If you’ve ever been camping in Australia, you’ve likely heard of damper. This traditional Australian bread is a staple of campfire cooking, and it’s a great way to enjoy a delicious meal while out in the bush. Damper is a simple, no-fuss bread that’s made with just a few basic ingredients, and it’s cooked in a camp oven over an open fire.
The ingredients for damper are simple: flour, salt, and water. The dough is mixed together, kneaded, and then shaped into a round loaf. The loaf is then placed in a camp oven, which is a heavy, cast-iron pot with a lid. The camp oven is placed over the fire, and the lid is put on top. The heat from the fire cooks the damper, and the lid traps the steam, creating a moist, fluffy loaf.
Damper is a great way to enjoy a hearty meal while camping. It’s a great accompaniment to soups and stews, and it can also be served with butter and jam. It’s also a great snack to have while out in the bush, as it’s easy to make and doesn’t require any special ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup self-raising flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup water
Equipment:
- Camp oven
- Tongs or Lid Lifter
- Fire / coals
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add the milk and water, stirring until the mixture forms a soft dough.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly for 1-2 minutes.
- Shape the dough into a round and place it in a lightly greased camp oven.
- Place the camp oven in the coals and spread some coals over the top as well. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the damper is golden brown.
- Remove the camp oven from the fire and allow the damper to cool before serving.
Damper is a great way to enjoy a traditional Australian meal while out in the bush. It’s a simple, no-fuss bread that’s cooked in a camp oven over an open fire, and it’s a great accompaniment to soups and stews. So next time you’re out camping, why not give damper a try?