Damper (Australian Campfire Bread)
Damper is Australian bushman's bread, made while camping or "waltzing matilda" (carrying a swag around looking for work). It is meant to be made outside by a campfire.
Medium
🍖 AustralianTotal Time
50 minutes
Servings
2–5
Ingredients
Everything you'll need to make this recipe
1
1 large cup self-raising flour
2
1 generous pinch salt
3
scant ¼ cup water (more and it will be as tough as an old boot)
Instructions
Step-by-step guide to making this recipe
1
Add salt to flour.
2
Add water, then mix and form into a round loaf.
3
Dig a 1 foot-deep hole near a fire, and fill it with 2 shovels of hot coals and ash.
4
Add damper mixture to a greased camp oven (traditional cast iron round pot with lid).
5
Cook in the hole for a maximum of 40 minutes. If undercooked it will be flat and rubbery.
40 minutes
6
Your first try may be inedible. Keep trying, you'll soon be an expert.
Notes
- •This cookbook also has a Drover's damper recipe.
- •You can do this in a barbecue grill with the mixture in greased metal foil as well. During cooking, damper increases in volume by ⅓ to ½, so allow room for expansion.
- •If you aren't outdoors, just add mixture to greased oven tray and bake in a moderate oven for 30–40 minutes.