Sourdough Damper Bread with River Mint and Bush Tomato Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Traditional Australian damper bread made with sourdough starter and served with a fragrant butter infused with river mint and bush tomatoes. This australian-inspired quick meals ready in about 55 minutes pairs active sourdough starter, all-purpose flour, baking powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 8 Australian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup active sourdough starter and 1 cup lukewarm whole milk using a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
  4. Step 4: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently for 3-4 minutes until smooth but still slightly sticky.
  5. Step 5: Shape the dough into a round loaf about 7 inches in diameter and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Step 6: Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  7. Step 7: While the bread bakes, combine 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter with 2 tbsp finely chopped dried bush tomatoes and 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh river mint leaves in a small bowl.
  8. Step 8: Remove the damper from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with the bush tomato and river mint butter spread generously on top.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sourdough Damper Bread with River Mint and Bush Tomato Butter take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sourdough Damper Bread with River Mint and Bush Tomato Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep active sourdough starter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sourdough Damper Bread with River Mint and Bush Tomato Butter?

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 Sourdough Damper Bread with River Mint and Bush Tomato Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Sourdough Damper Bread with River Mint and Bush Tomato Butter?

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.

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