Native American Fry Bread: A Recipe Steeped in History and Flavor

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, golden-brown piece of fry bread, its crispy exterior giving way to a soft, pillowy interior. This isn’t just any bread; it’s Native American fry bread, a culinary staple with a history as rich and complex as its flavor. Perfect for a quick snack, a side dish, or even a sweet treat, fry bread is a versatile and deeply satisfying food. Whether you’re looking to connect with Native American culture or simply want to try something new and delicious, this recipe will guide you through creating authentic fry bread in your own kitchen.

Fry bread’s origins are intertwined with the forced relocation and hardship endured by Native American tribes in the 19th century. When tribes were displaced and given government rations of flour, sugar, and lard, they ingeniously transformed these meager provisions into a nourishing and comforting food. Fry bread became a symbol of resilience and a testament to the resourcefulness of Native American communities. Today, it’s enjoyed at powwows, festivals, and family gatherings, serving as a reminder of cultural heritage and a delicious treat for all.

This recipe aims to provide a straightforward and reliable method for making fry bread, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve excellent results. We’ll cover everything from ingredient selection to frying techniques, offering tips and tricks along the way to help you create the perfect batch of fry bread.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Yields: 8-10 pieces

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• Vegetable oil, for frying

• Honey
• Powdered sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Taco meat
• Shredded cheese
• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Salsa
• Beans

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, resulting in a light and fluffy fry bread.

   

2. Add Water: Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing with your hands or a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make it tough. The dough should be slightly sticky but still manageable.

3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, giving the fry bread a slightly chewy texture.

4. Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to work with and resulting in a more tender fry bread.

5. Heat the Oil: While the dough is resting, pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature. If the oil is not hot enough, the fry bread will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

6. Shape the Dough: Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, gently flatten each portion into a circle or oval about ¼ inch thick. You can use your hands or a rolling pin to shape the dough. Some people like to poke a hole in the center of each piece of dough to help them cook evenly.

7. Fry the Bread: Carefully place one or two pieces of dough into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed up. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to flip the fry bread and remove it from the oil.

8. Drain Excess Oil: Place the fried bread on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps to keep the fry bread crispy and prevents it from becoming soggy.

9. Serve: Serve the fry bread immediately while it’s still warm and crispy. Top with your favorite sweet or savory toppings.

• Use Warm Water: Warm water helps to activate the gluten in the flour and creates a more pliable dough.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in a tough fry bread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Rest the Dough: Resting the dough allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender fry bread.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving a golden-brown and crispy fry bread.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Overcrowding the skillet can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy fry bread.
• Experiment with Toppings: Fry bread is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Experiment with different sweet and savory toppings to find your favorite combinations.

• Calories: 250-350
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g
• Protein: 5-7g

Enjoy your homemade Native American fry bread! This recipe provides a foundation for you to explore and customize this traditional dish to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different flours, spices, and toppings to create your own unique version of this beloved comfort food. Remember that each piece you make is more than just food; it’s a connection to a rich and resilient cultural heritage.