Hobo foil packets are like second nature to me because we always had them when I was a kid. We had two older brothers and a father who were all avid Boy Scouts, so we got to experience hobo packs quite frequently. Hobo packs are essentially a bundle of chopped ingredients wrapped in foil and cooked over hot coals at a campfire. In fact, we enjoy them so much that we sometimes even have them when we aren’t on a camping trip!
Ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and a mountain of ketchup are the standard ingredients in hobo packs. Since the ground beef in those packets is usually nearly inedible (which explains why you need at least half the container of ketchup to get it down! ), I like to spice things up by substituting sausage instead. The ground beef in a foil pack has been stewed to the point where it is hard, chewy, and nearly flavorless.
We discovered that by switching out the beef for sausage, we were able to achieve the same great flavor and texture as with standard foil packs. Extra ketchup, an essential condiment, pairs well with the sausage as well.
Ingredients:
1 package of smoked beef and pork sausage (14 ounces/392 grams), sliced into coins
Yukon gold potatoes, 3 cups (435 grams) sliced thinly
2 cups (about 3-4 large or 221 grams) of thinly sliced carrots
Yellow onion, 1 big (223 g), sliced thinly
Two Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
A pinch each of Italian seasoning, basil, and parsley
In a pinch, use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
A pinch of paprika
To season, add a pinch of dried thyme, about a quarter teaspoon
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, cubed
Ketchup and some herbs on the side, please (optional)
Directions:
First, get the oven ready by preheating it to 200 degrees Celsius (or 400 degrees Fahrenheit).
The second step is to round out the sausage slices.
Third, slice the potatoes into pieces that are about 1/8 of an inch thick.
The fourth step is to thinly slice the onions.
The fifth step is to combine the potatoes, onions, carrots, and sausage in a large mixing bowl.
Add some seasonings and drizzle about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the vegetables in step six. Blend together by tossing it around.
Seventh, divide the mixture evenly among four sheets of foil.
Put four pieces of butter into each foil, as shown in Step 8. Wrap each piece of foil up securely.
The ninth step is to put them in an oven that has already been preheated to 350 degrees and cook them for 30 minutes.
The tenth step is to unpack everything and sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs on top.
The final step: eating it!