Australian Damper Easy recipe

This is the best and easiest recipe for damper I've found, and I've used it for a long time now and just love it!

Ingredients

• 250 g self-raising flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 25 g unsalted butter chilled cubed
• 175 mls milk

• Equipment

  • 1 baking tray
  • 1 bowl
  • 1 knife
  • 1 pastry brush
  • 

    
    

  • Method

    • STEP 1Mix the flour with the salt in a large bowl. Add the butter and rub it into the flour with the tips of your fingers, until it resembles fine crumbs.
    • STEP 2Stir in the milk with a round blade knife (butter knife) to make a soft but not sticky dough.
    • STEP 3Turn out onto a lightly floured work surface and shape into a soft, smooth ball.
    • STEP 4Set the ball of dough onto a tray or baking sheet and flatten gently to make a round about 17 cm across. Cut a deep cross in the dough and brush lightly with milk.
    • STEP 5Bake at 190C for 30 minutes until golden.
    • STEP 6Serve warm or at room temperature.

    Notes

    Can be frozen for up to 1 month. Variations: Add 100 g grated cheese to the mixture before adding the milk and sprinkle with a little extra cheese before baking. I also add 2 tablespoons of chives or parsley. If you want it to be sweet, add 2 tablespoons golden syrup and 2 tablespoons caster sugar to the mixture with the milk. The milk can be replaced with beer - this makes it lighter and fluffier.