Technically, it is possible to cook food using an iron shovel over a fire, but it may not be the most practical or efficient method. An iron shovel, typically used for digging and moving materials, is not specifically designed for cooking. However, in a survival or camping situation, you can improvise and use it as a makeshift cooking utensil.
Here's a simple method you can try:
Build a fire and let it burn down to a bed of hot coals.
Clean the iron shovel thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. You can use water and a scrub brush if available.
Once the shovel is clean, hold it over the fire and heat it for a few minutes to sterilize it and remove any remaining residue.
Place the food you want to cook on the heated surface of the shovel. It's important to note that the shovel's handle may also heat up, so you'll need to find a way to hold it without burning yourself. You could wrap the handle with a thick cloth or use heat-resistant gloves.
Cook the food by holding the shovel over the hot coals or by flipping the food using tongs or another utensil. The cooking time will depend on the type of food and the heat of the coals.
Keep in mind that using an iron shovel for cooking might result in uneven heat distribution and potentially scorching or burning of the food. It's not the ideal cooking utensil, but it can be used as a makeshift option in certain situations. If possible, it's always recommended to use proper cookware designed for cooking over a fire, such as a cast iron skillet or grill grate.