Eating is an essential part of the camping or hiking experience. Not only does it give us the boost and energy we need to keep going on the trail, but it’s also just a relief. A nice, hot meal after spending the day in the cold is often the cherry on top of an awesome outdoor experience. 

In addition to getting the sustenance we need from food, we can also just warm up. Especially this time of year when you hike in the freezing cold, a good hot soup is all you need to complete a great hiking day.

Here are some delicious campfire soups to try this winter.

(Note: You may need a dutch oven.)

1. Sausage and Potato Soup

You’ll Need:

• A package Kielbasa sausage
• 2 potatoes
• 1/2 onion
• 1 green pepper
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can beef broth (or cubes)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp sugar

Mmm…sausage. This meal is nice and easy to cook. Just chop up the potatoes, sausage, onion, and green pepper. Set aside. Then, using a dutch oven or appropriate pot, combine all ingredients. If you have beef broth, you don’t need water, but if you are using cubes, use one cube per two cups of water. Then, bring it all to a boil. Simmer until potatoes are soft. Now, you have a delicious sausage and potato soup!

2. Homestyle Campfire Stew

You’ll Need:

(This recipe makes 8 servings, so adjust accordingly)

• 1/2 small onion, diced
• 1/4 lb fresh mushrooms, chopped
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups water
• 1 can condensed alphabet soup
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 8 oz. orzo pasta
• Spices: 1/2 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper

During the winter, camping can be a little bit more uncomfortable and unfamiliar than in other seasons. Settling down to a nice, warm soup like this will really heat up the bones and make you feel right at home. First, start with the onions and mushrooms, and cook until the onions are soft. Break the ground beef into small pieces, and add to the pot. Cook until browned. Drain the grease, then add the rest of the ingredients to the mix, slowly. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the orzo is cooked. Yum!

3. “Spicy” Tomato Soup

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 carrots
• 1 onion
• 1 clove of garlic
• 26 oz. marinara sauce
• 28 oz. of canned chicken stock
• 15 oz. can of cannellini beans
• ½ to 1 cup of any type of small pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crushed red pepper

Tomato soup is the perfect solution to any cold day in the winter. Add beans to it, and you’ll have good protein for tomorrow’s hike. To make this easy meal, you’ll need your dutch oven at the ready. Add the olive oil to the bottom of the pot. Slice up the carrots, onions, and mince the garlic, and add to the oil. Cook until the onions are soft. Add the rest of the ingredients, except for the spices. After cooking for 25 minutes, or until the pasta is ready, add in salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. If you want it spicier, keep adding more red pepper.

And, remember…

If you’re not the cooking type or you’re just really hungry, you can always heat up some ramen, a can of Campbell’s, or put together soup mix instead of starting from scratch.