Australian Freeze-Dried Corn Damper

Freeze-dried Corn Damper – An Australian Outback Experience – Recipe A traditional Australian Bread, damper also called camp oven bread is the classic bread used by swagmen, drovers and bushmen who would bake it on campfires. Introducing freeze-dried corn helps keep the integrity of the bread and gives it a fresh new taste. This unique bread has a soft yet crumby texture, with delicious pieces of fire-roasted corn

Ingredients:

2 cups self-rising flour

1 cup freeze-dried corn

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons butter, cubed

3/4 cup milk

1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a slight sweetness)

Preparation:

Step 1: Rehydrate the Corn

Soak the freeze-dried corn in some warm water for about five minutes. Then drain well.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Put the self-rising flour and salt in a large mixing bowl and sift them together. Rub in the butter, using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Add the corn and mix thoroughly. If using honey, mix it with the milk before adding to the flour and corn mixture. Add the milk (and honey) bit by bit and stir with a knife until the dough comes together.

Step 3: Form the Damper

Turn out on to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand only until smooth. Shape into a round loaf and transfer to a greased baking sheet. Then mark a simple cross on the top with a sharp knife, about 1/2 inch deep, to give the damper space to grow without cracking.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Put the damper in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. It’s ready when the damper has a nice golden crust on the outside.

Step 5: Serve

Place the damper in the oven to cool a little then break it into irregular pieces in order to eat it hot, spread thickly with butter, straight from the oven, or more authentically served with golden syrup (the sugar syrup) or jam in the bush .

Australian freeze-dried corn damper: a delicious nod to Australia’s culinary canon, infused with the sweetness and texture of corn to pair perfectly with breakfasts, stews or become a perfect independent snack while outdoors.