Authentic American Indian Fry Bread
Experience the rich heritage of American Indian cuisine with this delectable Fry Bread recipe. Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this versatile bread has been a staple in Native American diets for generations. Whether enjoyed with a pat of butter or transformed into a hearty Navajo Taco topped with chili, cheese, and fresh vegetables, this fry bread is sure to please your palate. Feel free to explore variations such as a Tostada by layering on your favorite taco ingredients. Enjoy it warm straight from the skillet for a taste of tradition!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable Oil
as needed (for frying)
All-Purpose Flour
2 1/2 cups (sifted)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (fine)
Baking Powder
1 teaspoon (sifted)
Sugar
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Oil
1 teaspoon (for dough)
Warm Milk
1 cup (warmed to about 110°F)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, sugar, and 1 teaspoon of oil. Mix well.
3
Gradually add warm milk to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
4
Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface, then divide into equal portions and flatten into round disks about 1/2-inch thick.
5
Carefully place each disk into the hot oil, frying until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6
Remove the fry bread from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with butter, honey, or your choice of toppings.
7
For a traditional meal, serve alongside stew or turn your fry bread into a Navajo Taco by adding chili, cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
8
Alternatively, create a Tostada by layering taco meat, beans, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and guacamole on top of the fry bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is American Indian Fry Bread?
American Indian Fry Bread is a traditional staple in Native American diets, known for being crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
What ingredients are needed for the dough?
The dough requires all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, an optional pinch of sugar, a teaspoon of oil, and warm milk.
How much flour is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Is sugar a required ingredient?
No, 1/4 teaspoon of sugar is optional and can be included based on preference.
What kind of salt should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 teaspoon of fine salt.
What is the purpose of baking powder in the recipe?
One teaspoon of sifted baking powder is used to help the bread rise and achieve its soft interior texture.
How much oil is mixed into the dough?
One teaspoon of oil is mixed directly into the dry ingredients before adding the liquid.
What type of milk is used for the dough?
One cup of warm milk is used, which should be warmed to approximately 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I prepare the frying oil?
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot but not smoking.
How do I mix the dry ingredients?
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, sugar, and one teaspoon of oil and mix them well.
How do I add the milk to the mixture?
Gradually add the warm milk to the dry ingredients while stirring until a dough forms.
Do I need to knead the dough?
Yes, you should knead the dough lightly on a floured surface.
How do I shape the fry bread disks?
Divide the dough into equal portions and flatten them into round disks.
How thick should the dough disks be?
The dough disks should be flattened to about 1/2-inch thick.
How do I fry the bread?
Carefully place each disk into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
How long does it take to fry each side?
It typically takes about 2 to 3 minutes per side to achieve a golden brown color.
What should I do once the bread is done frying?
Remove the fry bread from the oil and drain it on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Should fry bread be served hot or cold?
For the best taste and texture, serve the fry bread hot straight from the skillet.
What are common sweet toppings for fry bread?
Fry bread is delicious served with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
How do I turn fry bread into a Navajo Taco?
Top the finished fry bread with chili, cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
How do I make a fry bread Tostada?
Layer taco meat, beans, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and guacamole on top of the fry bread.
Can I serve fry bread with savory meals?
Yes, it is traditional to serve fry bread alongside a hearty stew.
What is the texture of the finished bread?
The bread should be perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
What heat setting should I use for frying?
A medium-high heat setting is recommended for heating the oil.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil is the recommended choice for frying this bread.
Is this a traditional Native American recipe?
Yes, this recipe reflects the rich heritage of American Indian cuisine and has been a staple for generations.
Can fry bread be eaten as a snack?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be served as a snack, a side bread, or a main meal base.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: vegetable oil, flour, salt, baking powder, sugar, oil for the dough, and warm milk.
Do I need special equipment?
You will need a large skillet for frying and a mixing bowl for the dough.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, fry bread is a well-known comfort food within American Indian cuisine.