Navajo Harvest Fry Bread Tacos
Experience the rich tradition of Navajo cuisine with our Navajo Harvest Fry Bread Tacos. Originating from the Rough Rock Demonstration School in Rough Rock, AZ, this delicious recipe utilizes the simple ingredients and commodities made available to the Navajo people. Our fry bread offers a crispy, warm base for your favorite toppings, from savory chili beans to fresh vegetables and creamy cheese. Enjoy a meal that is not only satisfying and flavorful but also steeped in cultural significance. Serve it as a hearty taco, complement it with stews, or make it a sweet treat with drizzles of honey or powdered sugar.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
High Gluten Flour
4 cups (sifted)
Baking Powder
1 tablespoon (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Warm Water
1 cup (or more as needed)
Shortening or Cooking Oil
1-2 cups (for frying)
Onions
2 medium (chopped)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/2 lb (none)
Shredded Lettuce
2 cups (none)
Tomatoes
2 medium (diced)
Fresh Roasted Chilies
2-3 (chopped)
Hot Chili Beans
4-6 cups (or chili with or without beans)
Sour Cream
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring to blend thoroughly.
2
Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing until the dough begins to form. If the dough is too dry, add more water a little at a time until a soft, workable dough forms.
3
Knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface until it is soft yet pliable and not sticky. Shape the dough into a round ball, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rest for approximately 30 minutes.
4
Once rested, divide the dough into equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball about 2 inches in diameter.
5
In a deep frying pan, heat the shortening or cooking oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be about 1.5 inches deep for effective frying.
6
Take each dough ball and gently flatten it with your hands or a rolling pin, stretching it into a round, pizza-like shape.
7
Carefully place the flattened dough into the hot oil, frying until the edges turn a golden brown, approximately 1-2 minutes. Flip the fry bread to cook the other side until it is also golden brown.
8
Remove the fry bread from the oil and drain on paper towels. This recipe will yield about 4-5 pieces of fry bread.
9
To assemble the Navajo Tacos, layer hot chili beans onto each piece of fry bread, followed by roasted chopped chilies, onions, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Top with dollops of sour cream if desired.
10
For a sweet twist, serve fry bread drizzled with honey or sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Navajo Harvest Fry Bread Tacos?
They are a traditional Navajo dish consisting of a handmade fry bread base topped with various savory ingredients like chili beans and fresh vegetables.
Where did this specific recipe originate?
This recipe originated from the Rough Rock Demonstration School in Rough Rock, Arizona.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 4 cups of sifted High Gluten Flour.
How much baking powder is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of baking powder for the dough.
What is the salt requirement for the dough?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
What kind of water should be used to mix the dough?
Use 1 cup of warm water, adding more if necessary to reach the desired consistency.
What should I do if the dough is too dry?
If the dough is dry, gradually add more warm water a little at a time until it becomes soft and workable.
How long should the dough be kneaded?
Knead by hand on a floured surface until it is soft, pliable, and no longer sticky.
Does the dough need to rest before frying?
Yes, once shaped into a ball, cover it and let it rest for approximately 30 minutes.
How large should the dough portions be?
Divide the rested dough into equal pieces and shape them into balls about 2 inches in diameter.
What is the correct oil temperature for frying?
The shortening or cooking oil should be heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How much oil is needed for frying?
Use 1 to 2 cups of oil, ensuring it is about 1.5 inches deep in a deep frying pan.
How do you shape the fry bread?
Gently flatten each dough ball with your hands or a rolling pin, stretching it into a round, pizza-like shape.
How long does it take to fry each piece?
It takes about 1-2 minutes per side until the edges turn golden brown.
How many pieces of fry bread does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 4 to 5 pieces of fry bread.
How should the fry bread be prepared after cooking?
Remove the bread from the hot oil and drain it on paper towels to remove excess grease.
What is the base topping for the Navajo Tacos?
The assembly starts with a layer of hot chili beans on each piece of fry bread.
What kind of beans can be used?
You can use 4 to 6 cups of hot chili beans, or substitute with chili that may or may not include meat and beans.
What fresh vegetables are recommended as toppings?
Toppings include chopped onions, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.
How many onions and tomatoes are needed?
The recipe suggests using 2 medium onions and 2 medium tomatoes.
What type of chilies should be used?
Use 2 to 3 fresh roasted and chopped chilies for an authentic flavor.
How much cheese is required for the tacos?
Use 1/2 pound of shredded cheddar cheese for the topping.
Is sour cream included in the recipe?
Sour cream is listed as an optional topping to be added to taste.
Can I serve the fry bread as a dessert?
Yes, for a sweet treat, you can drizzle the fry bread with honey or sprinkle it with powdered sugar.
What are other ways to serve fry bread besides tacos?
It can be served on its own or as a hearty accompaniment to various stews.
What is the cultural significance of this recipe?
The recipe is steeped in Navajo tradition, utilizing simple ingredients and commodities available to the Navajo people.
Should the flour be prepared in any specific way?
The recipe specifies that the high gluten flour should be sifted before mixing.
How much lettuce should be prepared?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded lettuce.
What tools can be used to flatten the dough?
You can use your hands to stretch the dough or a rolling pin to achieve the round shape.
In what order should the taco ingredients be layered?
Layer the hot chili beans first, followed by roasted chilies, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and finally sour cream.