Veggie-Packed Damper with Native Pepperberry Butter

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

A rustic Australian damper bread enriched with grated zucchini and carrot, served warm with a creamy butter infused with native pepperberry for a subtle spicy kick. This australian-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs self-raising flour, grated zucchini, grated carrot 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: 35 min Serves 8 Australian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups self-raising flour with 1 tsp salt, then fold in 1 cup grated zucchini and 1 cup grated carrot.
  2. Step 2: Gradually pour in 1 1/4 cups milk, stirring with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms that just comes together.
  3. Step 3: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 1 minute. Shape into a round loaf about 7 inches in diameter and place on the prepared baking tray.
  4. Step 4: Bake the damper for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, mix 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter with 1 tsp pepperberry powder until well combined. Serve the warm damper sliced with pepperberry butter spread on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Veggie-Packed Damper with Native Pepperberry Butter take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Native Pepperberry 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 self-raising flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Veggie-Packed Damper with Native Pepperberry 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 Veggie-Packed Damper with Native Pepperberry 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.

Is Veggie-Packed Damper with Native Pepperberry Butter 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.

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