HEARTY CAMPFIRE VEGETABLE SOUP

Eating a hearty soup for dinner while camping offers numerous benefits that enhance the outdoor experience. Here are several reasons why enjoying a hearty soup is an excellent choice for camping dinners:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• 1 bag of bite size potatoes, chopped

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• 6 cups vegetable broth

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup small pasta (such as macaroni or shells : optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil cast iron pan over a campfire or portable gas camping stove.

2. Add the diced onion, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in the chopped carrots, celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.

4. Pour in vegetable broth. Add the season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Bring the soup to a simmer, then cover and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

6. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.

7. Once the soup is ready, remove it from the heat.

8. Serve the camping vegetable soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

This delicious and nutritious camping vegetable soup is perfect for warming up during chilly evenings outdoors. Enjoy it with crusty bread or crackers for yet satisfying meal option that enhances the overall camping experience and brings campers together around the campfire.

Here are some reasons why enjoying a hearty soup is an excellent choice for camping dinners:

Warmth and Comfort: A hot bowl of soup provides warmth and comfort, especially during cooler evenings or chilly weather. It helps to stave off the cold and keeps campers cozy and content.

1. Nutritional Value: Soups can be packed with a variety of vegetables, proteins, and grains, providing essential nutrients needed to fuel outdoor activities. This can offer a balanced meal that replenishes energy stores after a day of hiking, biking, or exploring.

2. Hydration: Soups typically contain broth or water as a base, which contributes to hydration. Staying hydrated is crucial for outdoor enthusiasts, especially in dry or high-altitude environments where water loss through sweat is increased.

3. Ease of Preparation: Hearty soups are often simple to prepare, requiring minimal equipment and ingredients. This makes them ideal for camping, where resources and cooking facilities may be limited. With just a pot, some ingredients, and a heat source, a satisfying meal can be whipped up in no time.

4. Minimal Cleanup: Cooking and serving soup typically involve using a single pot, cast iron pan or a portable gas stove reducing the number of dishes to clean up afterward. This simplifies mealtime logistics and allows campers to spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time on chores.

5. Community and Connection: Sharing a pot of soup around the campfire fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among campers. It encourages conversation, laughter, and shared experiences, camp fire stories, bonds and creating lasting memories.

Enjoy your meal under the stars!