Bush Tomato Wattleseed Damper

Introduction to Bush Tomato Wattleseed Damper

Bush Tomato Wattleseed Damper is an iconic dish rooted in the traditional Australian Outback cuisine. Featuring native Australian ingredients, this bread boasts a unique and rich flavor. Historically, damper has been a staple for Australian bushmen, stockmen, and travelers, who cooked this simple bread over the coals of a campfire during their long journeys. The incorporation of bush tomato and wattleseed brings an earthy depth and a hint of nutty sweetness, elevating this traditional bread into a gourmet experience.

Ingredients

• Self-raising flour - 3 cups
• Bush tomatoes - 1/2 cup, dried and chopped
• Wattleseed - 2 tablespoons, ground
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Butter - 50 grams, chilled and diced
• Water - 1 cup
• Optional: Milk for glaze

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Ensure that your bush tomatoes are adequately dried and chopped into smaller pieces. It’s crucial that the wattleseed is finely ground to ensure an even distribution throughout the damper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift the self-raising flour and salt together. This process introduces air into the flour, helping the damper rise. Add in the finely chopped bush tomatoes and ground wattleseed to the dry mixture and stir to combine.

Step 3: Incorporate the Butter

Add the chilled, diced butter into the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. The key is to work quickly to avoid melting the butter with the heat of your hands.

Cooking Process

Step 4: Form the Dough

Create a well in the center of your mixture and gradually add the water. Using a flat-bladed knife, mix the water into the flour mixture until it starts to come together. Once the dough forms, gently knead it for about 3 minutes or until it is smooth.

Step 5: Shape the Damper

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round loaf about 20cm in diameter. If you wish, brush the top of the loaf with some optional milk to aid browning, and make a cross on the top using a knife to help the damper expand during cooking.

Step 6: Cook the Damper

Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) or prepare a campfire with a bed of hot coals. Place the damper on a baking tray lined with baking paper or with a light dusting of flour. Cook it in the oven or over the coals for approximately 25-30 minutes. Check if the damper is ready by tapping on its base; it should sound hollow when done. Use a cooking timer to ensure you time the baking process accurately.

Enjoying Your Bush Tomato Wattleseed Damper

Allow the damper to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. This bread can be enjoyed on its own or with a spread of butter or jam. It is perfect for a rustic outdoor meal or as a companion to a hearty soup. The combination of bush tomatoes and wattleseed makes every bite unique, offering a taste of traditional Australia in each bite.

Whether you are in the heart of the Outback or in your urban kitchen, this Bush Tomato Wattleseed Damper is a culinary journey you should not miss.