Add beans or potatoes for extra texture. Adjust spices for more or less heat.
• Safety Tips: Always use caution when cooking over a fire or stove. Handle knives with care and supervise younger Scouts. Keep a first aid kit nearby for emergencies.

Enjoy the meal with your group and reflect on the teamwork that went into preparing it!

Click here for a printable copy of the Green Chili Stew recipe instructions

Camping Recipes

Looking for more Scouting recipes? Explore a variety of camping meals, from breakfast to desserts, designed for outdoor cooking. These recipes are simple and perfect for Scouts. Find ideas for Dutch oven dishes, foil pack meals, and more. Enhance your next camping trip with these easy and tasty options.

Dutch Oven Cooking

For even more Scouting recipes, explore our Dutch Oven Cooking page. It offers tips and recipes for main dishes, sides, and desserts, all suitable for camp cooking. Learn how to control temperature and use your Dutch oven effectively. Enhance your outdoor cooking skills with these easy-to-follow guides.

What Scouts Learn Beyond the Meal

Can I make green chili stew without pork?

Yes, you can use chicken or beef instead of pork. You can also make a vegetarian version by adding beans or extra vegetables.

Can I make green chili stew spicier?

Yes, you can add extra green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat. Adjust the spices to your taste.

Do I need a Dutch oven to make green chili stew?

A Dutch oven works best, but you can use a large pot on a stove. Just make sure it is sturdy and holds heat well.

Can I add other ingredients to green chili stew?

Yes, you can add potatoes, corn, or beans to make it heartier. This is a flexible recipe you can adapt to your group’s preferences.

How do I store leftover green chili stew?

Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in a microwave.

Green chili stew is a flavorful and hearty dish, perfect for camping or outdoor cooking. The recipe uses simple ingredients like pork, green chilies, tomatoes, and spices. It’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require fancy equipment. This makes it a great choice for Scouts or families looking for an outdoor meal.

This stew teaches important cooking skills, such as cutting, browning meat, and seasoning. It also helps Scouts practice teamwork when cooking as a group. Sharing the meal afterward builds camaraderie and creates lasting memories.

Green chili stew is also flexible. You can make it spicier or milder, add vegetables, or try different meats. Toppings like cheese and salsa let everyone customize their bowl. It’s a meal that brings people together while showcasing the joy of cooking outdoors.