Prepare to take an excursion into the frontier past by indulging in Australian damper. Damper is a traditional Australian style soda bread that was historically made by packers, drovers, stockmen, and drovers; basically, anyone needing to travel. It is traditionally made outside over open coals and utilizes only the most basic of rations, mainly flour, water and sometimes milk. This bread is truly the fare of tough guys and adventurers. Learn how to make it today, so you’ll always be able to make it when out camping.
Health Benefits
Damper, otherwise known as soda bread has a surprising amount of health benefits. Soda bread contains a large number of vitamins and minerals: vitamin C, vitamin B-12, vitamin A, thiamin, potassium, sodium, zinc, selenium, copper, and manganese. Soda bread works to reduce your risk of obtaining inflammatory diseases because it’s low in saturated fat. It is also low in cholesterol and helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, and not requiring sugar helps it to lower the risk of obtaining
Ingredients
cups self-rising flour: 4
tsp salt: 1
tbsp butter – softened: 1
cup milk: 1
cup water : 1/2
How To Make Australian Damper
- Preheat oven to 425°
- Grease a baking sheet.
- Stir the flour and salttogether in a large bowl.
- Cut in butter with a pastry blender or your hands.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour the milk and water into it.
- Stir until the dough comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf 8 in across.
- Place the loaf onto the prepared pan and cut across the top using a sharp knife.
- Bake for 25 min in the preheated oven, then lower the temperature to 350° F and continue to bake for an additional 5-10 mins.
- Note: The loaf should be golden brown and the bottom should sound hollow when tapped.
- Serve and enjoy!
Trivia
Soda bread uses baking soda as a leavening agent instead of the traditional yeast.