Creative Outdoor Cooking Recipes Using Smokeless Fire Pits

Cooking With Flame: Smokeless Fire Pit Recipes for South African Winter Gatherings

There's something primal, joyful, and irresistibly flavorful about cooking over open flame. And in the South African winter, when nights are crisp and clear, few things beat gathering around a firepit with delicious food sizzling nearby. This isn’t just cooking — it’s an experience. And with a smokeless firepit, it’s clean, efficient, and fun for everyone.

In this post, we dive into creative outdoor cooking recipes using firepits, especially suited to winter weather and the uniquely social culture of South African gatherings. We’ve also divided the recipes into two sections — those that shine on the compact, portable Eros and those made for the bigger, bolder Apollo. Both models pair perfectly with Helios Fire’s cooking accessories, from folding braai grills to protective spark arrestor grids.

Cooking Essentials for Both Eros & Apollo Smokeless Fire Pits

To cook safely and effectively over your firepit, especially a smokeless model like Helios Fire's Apollo or Eros, you'll want:

• Folding Braai Grill (Eros or Apollo): Custom-fit and portable, perfect for searing or grilling directly over flame.

• Spark Arrestor Grid: Use while cooking to contain embers while allowing airflow.

• Long-handled tongs or skewers: Keep your hands safely away from the heat.

• Cast iron pans or fire-safe pots: Ideal for slow-cooked or liquid-based dishes.

• Heat-resistant gloves: For handling hot cookware or adjusting accessories.

With these tools, you can roast, sear, toast, and simmer with confidence — all while staying warm and social.

One of the key features that makes Helios Fire Pits ideal for versatile cooking is the included base ring. This cleverly designed stand elevates the firepit slightly from the ground, allowing for continuous airflow underneath. That not only enhances the smokeless performance, but also makes it safe to use your firepit on virtually any surface — green grass, wooden decks, composite patios, or concrete slabs. No additional heat mats are required, making outdoor cooking simpler, cleaner, and more spontaneous. Whether you're in the backyard, on a rooftop, or out in the wild, Helios gives you the confidence to cook wherever you are.

Cooking on the Eros Smokeless Fire Pit — Small but Mighty

The Eros is the more compact firepit in the Helios lineup, designed for portability and effortless use in smaller spaces. Whether you're camping, hosting on a balcony, or looking for a stylish fire companion for your beach adventure, Eros is lightweight, efficient, and easy to clean. Its smart engineering features double-walled airflow technology that ensures a powerful flame with minimal smoke.

Fully compatible with the Eros Folding Braai Grill and spark arrestor grid, this smaller model packs a punch in both function and safety. The included base ring ensures you can set the Eros safely on grassy patches, timber decks, or even apartment patios, transforming any spot into your own fire-cooked kitchen.

Ideal For:

• Quick fireside snacks and sides

• Compact family meals or small group cooking

• Campsite cooking or apartment patios

Featured Eros Smokeless Fire Pit Recipe: Flame-Roasted Sweetcorn with Paprika Butter

Perfect for Eros + Folding Braai Grill

Ingredients:

• 4 corn cobs

• 3 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper

Instructions: Grill corn directly on the Eros Braai Grill, turning every 3–5 minutes for an even char. While still hot, slather with melted butter mixed with paprika, salt, and pepper. Clip on the spark arrestor grid during cooking for added safety and ember control. The Eros’ portability means you can enjoy this at a campsite, park, or patio without worrying about damage to the surface underneath.

Cooking on the Apollo Fire Pit — Big, Bold Feasts

The Apollo is the showstopper of the Helios lineup. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts and seasoned hosts, Apollo’s larger burn chamber and increased heat output allow for full meals, group cooking, and true wintertime entertaining. Its double-wall construction ensures smokeless burning, even when fully loaded with wood.

Pair it with the Apollo Folding Braai Grill for a large, stable cooking surface — ideal for multiple items at once. The spark arrestor shield offers peace of mind, especially around children, pets, or breezy weather.

Just like Eros, Apollo's integrated base ring allows you to cook confidently on wooden decks, composite surfaces, concrete patios, or backyard lawns — all without the need for heat mats or complex setups. It’s durable, safe, and smartly designed for long sessions of delicious outdoor cooking.

Ideal For:

• Backyard banquets and holiday gatherings

• Hosting friends and extended family

• Braai lovers who want space, style, and power

Featured Apollo Smokeless Fire Pit  Recipe: Campfire Potjie (One-Pot Stew)

Ideal with Apollo and a large cast iron pot

Ingredients:

• 500g lamb or beef cubes

• 1 onion, diced

• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 3 potatoes, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 cup red wine or beef stock

Instructions: Place your cast iron pot on a trivet or directly onto the Apollo grill. Brown the meat with garlic and onions, then add vegetables, tomato paste, herbs, and liquid. Cover and allow to simmer for at least 2 hours. Stir every 30 minutes and adjust liquid as needed. Use the Apollo spark arrestor to keep embers in check while maintaining maximum heat and airflow. With the base ring elevating the setup, you can cook directly on your patio without a second thought.

Helios Smokeless Fire Pit Desserts for Any Size

These sweet, simple firepit desserts are a perfect ending to your outdoor cooking adventure. They work great on both Eros and Apollo firepits, and require minimal equipment.

Smokeless Fire Pit Banana Boats

A gooey treat for both kids and adults

• 2 whole bananas (in peel)

• 2 tbsp chocolate chips

• 2 tbsp mini marshmallows

• 1 tbsp crushed nuts (optional)

Instructions: Slice bananas down the middle (lengthwise) without cutting all the way through. Stuff the opening with chocolate chips, marshmallows, and nuts. Wrap each banana in foil and place in hot coals (Apollo) or next to the flame (Eros) for about 10 minutes. Open carefully and enjoy the melty magic.

Braai Apple Slices with Cinnamon

Light, warming, and wonderfully fragrant

• 2 apples, sliced into rings

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions: Brush apple rings with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized. Use a grill tray or braai grid to prevent slices from slipping through. Serve alone or with a scoop of ice cream.

Go Ahead - Start your Helios Fire Pit Today. Your Taste Buds will Thank you

Whether you’re new to firepit cooking or a seasoned outdoor chef, here are a few extra tips to elevate your experience:

• Plan ahead: Pre-chop ingredients and portion your recipes before lighting the fire.

• Use Helios Braai Grills: These custom tools are built to fit perfectly, improving safety and performance.

• Embrace the Spark Arrestor: Use it whenever flames are high, guests are close, or wind picks up.

• Clean as you go: Scrape off grills while still warm and dump ash only when cool.

• Store dry: Keep your firepit and accessories protected from moisture for maximum lifespan.

Whether you’re firing up the compact Eros for a beach sunset or the Apollo for a backyard celebration, your Helios Fire Pit isn’t just a heater — it’s a gourmet outdoor kitchen.

This winter for outdoor cooking, get creative, stay warm, and let the flames feed your soul with your firepit .