Learn how to make traditional Native American fry bread with this easy and delicious recipe. Fry bread is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own, topped with savory ingredients for a meal, or sweetened for a dessert. This recipe yields light and fluffy fry bread with a crispy exterior, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Slowly add the warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing continuously, until a soft dough forms. If the dough becomes too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each portion into a ball.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat.
- Flatten each dough ball into a disc using your hands or a rolling pin. The thickness should be about 1/4 inch.
- Carefully place the flattened dough into the hot oil, frying one at a time. Cook until golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the fry bread from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve the fry bread warm and enjoy it plain or with your favorite toppings and fillings, such as honey, powdered sugar, taco meat, beans, cheese, and lettuce.
Interesting Facts
Native American fry bread has a deep cultural significance to many tribal communities and is often associated with Native American powwows and gatherings.
Fry bread originated as a result of Native Americans being forced to rely on government-issued food rations, such as flour, sugar, and lard, during times of hardship and displacement.
The method of frying dough was introduced by European settlers, and Native Americans adapted it to create fry bread using the limited ingredients available to them.
Different Native American tribes have variations of fry bread, with some regions adding ingredients like milk, sugar, or eggs for added flavor and texture.