Australian Cheese, Garlic and Chive Damper

🧀🍞🇦🇺 Australian Cheese, Garlic, and Chive Damper 🧀🍞🇦🇺

What is it?
Australian Cheese, Garlic, and Chive Damper is a traditional Australian bush bread. It’s a simple, rustic, and savory bread that’s typically cooked over an open campfire or in an oven. Damper is a versatile bread that can be flavored with various ingredients, and this version includes cheese, garlic, and chives for added flavor.

History:
The history of damper is intertwined with Australia’s colonial past. It was originally made by early European settlers and swagmen (wandering laborers) who needed a quick and easy way to bake bread while working in the Australian outback. Damper was traditionally made with just flour, salt, and water, as these were readily available ingredients. Over time, various ingredients like cheese, garlic, and chives were incorporated to enhance the flavor.

Components:
To prepare Australian Cheese, Garlic, and Chive Damper, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups self-raising flour
• A pinch of salt
• 1 cup grated cheese
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1 cup water (approximately)

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F) or prepare a campfire if you’re doing this outdoors.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour and a pinch of salt.

3. Add the grated cheese, minced garlic, and chopped fresh chives to the dry ingredients. Mix them in well, ensuring an even distribution.

4. Gradually add water while stirring the mixture. The amount of water needed may vary, so add it in small increments until the dough comes together. You want a soft, slightly sticky dough.

5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it lightly for a few minutes.

6. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf, about 1-2 inches thick.

7. Place the damper onto a baking sheet or, if you’re outdoors, wrap it in aluminum foil.

8. If you’re using an oven, bake for approximately 30-40 minutes or until the damper is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

9. If you’re cooking over a campfire, place the damper in the coals and cover it with more hot coals. It should take about 20-30 minutes to cook this way. Turn it occasionally to ensure even cooking.

10. Once cooked, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.

Time Needed:
The time required to prepare Australian Cheese, Garlic, and Chive Damper can vary depending on whether you’re using an oven or cooking over a campfire. In an oven, it takes approximately 30-40 minutes to bake. When cooking over a campfire, it should be ready in 20-30 minutes. Preparation and kneading time will take an additional 10-15 minutes. So, in total, you can have this delicious damper ready in about 45-55 minutes.

Enjoy your homemade Australian Cheese, Garlic, and Chive Damper! 🍞🧀🌿🇦🇺

🧀🍞🇦🇺 Nutrition Facts and Health Information for Australian Cheese, Garlic, and Chive Damper 🧀🍞🇦🇺

It’s important to note that the following nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and serving size:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 8 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 230-250 kcal
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35 grams
• Protein: Approximately 8-10 grams
• Fat: Approximately 7-10 grams
• Dietary Fiber: Approximately 1-2 grams
• Sodium: Varies depending on the amount of salt added

Health Information:

1. Moderate Calories: A serving of Australian Cheese, Garlic, and Chive Damper provides a moderate amount of calories, making it suitable for a balanced diet.

2. Carbohydrates: The primary source of carbohydrates in this damper comes from the flour, which provides energy. However, be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your carbohydrate intake.

3. Protein: The damper contains a reasonable amount of protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall bodily functions.

4. Fat: The fat content mainly comes from the cheese. While fat is an essential part of a balanced diet, it’s important to consume it in moderation, especially saturated fats.

5. Dietary Fiber: This damper contains a small amount of dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health. To increase the fiber content, you can consider adding whole wheat flour or other whole grains.

6. Sodium: The sodium content will vary depending on the amount of salt you use. Be cautious with salt if you’re on a low-sodium diet.

7. Versatility: You can make this damper healthier by using whole wheat flour or a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour. Adding more herbs and vegetables can enhance the nutritional profile.

8. Serving Size: Pay attention to the serving size, as the nutrition values provided are for a single serving. Consuming smaller portions can help control calorie intake.

Remember that nutrition facts may vary based on the specific ingredients and preparation methods you use, so it’s a good practice to calculate the exact values based on the products you choose and the serving sizes you prefer. Enjoy your damper in moderation as part of a balanced diet! 🧀🍞🌿🇦🇺