Campfire Carrots in Aluminum Foil
Carrots cooked in aluminum foil over a campfire offer a perfect balance of tenderness and smoky flavor. This easy and wholesome recipe enhances the natural sweetness of carrots while adding a touch of earthiness through fire-roasting. It’s a perfect campfire side dish for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy cooking simple, healthy meals in nature. With minimal prep time, basic ingredients, and easy cleanup, these foil-wrapped carrots are ideal for camping trips, picnics, or backyard BBQs.
Equipment
- Aluminum Foil – Heavy-duty foil works best for campfire cooking as it can withstand the heat and won't tear easily.
- Tongs – Essential for handling hot foil packets safely.
- Campfire Grill (Optional) – A grill grate can be useful if you want to place the foil packet above the fire rather than directly on the coals.
- Knife – For peeling and chopping the carrots.
- Fire Gloves – Recommended to protect your hands when dealing with hot foil packets and campfire tools.
- Heat-Resistant Mat or Plate – For resting the foil packet after cooking.
Ingredients
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into medium-sized chunks (about 2-3 inches)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – You can also use butter or coconut oil for extra flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a bit of spice to balance the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – A must-have for an aromatic kick.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional) – Adds earthy flavor that complements the smoky taste.
Optional Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup – If you prefer a slightly sweet finish, maple syrup or honey can elevate the flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika – For an extra layer of smokiness, smoked paprika works beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest – Brightens up the dish with a bit of citrusy flavor.
Instructions
- Prepare the campfire: Start by getting your campfire ready. Wait until you have a good bed of hot coals. This creates a more consistent heat source, which is crucial for evenly cooking the carrots.
- Peel and chop carrots: Peel the carrots and chop them into 2-3 inch chunks. The size of the pieces will affect cooking time – larger chunks will take longer, while smaller pieces will cook faster.
- Season the carrots: In a mixing bowl, toss the carrot chunks with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme (if using). Make sure the carrots are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Prepare the foil packet: Tear off a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil, about 18-24 inches long. Place the seasoned carrots in the center. For easy cleanup, you can double the layer of foil to prevent any juices from leaking out.
- Optional flavor additions: Drizzle the carrots with maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. You can also sprinkle smoked paprika or lemon zest for added flavor.
- Seal the foil packet: Fold the foil tightly over the carrots, creating a sealed packet. Be sure to leave a little bit of space inside for steam to circulate, which helps cook the carrots more evenly. Seal the edges tightly to prevent any heat or juices from escaping.
- Cook the carrots on the campfire:Directly on coals: Place the foil packet directly on the hot coals for about 20-30 minutes.On a campfire grill: Alternatively, you can place the packet on a campfire grill grate above the coals, which may take slightly longer to cook but offers a gentler heat.
- Flip the packet halfway: To ensure even cooking, carefully flip the foil packet halfway through the cooking time (about 15 minutes in). Use tongs or fire gloves to handle the hot packet.
- Check for doneness: After 25-30 minutes, carefully open the foil packet (watch out for steam!) and pierce a carrot chunk with a fork. The carrots should be tender and soft but not mushy. If they need more time, reseal the packet and cook for another 5-10 minutes.
- Rest before serving: Once the carrots are done, remove the foil packet from the coals and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and the carrots to cool slightly before eating.
- Serve and enjoy: Open the packet and serve the campfire carrots straight from the foil. They pair well with other campfire staples like grilled meats, baked potatoes, or even toasted bread.
Notes
- Variations: Add extra veggies like potatoes, bell peppers, or onions to the foil packet for a more diverse side dish. You can also try using baby carrots for convenience.
- Cooking Tips: Always monitor the campfire heat to avoid burning the carrots. If the coals are too hot, you may want to elevate the foil packet on a campfire grill for gentler heat.
- Serving Suggestions: These carrots make an excellent side dish for grilled chicken, sausages, or even veggie burgers. They also complement other campfire favorites like roasted corn or foil-wrapped potatoes.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat by wrapping them in foil again and placing them near the campfire coals.