Cooking over an open fire is one of the most fundamental, and at the same time most alive, parts of Swedish outdoor life. EldMat is our comprehensive guide to cooking outdoors – from simple lunches at the grill area to advanced techniques like cooking pits, smoking and ember beds.
Here you'll find recipes, fire knowledge, safety, equipment and practical tips for cooking outdoors all year round. It's all built on real experiences in forests, by lakes and on hikes around Sweden.
Start here – the basics of cooking over an open fire
If you're a beginner or want to deepen your knowledge, we recommend starting with our basic guides:
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Cooking over an open fire – a complete guide
Learn the basics of cooking over an open fire. Fire types, ember beds, temperature control and common mistakes.
To the complete guide → -
Fire safety in nature
How to make fire safely in forest and land. Fire bans, fire sites and safe handling.
To the safety guide → -
Equipment for EldMat
What tools do you actually need? Pots, griddles, wood tools and smart packing.
See the equipment guide →
What is EldMat?
EldMat is our comprehensive knowledge bank and recipe collection for cooking over an open fire.
It's not just recipes – it's a complete guide to:
- Fire technique
- Wood types
- Safety
- Cooking methods
- Outdoor tradition
- Kid-friendly outdoor cooking
We combine traditional Swedish outdoor food with modern, nutritious and practical outdoor meals.
Want to understand the background and tradition behind outdoor food?
Read: Swedish Outdoor Food & History →Healthy recipes over an open fire
Food over fire doesn't have to be heavy or one-note. With the right ingredients and technique, you can cook protein-rich, balanced and energizing meals even out in nature.
Discover our guide: Healthy Recipes Over an Open Fire →There you'll find fish, vegetarian options, stews and breakfast ideas suited for both day trips and longer journeys.
Cooking with kids outdoors
Involving kids in cooking over an open fire builds both confidence and learning. Fire is a natural gathering point – but it also demands responsibility.
We cover:
- Age-appropriate tasks
- Safety routines
- Simple recipes
- Educational elements
Cooking methods – choose the right technique
Food over an open fire can be cooked in several different ways. Each method gives a different flavor, temperature control and possibilities.
Explore our technique-based recipes and guides:
- Embers & Foil
- Cooking in a Pot
- Cooking in a Pit
- Pan-fried food
- Frying on Stone or Plank
- Smoking Meat & Fish
- Pie iron
- On a Stick
- Bread & Baking
- Breakfast & Drinks
- Lunch at the Grill Area
These technique pages act as categories where the recipes are sorted by how they're cooked.
Fire knowledge & wood science
Succeeding with food over an open fire requires understanding:
- The difference between flame and embers
- Hard vs. soft wood
- How to build a stable fire site
- Heat zones
- Fire in different weather conditions
EldMat all year round
Cooking over an open fire works in every season:
- Winter: a stable bed of embers in the snow
- Spring: dry wood and quick heating
- Summer: safety and fire bans
- Autumn: slow cooking and stews
By understanding how the seasons affect wood, temperature and safety, you can cook safe and flavorful food outdoors all year round.
Summary
EldMat is our complete collection of knowledge, recipes and guides for cooking over an open fire.
Whether you're looking for traditional outdoor food, nutritious recipes, kid-friendly options or in-depth fire knowledge, you'll find it here.
The goal is to make cooking outdoors safe, accessible and inspiring – for both beginners and experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
