Veggie-Packed Damper with Bush Tomato Relish

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Traditional Australian damper bread infused with whole wheat flour and served alongside a tangy bush tomato relish bursting with native flavors. This australian-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, 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: 45 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups whole wheat flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt. Rub in 4 tbsp chilled cubed unsalted butter with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Step 2: Gradually add 1 1/2 cups cold water, stirring until a soft dough forms. Turn out dough onto a floured surface and knead gently 5 times. Shape into a round loaf and place on a baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: Bake damper for 35-40 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced small onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped dried bush tomatoes, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  5. Step 5: Simmer the relish gently for 10 minutes until thickened and fragrant. Cool slightly before serving alongside the warm damper bread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Veggie-Packed Damper with Bush Tomato Relish take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Veggie-Packed Damper with Bush Tomato Relish?

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 whole wheat flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Veggie-Packed Damper with Bush Tomato Relish?

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 Veggie-Packed Damper with Bush Tomato Relish 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.

Is Veggie-Packed Damper with Bush Tomato Relish vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.