Damper II

Damper II Recipe: An Authentic Australian Delight

Region / culture: Australia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Damper is a traditional Australian bread that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a simple and versatile recipe that can be made with just a few basic ingredients. In this article, we will explore the history of the recipe, cooking tips and tricks, as well as nutrition information and serving suggestions for Damper.

History

Damper has its origins in the early days of European settlement in Australia. It was originally made by swagmen and drovers who needed a simple and portable bread to take with them on their travels. The recipe has since evolved and become a popular dish that is enjoyed by many Australians today.

Ingredients

3 cups of self-raising flour
0.5 tsp of salt (optional)
3 tbsp of butter
0.5 cup of milk
0.5 cup of water

How to prepare

Sift the flour and salt into a bowl, then rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
Make a well in the center and add the combined milk and water. Mix lightly with a knife until the dough leaves the sides of the bowl.
Gently knead the dough on a lightly floured surface, then shape it into a round and place it on a greased oven tray.
Pat the dough into a round shape with a diameter of 15 – 16 cm (6-6.5 inches).
Using a sharp knife, cut two slits across the dough to form a cross, approximately 1 cm (0.5 inch) deep.
Brush the top of the dough with milk.
Sift a little extra flour over the dough.
Bake in a preheated hot oven for 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
Reduce the heat to moderate and continue baking for another 20 minutes.

Variations

There are many variations of Damper that can be made by adding ingredients such as cheese, herbs, or dried fruits. These additions can give the bread a unique flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making Damper, it is important to handle the dough gently and not overwork it. This will help ensure that the bread remains light and fluffy. Additionally, brushing the top of the dough with milk before baking will give it a beautiful golden crust.

Serving Suggestions

Damper can be enjoyed on its own or served with butter and jam for a delicious breakfast or snack. It can also be served alongside soups and stews for a hearty meal.

Cooking Techniques

Damper is traditionally baked in a campfire or oven, but it can also be cooked on a stovetop or in a Dutch oven. The key is to ensure that the bread is cooked through and has a golden crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have self-raising flour, you can make your own by adding 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder to every cup of all-purpose flour. You can also use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Damper can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Presentation Ideas

Damper can be served whole or sliced into wedges for a rustic presentation. It can also be topped with seeds or herbs for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Damper pairs well with soups, stews, and salads. It can also be served with cheese and cold cuts for a simple and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Damper can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. To reheat, simply place the bread in a preheated oven or microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Damper contains around 250 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie bread option that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Damper contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help fuel your day.

Fats

Damper is a relatively low-fat bread, with each serving containing around 5 grams of fat. This makes it a healthier option compared to other types of bread that may be higher in fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Damper contains approximately 7 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making Damper a nutritious choice.

Vitamins and minerals

Damper is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, but it does contain small amounts of calcium and iron. These nutrients are important for maintaining strong bones and healthy blood.

Alergens

Damper contains gluten from the self-raising flour, so it is not suitable for those with gluten allergies or intolerances. It also contains dairy from the butter and milk, so it is not suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Overall, Damper is a simple and nutritious bread option that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet. It is relatively low in fat and calories, making it a good choice for those looking to watch their weight.

Summary

Damper is a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a meal. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it is a recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Lily at her quaint little cottage in the countryside. As soon as I walked through the door, I was hit with the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread.

Lily greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and I couldn't help but ask her what she was baking. She led me into her cozy kitchen and showed me a beautiful loaf of bread that she called "Damper II". I had never heard of it before, but I was instantly intrigued. Lily explained that Damper II was a traditional Australian bread that was typically cooked over an open fire, and she had learned how to make it during her travels down under.

I was fascinated by the idea of cooking bread over an open fire, and I begged Lily to teach me her recipe. She laughed and agreed, saying that it was about time I learned how to make Damper II. We spent the rest of the afternoon in the kitchen, kneading dough and chatting about our favorite recipes. By the time the bread was ready, I knew that Damper II would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Damper II countless times for my family and friends. Each time I bake it, I am transported back to that hot summer day in Lily's kitchen, surrounded by the comforting scent of fresh bread and the laughter of good friends. This recipe holds a special place in my heart, not only because it is delicious, but because it reminds me of the joy of cooking and sharing food with loved ones.

To make Damper II, you will need:

- 3 cups of self-raising flour

- 1 teaspoon of salt

- 1 tablespoon of butter

- 1 cup of milk

- 1/2 cup of water

- Optional: 1/2 cup of grated cheese, herbs, or dried fruit

To start, preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a separate bowl, mix together the milk and water. Slowly add the liquid to the flour mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. If desired, stir in any additional ingredients such as cheese, herbs, or dried fruit.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently for a few minutes until smooth. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to make a cross-shaped incision on the top of the loaf.

Bake the Damper II in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings.

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do. Damper II has brought me so much joy over the years, and I am grateful to Lily for introducing me to this delicious bread. Happy baking!