Campfire Chilli

"​Every single time we go camping, Dad makes his famous Campfire Chilli. It’s famous for a variety of reasons – not all of them associated with its taste. I present it here as my Easter ‘treat’ to you.
Please note, you will not be making this over an actual campfire because campsite owners don’t like people making campfires on their land (Mr Cooper who owns the campsite where we stayed in the Lake District definitely doesn’t allow campfires. He’d made a sign and everything). So, you’ll be making this on a gas camping stove.
To make the chilli you will need:
  • Olive oil
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 500g minced beef
  • Spice mix
  • 1 chilli pepper (chopped)
  • 1 can of kidney beans
  • 2 tbsp of tomato puree
  • 1 mug of water
  • Unlimited reserves of patience and determination
Here is exactly how Dad makes his Campfire Chilli:
  1. Light your camping stove. When the howling gale you’ll no doubt be making this chilli in blows the flame out, light it again.
  2. Find the most sheltered place that you can, this might be behind the tent, at the side of the car or up against a dry stone wall, and light the camping stove again. Pray that it stays lit.
  3. If it is possible, heat a small amount of oil in a large pan and add the chopped onions. Cook until softened.
  4. Add the mince and brown it as well as you can.
  5. Add the spice mix. Dad makes his spice mix up before we leave home and then puts it in a little plastic bag. It consists of equal quantities of paprika and chilli powder. How much you add will probably be determined by the strength of the wind at the time.
  6. Add the tin of kidney beans. If you can be bothered (and if you’ve remembered to bring a colander) you can rinse the beans under the communal campsite tap.
  7. Add the tomato puree and the mug of water. Add slightly less than the full mug if it’s raining.
  8. Let the whole thing bubble away until the liquid has reduced and it tastes vaguely like chilli con carne.
  9. Try not to let the camping stove blow over. If this happens give up and find the nearest fish and chip shop.
As you make this, do feel free to liberally use the word ‘Damn!’ with increasing levels of volume and intensity. That’s what Dad does."

From Emmabella's Easter Alphabet​