06 May 2025
Cook time 50 min
Prep time 35 min
Ingredients:
3 cups self-raising flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1/3 cup butter
1 cup olives
1 tbsp dried oregano
1/2 cup milk (1% fat)
Olive damper is a delicious bread recipe that combines the rustic taste of traditional damper with the rich flavor of olives and oregano. This easy-to-make bread is perfect for serving with soups, salads, or enjoying on its own as a savory snack.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of self-raising flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Mix well to ensure they are evenly distributed.
3. Cut in the Butter: Add the 1/3 cup of chilled, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. If using your fingers, make sure to work quickly to avoid melting the butter with your body heat.
4. Add Olives and Oregano: Stir in the 1 cup of pitted, chopped olives and 1 tablespoon of dried oregano. Ensure the pieces are well-distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Add Milk: Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the 1/2 cup of milk. Mix until the ingredients are just combined and a dough starts to form. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it's too dry, you can add an extra splash of milk, 1 tablespoon at a time.
6. Knead the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Gently knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth and comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
7. Shape the Dough: Shape the dough into a round loaf, roughly 8 inches in diameter. Transfer the loaf to the prepared baking tray.
8. Score the Top: Using a sharp knife, score a cross or several lines on the top of the loaf. This allows for easier breaking and gives the finished bread a classic look.
9. Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Cool and Serve: Remove the damper from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter or enjoy it plain.
Tips:
- Use cold butter.: Ensure the butter is cold when you mix it with the flour. This will help create a flaky texture in the bread.
- Don't overmix.: When adding the milk and forming the dough, mix until just combined to avoid a tough texture.
- Use fresh olives.: Opt for high-quality olives for the best flavor. You can use a mix of green and black olives for extra color and taste.
- Preheat the oven.: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put the bread in to ensure even baking.
- Rest before serving.: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing, as this will allow the flavors to develop.
Your olive damper is now ready to be enjoyed! This delightful loaf pairs well with a variety of dishes or can be savored on its own. The combination of olives and oregano creates a unique, flavorful bread that will surely impress your family and friends.