Bushcraft Perfect

The Ultimate Guide to Making Campfire Paella

There’s nothing quite like cooking over an open flame. It brings people together, adds a rustic touch, and gives food a flavor you just can’t get in a regular kitchen. One of the best dishes to cook around a campfire? Paella! This Spanish rice dish, traditionally made over an open fire, is full of rich flavors, colors, and aromas that can turn any outdoor setting into a special occasion.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make delicious campfire paella, from the right equipment to the ingredients you’ll need and the steps to make it all come together. Whether you’re an experienced camper or just starting, you’ll be ready to cook an unforgettable meal in the great outdoors.

Why Campfire Paella?

Paella was made to be cooked outside. The original paellas were cooked by farmers and laborers over open fires in the Spanish countryside. It’s a dish meant to be shared, enjoyed, and made with what’s on hand.

The best part about cooking it over a campfire is the smoky flavor that seeps into the rice and the crispy layer at the bottom, called the socarrat. Plus, campfire paella is a fun challenge for those who love outdoor cooking. You get to control the heat by managing the fire, adding wood, or shifting the cast iron pan. It’s not just cooking; it’s an experience that brings everyone around the fire together.

Essential Equipment for Campfire Paella

You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to make campfire paella, but there are a few items that will make the process easier and the results better.

• Paella Pan: Wide, shallow cast iron pan is the key to cooking paella. It allows the rice to spread out and cook evenly, creating that perfect texture. A 12- to 15-inch pan is a good size for a campfire paella that serves 4-6 people.
• Campfire Gear: Depending on your setup, you might want a tripod or grill grate to hold the pan over the fire. You’ll also need sturdy utensils for stirring, like a long wooden spoon or spatula.
• Wood or Charcoal: Both work, but each gives a slightly different flavor. Wood gives a smoky taste, while charcoal is easier to control and keeps a steady heat. Choose whichever is easiest for you.

Ingredients for an Authentic Campfire Paella

The beauty of paella is its flexibility. While there are classic ingredients, you can customize it based on what you have or prefer.

• Rice: For the best results, use a short-grain rice like Bomba or Calasparra, which absorbs more liquid without getting mushy. These types of rice can be found in most grocery stores, but in a pinch, arborio rice will work.
• Protein Options: Traditionally, paella includes chicken, rabbit, or seafood. For a campfire paella, chicken thighs, shrimp, or chorizo work well since they’re easy to cook over a fire. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences.
• Broth and Seasonings: A flavorful broth is essential. If you can, use homemade chicken or seafood stock. Saffron is a key seasoning in paella and gives the rice its golden color and unique taste. Smoked paprika adds depth and a little kick.
• Vegetables: Common options are bell peppers, peas, and tomatoes. But don’t be afraid to add other vegetables you have on hand, like zucchini or green beans.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Campfire Paella

Here’s the fun part! Cooking campfire paella is all about taking it slow and letting the flavors build.

Step 1: Prepare the Fire

Start by building a good, steady fire. It should be hot enough to bring the broth to a simmer but not too intense, or the rice will burn.

Once the flames die down a bit, and you have a bed of hot coals, you’re ready to cook.

Step 2: Sauté the Ingredients

Set your cast iron pan over the fire and add some oil. When it’s hot, add your meat or seafood first and cook until it’s browned. This will add flavor to the oil and the dish overall.

Next, add your vegetables and stir them around until they soften and start to caramelize.

Step 3: Add the Rice and Broth

Add the rice to the cast iron pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Stir it into the oil and vegetables so it soaks up the flavors.

Then, pour in your broth, along with the saffron and smoked paprika. The rice-to-broth ratio should be about 1:3, but you can adjust as needed if the rice starts looking dry before it’s done.

Step 4: Let It Simmer

Once everything’s in the cast iron pan, avoid stirring it! Letting the rice sit undisturbed helps form the socarrat, the crispy layer at the bottom that’s prized in a good paella.

Let it simmer until the rice absorbs most of the broth and is cooked through. If the fire gets too hot, move the pan slightly to control the heat.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

When the rice is tender and most of the liquid is gone, remove the cast iron pan from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.

Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, or any herbs you like. Then, it’s time to dig in!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Campfire Paella

Cooking over a fire can be unpredictable, so here are a few tips to keep your paella on track:

• Heat Control: If your fire is too hot, the rice can burn before it cooks through. Use a tripod or grill grate to lift the pan or shift it to the side if things get too hot.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Too many ingredients can make the rice mushy and unevenly cooked. Stick to a few key ingredients.
• Experiment with Ingredients: Don’t worry if you don’t have traditional ingredients. Try a vegetarian paella with mushrooms and zucchini, or add a little spice with some chili peppers.

Serving and Enjoying Your Campfire Paella

Campfire paella is meant to be shared, so serve it right out of the pan and let everyone dig in. If you’re cooking with friends, pair it with some crusty bread and a cool drink, like white wine or iced tea.

The fun part of eating paella is gathering around the pan, enjoying the flavors, and relaxing by the fire.

Campfire Paella Recipe Card

Here’s a quick recipe card for easy reference:

Ingredients

• 1 cup Bomba or short-grain rice
• 3 cups chicken or seafood broth
• ½ lb chicken thighs or shrimp
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Pinch of saffron
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

1. Prepare the fire with a steady bed of hot coals.
2. Heat oil in the paella pan, add protein, and cook until browned.
3. Add vegetables and sauté until soft.
4. Add rice, stir, then add broth and seasonings.
5. Let simmer without stirring until rice is tender.
6. Garnish, rest for a few minutes, and serve directly from the pan.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Campfire Cooking Adventure

Cooking campfire paella is about more than just the meal; it’s about the experience. There’s something magical about being outside, tending to a fire, and sharing a delicious, homemade meal with friends or family.

So the next time you head out on a camping trip, consider giving this recipe a try. You’ll be rewarded with rich, smoky flavors and memories around the fire that you’ll savor just as much as the paella itself.