Campfire Damper Bread with Bush Tomato Chutney
Rustic Australian damper bread baked over coals, paired with a tangy and sweet bush tomato chutney inspired by native flavors. This australian-inspired quick meals ready in about 50 minutes blends (375 g) self-raising flour, salt, (300 ml) cold water into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (375 g) self-raising flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) cold water
- 1 cup dried, rehydrated and chopped bush tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 2 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water (for chutney)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, sift together 3 cups self-raising flour and 1 tsp salt. Gradually add 1 1/4 cups cold water, stirring with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.
- Step 2: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for 1-2 minutes until smooth but still soft. Shape into a round loaf about 7 inches in diameter.
- Step 3: For the chutney, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and cook until they start to pop, about 1 minute.
- Step 4: Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 cup rehydrated and chopped bush tomatoes, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a simmer and cook gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and glossy.
- Step 6: Meanwhile, preheat a campfire or oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a campfire, wrap the dough in foil and place in hot embers; if oven, place on a baking sheet.
- Step 7: Cook the damper for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and a skewer inserted comes out clean. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Step 8: Serve warm damper slices spread with the bush tomato chutney.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Campfire Damper Bread with Bush Tomato Chutney take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Campfire Damper Bread with Bush Tomato Chutney?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Campfire Damper Bread with Bush Tomato Chutney?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Campfire Damper Bread with Bush Tomato Chutney for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Campfire Damper Bread with Bush Tomato Chutney?
Australian quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
