How to Build a Ground Pit for Cast Iron Outdoor Cooking
People have been using cast iron to cook with for centuries. Its durable, non-stick surface is great to use when you are camping. A cast iron dutch oven can used for many things when cooking outdoors. You can do everything from bake to make a casserole in it. All this can be done right at your campsite. You'll just need to make a ground pit for your cookware. In no time you'll have a tasty meal you thought you could only make at home.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Locate a place at your campsite that will be safe. You don't want people falling into the ground pit and getting hurt. Rake all the debris away from the area where you will be digging the pit, so you don't have an unwanted fire.
-
2
Dig a hole with your shovel that will be big enough to accommodate your cast iron cookware, such as a dutch oven. For instance, if your pot is 12 inches around and 10 inches deep, you'd need a hole that's approximately 16 inches around and 16 inches deep. This will give you enough room for the coals and the pot to fit snugly into the pit and leave the pot's top basically at ground level. The closer the pot is to the coals, the hotter the cooking temperature will be.
-
-
3
Spread out a layer of charcoal that will be enough to heat the bottom and the top of the cast iron. Cast iron such as a dutch oven, will cook with coals layered at the bottom and the top of it. Douse the charcoal with lighter fluid and light it.
-
4
Wait for the charcoal to light before placing anything on it. Once the charcoal is ready, spread it out evenly in the bottom of the ground pit. Use your shovel to remove a portion of the coals. Set your shovel out of the way, so nobody gets burned by the hot coals.
-
5
Place your cast iron dutch oven inside the ground pit. Make sure the lid of the dutch oven is secure, once it's inside the pit.
-
6
Take your shovel that is holding the remaining coals, and place the hot coals evenly on top of the dutch oven.
-
1
